Derell DeRamus, Family Orientation Coordinator, sat down with Dr. Dee Siscoe, Vice President of Student Affairs to ask the question “What does Student Affairs mean to you?” (Third in a series of articles about the Division of Student Affairs at Missouri State.)

What is your position with the University and what are your daily duties or responsibilities?
I am the Vice President of Student Affairs which means I oversee 25 departments on campus. My job is to advocate for both unit and student success. I also do my best to get to know students so that I can advocate best for them and their needs. 

What made you decide to go into Student Affairs?
I was very active when I was an undergrad at Missouri State University, but I never knew that you could get a career in Student Affairs. When I graduated I did some traveling and working with Sigma Kappa national headquarters. That was when I realized that I wanted to work to students forever.

What advice do you have for someone interested in pursuing a degree in Student Affairs?
Do it! This is an amazing career and if you love working with students and being a Champion for Student Success, then student affairs is for you.

If you had to explain Student Affairs to a family member how would you?
Student Affairs is a series of units and departments here to support students and what they are learning in the classroom. We are here to provide whatever it is that students need to stay at Missouri State University and to graduate.

What keeps you in Student Affairs?
I enjoy the energy and excitement that comes with working with students. I never know what my day will consist of and for me that’s exciting. I also enjoy that fact that this isn’t just a “sit behind the desk job”, I get to go out and interact with students on a regular. This job is very relationship based and I love it.

What is your favorite tradition at MSU?
My favorite tradition would have to be Bear Bash and Fan Fest. It’s really exciting to welcome all of the new students to campus as well as welcoming the older students back to campus. The weekend is just filled with excitement and I love it.

Derell DeRamus, a junior, is President of the Sigma Theta –  Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Family Orientation Coordinator, Yell Like Hell/ Pep Rally Coordinator – Homecoming 2015 and V.P. Membership Development for the Student Activities Council.