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

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

Amber Myers

Academic Success Coach & Orientation Coordinator

Amber joined Missouri Southern State University in 2021 as a student worker in the Financial Aid Office. She transitioned into the role of Scholarship and Outreach Counselor in 2024. Amber graduated from Missouri Southern State University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Human Resource Management and a minor in Marketing. She continued her education at MSSU, earning a Master of Business Administration in Management in 2026. In her role, Amber supports students in gaining meaningful employment experiences by coordinating student employment programs, connecting students with on- and off-campus job opportunities, and providing individualized guidance to help them develop professional skills and achieve their career goals. She is passionate about making education accessible and creating opportunities that help students succeed both during college and beyond. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, writing, listening to podcasts, and learning random animal facts.

Room: Hearnes Hall 314H
Email: myers-a@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-9398

Calvin Clark

Academic Success Coach & Orientation Coordinator

Calvin Clark joined Missouri Southern State University in 2026 as the Orientation Coordinator / Academic Success Coach. He graduated from Missouri Southern State University in 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in Human Resources.

In his role, Calvin supports students as they transition to college by coordinating orientation programs, creating student engagement opportunities, and providing one-on-one academic success coaching to help them achieve their academic goals. He is passionate about fostering inclusive and supportive college experiences that allow students to grow academically, professionally, and personally.

Calvin enjoys building relationships with students as they navigate their path to success. Outside of work, he enjoys tutoring students, following sports, engaging with his local community, and spending time with family and friends.

Room: Hearnes Hall 308C
Email: Clark-C@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-3176

Julie Christiansen

Academic Success Coach & Academic Support Coordinator

Julie Christiansen has worked at Missouri Southern since 2021. She holds an M.A. in Higher Education from Purdue University, and a B.A. in Liberal Studies from the University of California- Riverside. In her free time you can find her hanging out with her kids, playing with her cats, or gardening.

Room: Hearnes Hall Room 314G
Email: Christiansen-J@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-3165
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

Chris mitchell

Academic Success Coach & Disability Services Coordinator

Chris began his career with MSSU in 2022 as the Scholarship and Outreach Counselor in the Financial Aid Office. The Student Disabilities Services Coordinator/Academic Success Coach, a more familiar role, was undertaken in 2024. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern State College, in Secondary Education with a Major in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry, in 1995. He earned a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Missouri State University. He earned a second master’s degree in Education Administration, and a specialist degree in Education Leadership/Superintendency from Arkansas State University. Chris grew up and spent his entire first career in our area schools. He enjoys spending time with his family.

Room: Hearnes Hall 308C
Email: Mitchell-C@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-9516
Fax: 417-625-4456

ava wilson

Administrative Assistant

Ava Wilson joined Missouri Southern State University in 2026 as the Administrative Assistant. She is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree at Missouri Southern State University and anticipates to graduate with a Bachelor in Health Sciences with a Paramedic emphasis. In her role, she supports the Student Success Center by assisting with daily operations, coordinating student services, and helping create a welcoming and supportive environment for students. She is passionate about helping students access the resources and support they need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outside, following sports, and listening to music.

Room: Hearnes Hall 308
Email: Wilson-A@mssu.edu
Phone: 417-625-9392
Fax: 417-625-4456