Savannah Roeder assumed her role as RSU’s director of student success effective June 2.
Homecoming on the Hill may be months away, but for Savannah Roeder, being named RSU’s new director of student success feels like its own kind of coming home.
“After spending the past 10 years in the city (Edmond) — both completing my education and working in higher education — I’m excited to return to the community that shaped me,” Roeder said. “For the past six years, I’ve served in the Student Life Department at Oklahoma Christian University, where I had the privilege of walking alongside students through their college journey. Supporting them through challenges and celebrating their successes has been the most rewarding part of my work.
“Now, I’m incredibly excited to be a part of the Student Success Team at RSU, where we’ll work together to ensure our students not only make it through college but truly thrive as they prepare for life beyond campus,” she said. “I’m thrilled to be back.”
Roeder assumed duties as RSU’s director of student success Monday, June 2, a role in which she will lead a holistic advising program that supports students from admissions through graduation. Roeder will oversee a team to enhance the orientation, advising, and matriculation success through implementing new strategies, re-envisioning existing programs, and increasing student persistence.
Her primary duties will include establishing policies, procedures, and practices to support student success; hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating academic advisors; providing leadership for first-year and transfer students; and more.
Roeder will report to Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Susan Willis.
“Student success is now in good hands,” Willis said. “Savannah is experienced in this and has tremendous ideas for helping our students. We are very excited to have her leadership at RSU.”
Roeder holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and an MBA in organization and leadership, both from Oklahoma Christian University, where she has worked professionally for the university as freshman experience advisor, assistant director of freshman experience, adjunct professor – communication and college success, and most recently, leadership coordinator.
She is married to her husband, Brandon. The couple will make their home in Claremore with their two dogs, Ollie and Mylo.