JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Community College Association hosted its 2026 Student Affairs Seminar with record attendance, welcoming the largest number of participants and community colleges in the event’s history.
More than 70 Student Affairs professionals from all areas of Missouri attended the event at Stephens College, which provided a full day of professional development, networking, and idea-sharing related to enhancing student services and promoting student success.
“The record attendance of this year’s Student Affairs Seminar reflects the commitment of student affairs professionals statewide,” said MCCA President and CEO Brian Millner. “Conversations such as these have direct impacts on how colleges serve their students, support college staff, and respond to changes that occur within the educational environment.”
Central Methodist University was the seminar’s top sponsor, and East Central College’s Vice President of Student Development, Sarah Leassner, coordinated the event. Stephens College President Dr. Shannon Lundeen delivered opening remarks emphasizing the importance of collaboration between higher education institutions and introduced the presenters.
Throughout the day, sessions focused on several topics, including navigating change, managing student conduct, transitioning student success initiatives from transactional to transformative, and utilizing leadership and peer support to empower staff.
The seminar featured presentations from Leassner, St. Louis Community College’s Dr. Christine Davis, Jefferson College’s Kristine Bogue, and Mineral Area College’s Laura Norris. Speakers shared strategies, case studies, and practical approaches to addressing shared challenges in student affairs work.
The Student Affairs Seminar is part of MCCA’s ongoing initiative to provide professional development and share knowledge among Missouri’s 12 public community colleges. This is the seminar’s fourth consecutive year of growth.
More information about the Missouri Community College Association and upcoming professional development opportunities is available at missouricolleges.org.
About MCCA
Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) represents Missouri’s 12 community colleges and thousands of faculty, staff, students and administrators. MCCA provides services to its member institutions in four main areas – advocacy, education, information and networking.