Northwest names interim vice president for student affairs

Northwest Missouri State University has announced a veteran higher education professional will temporarily serve as its vice president of student affairs while the institution commences a search to fill the position permanently.

Dr. Charles Fey will begin work at Northwest on Monday, March 9, as its interim vice president of student affairs. The University anticipates his appointment will end June 30, pending its selection of a full-time vice president of student affairs.

Fey will assume responsibilities previously held by Dr. Matt Baker, who resigned from the University to become president at Emporia State University.

"We are all very proud of President Baker's transition to Emporia State University," Northwest President Dr. Lance Tatum said. "With that, our strategy to finish the fiscal year required us to find an experienced senior level student affairs professional in the interim. We are excited to welcome Dr. Fey to the Northwest family as he begins his interim appointment with us."

Stakeholders representing Northwest's Office of Student Affairs, in collaboration with the Office of the President, worked with The Registry for College and University Presidents to bring Fey to Northwest. The Registry specializes in placing experienced, retired or transitioned student affairs leaders in temporary roles to help higher education institutions maintain stability and momentum.

Fey is not a candidate for Northwest's full-time position, Tatum said, as interim work is the primary focus of professionals contracted through The Registry.

In addition to working in interim roles, Fey is a higher education consultant based in Whitsett, North Carolina. He holds a Doctor of Education degree in administration of higher education from Texas A&M University, a Master of Education degree in counselor education and college student personnel services from The Pennsylvania State University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts, general arts and sciences from The Pennsylvania State University.

"Dr. Fey brings to Northwest a wealth of higher education experience, spanning more than 50 years, primarily in student affairs roles," Tatum said. "I am confident he will provide steady operational leadership for the Office of Student Affairs during this transition, ensuring services continue and staff are supported while maintaining a strong student-centered focus."

Tatum has appointed Chief of Staff Jacob Wood and Director of Athletics Dr. Andy Peterson to lead Northwest's search for a full-time vice president of student affairs.