CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Kim Madigan, formerly coordinator of special programs and services with the School of Polytechnic Studies at Southeast Missouri State University, is the new academic coordinator at Southeast Missouri State University-Sikeston.
Madigan, a Sikeston resident, began her new position Jan. 2. She replaces Helen Steinmetz, who retired Dec. 31.
As academic coordinator, Madigan is responsible for advising students regarding courses, assisting SES in determining course offerings, serving as a liaison with high school counselors and area public schools, attending career days on behalf of SES and coordinating tutoring services for SES students.
"I am excited to be here and in the community where I live and serving students in the area where I live," Madigan said. "I am also excited to be learning some new things. I am looking forward to having a great year."
Judy Buck, director of SES, said her campus is thrilled with the addition of Madigan to the staff.
"Our advisor works tirelessly with students on a daily basis identifying classes, working on financial aid issues, setting up tutoring, and many times just listening," Buck said.
In addition, the advisor often takes on the additional role of providing emotional support and encouragement for students, Buck said.
Madigan began her work at Southeast in Cape Girardeau more than nine years ago with the Polytechnic Institute, the forerunner to the School of Polytechnic Studies. She also taught GS101 and UI100 for seven years at Southeast. Her first position in the School of Polytechnic Studies was as advisor and outreach coordinator.
In her latest position with the School, Madigan assisted with special population groups, the St. Louis Community College 2+2 program and the A
+ Scholarship program, and supervised the School's Advising Center.
Amanda Eller, formerly academic advisor in the School of Polytechnic Studies, has replaced Madigan as the School's coordinator of special programs and services. The School of Polytechnic Studies is currently interviewing candidates for Eller's former position.
Madigan is currently working on her dissertation toward the completion of a cooperative doctoral degree in educational leadership from Southeast Missouri State and the University of Missouri-Columbia. She holds a bachelor of science degree in vocational home economics education and a master of arts degree in home economics education, both from Southeast.
Madigan and her husband, Mark, are the parents of a 2-year-old son, Jonathan.
Steinmetz was honored for her five years of employment at SES with a retirement reception Dec. 13. Prior to her tenure with SES, she worked for 27 years in the Sikeston Public Schools as an elementary special education teacher and as a school counselor in the Sikeston elementary, junior and senior high schools.