Department of Higher Education

As a part of the new Success Services program for 2018-2019, the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) hosted its inaugural Keys to Student Success Summit on Friday, April 12. The Summit focused on three main areas of student success - academic, financial, and personal. Advisors, faculty, and peer counselors from Missouri colleges and universities, members of college access groups and organizations, and high school counselors came together to discuss resources and tools to help students succeed.

The Summit featured national speaker and author Lynette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach, as well as Missouri Commissioner of Higher Education Zora Mulligan, and Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick.

Breakout sessions included information about helping students transfer successfully using the CORE 42, helping students understand the financial aid process, and how to support students during challenging times.

Earlier this year, MDHE launched a peer counseling pilot program with 11 Missouri colleges. Peer counselors are being equipped with tools and knowledge to help support student success on their campuses.  Six peer counselors participated in panel discussions during the Summit, giving insight to their roles.

“I think having peer counselors has been really beneficial. The training I received allowed me to take a look into the lives of other students and have a similar understanding,” said Chase Bridegroom, a peer counselor at St. Charles Community College.

The following schools currently participate in the pilot program: Crowder College, Harris-Stowe State University, Jefferson College, Lincoln University, Metropolitan Community College, Missouri State University – West Plains, Missouri Western State University, Moberly Area Community College, North Central Missouri College, St. Charles Community College, and St. Louis Community College.

More information about MDHE’s Success Services can be found at https://dhe.mo.gov/success-services/.

About the Missouri Department of Higher Education: The department seeks to build Missouri’s future by degrees and coordinate higher education policy that fosters a quality postsecondary system. More information about MDHE can be found at https://dhe.mo.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter @MoHigherEd.