Recently, Derrell DeRamus, Family Orientation Coordinator for New Student and Family Programs sat down with Dr. Dee Sisocoe, Vice President for Student Affairs to ask the question “What does Student Affairs mean to you?”
What is your position with the University and what are your daily duties or responsibilities?
“I am the Vice President for 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 with 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 someone unfamiliar with the term how would you?
“Student Affairs is 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 is exciting. I also enjoy the fact that this isn’t just a ‘sit behind the desk job’, I get to go out and interact with students on a regular basis. 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 welcome older students back. The weekend is just filled with excitement and I love it.”