College Hires New VP of Student Development

The East Central College Board of Trustees recently approved the hiring of a new vice president of student development.

Sarah Leassner will begin at ECC June 1. She comes to the College with more than 19 years working with college students. She most recently was the director of first-year programs at Lindenwood University, St. Charles.

ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer said he appreciates the energy and enthusiasm that Leassner will bring to ECC.

“I look forward to working with Sarah and having her join the leadership team at ECC, and I know from speaking with her that she is enthusiastic and very eager to begin this new role,” he said.

Leassner lives in Pacific and she is familiar with the area. She said she is ready to get started at the College. Prior to working at Lindenwood University, she was the director of first-year experience programs at Webster University, Webster Groves.

“You can tell employees are really committed to this place,” Leassner said. “That was my biggest lean in moment.”

Leassner added that the position at ECC is a perfect fit for the direction she was growing professionally, and she looks forward to getting to know the students.

“My favorite part of this work is getting to know students,” she said. “I want to hear from students about what we do well at ECC, and where we can raise the bar.”

Leassner further added that she has been learning about new programs under way or being implemented at ECC, such as the Early College Academy,

I can’t wait to start and really dig in and hear what work people are doing and the program development at ECC.”

Leassner replaces Heath Martin, who left ECC in 2020. During the search for a new vice president, Paul Lampe, director of advising and counseling, served as the interim vice president of student development, and Steffani McCrary, academic advisor-career services, served as interim director of advising.

Dr. Bauer thanked the committee tasked with interviewing candidates and assisting with the hiring process.

“Many thanks to the search committee that played an integral role in this process,” he said. “Each member brought valued perspective and insight to the search.”