Meet the Staff

Julia Carlo

Executive Director

Julia began as the Executive Director of the Student Success Center in 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Alma College (MI) and a Master of Arts in Communication Arts from Northeastern State University (OK). Before joining the Student Success Center, Julia spent 11 years at Northeastern State University in Academic Affairs leading Academic Advising, Testing, and Transfer Student Services. She transitioned to academic affairs after a decade-long career as a collegiate volleyball coach and time as a grant writer creating education and training programs for workforce development. These experiences shaped her passion for providing supportive and motivating pathways for students to achieve their goals.

Room: Hearnes Hall Room 308B
Email: Carlo-J@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-9670
Fax: 417-625-4456

zoË anastosopolos

Academic Success Coach/Academic Support Coordinator

Zoë began her career as the Academic Success Coach & Academic Support Coordinator in 2024. She earned both a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Arkansas. During her time at UARK, she taught Public Speaking as a Teaching Assistant in the Communication Department. Before her position at MSSU, she served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) where she taught Persuasive Communication as well as The Fundamentals of Effective Speaking & Listening. Her experiences in higher education have led her to her current advising role where she is eager to help students succeed in their academic journeys.

Room: Hearnes Hall Room 314A
Email: Anastosopolos-Z@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-3165
Fax: 417-625-4456

kelsey bartlett

Academic Success Coach & Academic Recovery Coordinator

Kelsey began her career at MSSU in 2019 in the Student Success Center as the Administrative Assistant. She then worked in the Office of the Registrar as a Records Assistant and in the Plaster School of Business as the Business Academic Advisor. Kelsey returned to the Student Success Center in 2024 as the Academic Success Coach & Academic Recovery Coordinator. She earned both a Master of Science in Management, Human Resources (MSM) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, General Business (BSBA) from MSSU. She is passionate about helping students reach their goals, supporting them in their academic journey, and using her years of experience as a student and employee at MSSU to provide personalized support and resources for success. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, cooking, reading, going to concerts, and taking long walks.

Room: Hearnes Hall Room 314E
Email: Bartlett-K@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-9542
Fax: 417-625-4456

Jonathan case, ms. ed.

Academic Success Coach/Student Employment Coordinator

Jonathan started his career at MSSU in 2019 in the Admissions Office as the Admissions Processor. He has since worked in the Financial Aid office as the Withdrawal Compliance Counselor, and now in the Student Success Center as an Academic Success Coach and Student Employment Coordinator. He earned his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from MSSU in 2022. He also has a bachelor's Degree in General Studies from the University of Central Missouri. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and two dogs. He is also a writer, actor, and amateur outdoorsman. Jonathan takes great pride in assisting his advisees and the student employees across campus. In addition to his duties within the Student Success Center, Jonathan also serves on Staff Senate as the Executive at Large, as well as serving on multiple committees, such as the Communications Committee, Governance Committee, and as co-chair of the Elections Committee.

Room: Hearnes Hall Room 314G
Email: Case-J@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-9398
Fax: 417-625-4456

Alex gandy, m.s.

Director of Career Services

Alex has been a dedicated member of Missouri Southern State University since 2011, starting as a Transfer Admissions Counselor and progressing through roles as an Academic Advisor. Since June 2016, he has served as the Director of Career Services.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphases in Marketing and Public Relations, as well as a Master of Arts in Communication, with research focused on Organizational Communication. Over the years, Alex has worked closely with students in a variety of capacities—recruitment, enrollment, career counseling, and professional development. This diverse experience has given him the ability to effectively connect and engage with students, helping them navigate their higher education journey.

Understanding that a college education is a significant investment of both time and resources, Alex is committed to supporting students in making informed decisions that enhance their career trajectories. His goal is to empower students with the confidence and knowledge they need as they transition from academia to the professional world, while also helping them build valuable connections with employers across the four-state region, utilizing both traditional and digital networking methods.

Room: Hearnes Hall 314I
Email: Gandy-A@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-3137
Fax: 417-625-4456

Preston Hamilton

Academic Success Coach & Special Population Programming Coordinator

Preston began his career at Missouri Southern State University in the Spring of 2024. He is also an alumnus of MSSU and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing in 2021. Before coming back to MSSU as a staff member, he worked in Social Media Marketing with Paradox Media Group, and Disaster Relief/ Emergency Rental Assistance with Viriya Consulting. In his free time, Preston enjoys spending time with his dogs, thrifting, and watching or performing in theatrical productions.

Room: Hearnes Hall 314F
Email: Hamilton-p@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-3516
Fax: 417-625-4456

Mackenzie Divine, M.s.

Academic Success Coach and Orientation Coordinator

Mackenzie joined MSSU in 2024, bringing her energy and expertise from Texas. A proud alumna of The University of Texas at San Antonio, she holds both a Master of Science in Health and Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Before stepping into her role as an Academic Success Coach and Orientation Coordinator, she held multiple positions at UTSA and coached competitive cheerleading. Mackenzie originally aspired to be a Physical Therapist but turned her passion for helping people towards higher education. She is thrilled to share her knowledge with incoming students, ensuring their first-year experience is both memorable and successful. She is also an adjunct instructor in the Kinesiology department at MSSU! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, taking her dog for walks, working out, and diving into a good book.

Room: Hearnes Hall 314D
Email: Divine-M@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-3176
Fax: 417-625-4456

cody lindbloom

Director of Advising

Cody began his career at MSSU in 2024 as the Director of Advising. He earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Arkansas, a Master of Science degree in Psychology from Pittsburg State University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Pittsburg State University. Before joining the Student Success Center, Cody spent the last three years providing academic advising, retention support, course instruction, and co-curricular programming at the University of Arkansas and Pittsburg State University. In his free time, Cody enjoys spending time with his dog, playing golf, and watching football.

Room: Hearnes Hall 314H
Email: Lindbloom-C@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-9558
Fax: 417-625-4456

Lori musser, ed. s.

Academic Success Coach/Coordinator of Disability Services

Lori began her career at MSSU in 2012. She serves as the Coordinator for Student Disability Services and as an Academic Success Coach. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (B.S.Ed.) from Missouri Southern and a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from Missouri State University. She also holds a Master of Science and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. Lori spent 25 years as a public school educator prior to joining the MSSU Staff. In her free time, she enjoys her grandchildren, the outdoors, and baking.

Room: Hearnes Hall 301D
Email: Musser-L@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-9516
Fax: 417-625-4456

chelsey parker

Academic Advisor, Student Athletes

Chelsey began her career at MSSU in 2024. She serves as the Academic Success Coach for Student Athletes. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Middle School Education (B.S.Ed.) from Missouri State University and a Master of Science in Education Leadership K-12 (M.S.Ed.) from Northwest Missouri State University. Before joining the Student Success Center, Chelsey spent 4 years as a public school educator and coach. In her free time, Chelsey enjoys spending time with her family, working out, reading, and being outside.

Room: Hearnes Hall 314B
Email: Parker-Chelsey@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-9347
Fax: 417-625-4456

Madelynn (maddy) reisinger

Administrative Assistant

Maddy began her career at MSSU in September of 2023. With a commitment to personal and professional growth, Madelynn is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business while leveraging her background in administration from her previous roles at Freeman Health Systems. She shows a strong commitment to supporting others through her roles as a Volunteer Advisor for MSSU's Alpha Sigma Alpha and Phi Eta Sigma, With a passion for making a difference and a love for golf, reading, and hockey, she thrives on connecting with others and exploring new opportunities.

Room: Hearnes Hall 308
Email: Reisinger-M@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-3550
Fax: 417-625-4456