Mace Named VP of Enrollment Management Joins Central from Missouri Western

BY EMILY KESEL

Central Methodist University has found its new vice president for enrollment management, and she could not have been more excited to get started. Dr. Melissa Mace began work in her new role on May 15.

“I am very excited and appreciative of this opportunity to become a member of the Central Methodist family,” said Mace. “I don’t take this role lightly at all, and I am pouring my heart and soul into this position.”

Born in St. Louis and raised in Springfield, Mace has a long history in higher education. She received a bachelor’s degree from Drury University before going on to earn a master’s in student affairs in higher education from Missouri State University. Finally, she attended Maryville University of St. Louis for her doctoral work, earning a Doctor of Education in higher education leadership.

Throughout her career, Mace has worked her way up through the ranks at four institutions of higher education – Missouri State, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Maryville, and Missouri Western State University, where she recently served as vice president for student affairs and enrollment management.

“I really enjoy working in higher education,” she said. “I wouldn’t do anything else.”

Mace’s experience and enthusiasm are qualities that made her the ideal candidate for the VP role at Central.

“We are excited for the opportunity to bring Dr. Mace into the team at Central,” said Dr. Roger Drake, president. “We’re happy to have her on campus and add her years of experience in higher education to the senior staff.”

Mace says she is excited to get to work with President Drake and the rest of the leadership team at Central, noting that all involved are knowledgeable and seasoned, with the necessary experience for handling tough situations.

“That’s critically important because situations are going to come up, and it’s how you handle them that makes all the difference in the world,” she said. “It’s what allows an institution to pivot well when those situations arise.”

Mace is also happy to be working with the rest of the enrollment management staff and coming together to continue to make Central the best it can be.

“What I want to do is get to know the people and understand the systems,” she said. “I want to understand where I can plug in and how we can move the institution forward.”

Outside of her work responsibilities, Mace says she enjoys hiking, playing disc golf and pickleball, and that she looks forward to playing on the pickleball courts on campus. Her spouse, Amy, is a high school teacher, and her daughter, Rachel, is a therapist.