About Our Division
The Division of Student Engagement is a wide-ranging array of departments, programs, and services dedicated to providing students with opportunities to increase leadership abilities, promote student learning, and enhance the development of all Lamar University students. The Division of Student Engagement contributes to the University mission by preparing students to assume roles of leadership, involvement, and service at LU and in the community.
Student Engagement works collaboratively to engage, educate, and empower students to take action in the best interest of the student body and the LU community. We nurture a culture that fosters learning outside of the academic classroom by creating an educational environment that connects the campus community. Student Engagement fosters the development of student's civic responsibility, responsible citizenship, leadership, and personal growth. Dialogue is the heart of our curriculum and our advocacy.
Student Engagement provides learning opportunities for students to enhance their overall educational experience through their involvement with the programs. Student Engagement recognizes that its mission, in cooperation with the learning mission of the University, is accomplished through cultivating a personal standard of ethics and values while providing opportunities that enhance a sense of community between students, the campus and the local community.
Mission
We create supportive environments for student learning and empower students to achieve academic excellence, be responsible citizens, and serve as leaders in their community.
Values
Connectedness – We foster positive interpersonal and collaborative relationships in order to better serve students.
Respect – We celebrate the understanding and appreciation of our similarities and differences as all are valued members of the university.
Integrity – We approach our work with professionalism and ethical standards, seek to provide quality services, apply best practices, and promote a culture of excellence and accountability, all of which are necessary for student success.
Lifelong Learning – We promote and model lifelong learning that contributes to continued personal and professional development. We are holistic in our approach with students interested not only in their academic success, but also in developing life-skills for an interdependent society.
Dedication – We are committed to fully serving students, which is critical for both students and university success.
Vice President for Student Engagement
Dr. Vicki L. McNeil is the Vice President of Student Engagement and began her tenure at Lamar University in 2014. Prior to Lamar University, she served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and was Vice president for Student Affairs at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia. Dr. McNeil also served for 18 years as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Loyola University in New Orleans and was Associate Dean of Students and Director of the Student Assistance Center at Temple University in Philadelphia.
A prolific author, McNeil has published several student-directed articles and papers such as “Parents as Partners: Transitioning with Your Students”, “A Different Approach to Promoting Leadership on Campus”, and “What Qualifies a Leadership Program as a Success”. Throughout her career, she has been awarded grant funding in excess of $1.6 million for Hispanic and Latino recruitment and retention, violence against women, and substance abuse programs.
Her background includes teaching and creating leadership development opportunities for students, serving as a chief student conduct officer, student paraprofessional training, budget development/management, and strategic planning.
McNeil is originally a native of Pawnee, Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma State University. She acquired the Bachelor of Music Education degree in voice and piano and is an accomplished pianist. She earned the Master of Science degree in curriculum and instruction in education, with an emphasis in music, and the doctorate degree in student personnel administration, with an emphasis in leadership, career counseling, and development, from Oklahoma State University.
