Karen Marsh Schaeffer selected as inaugural director
of student success and engagement

Karen Marsh Schaeffer has accepted the position of director of student success and engagement for the University of Utah’s College of Humanities and will begin November 16. Marsh Schaeffer will direct and oversee operations and strategic planning of student service functions and will act as the liaison for departments, faculty, staff, students and external entities to ensure continuity and quality of student services.

“I am thrilled that Karen will serve in this new capacity,” said Hollis Robbins, dean of the College of Humanities. “This position will be key in supporting all of our students to ensure they thrive at every level of their humanities education and are well prepared for the next stage of their career.”

Marsh Schaeffer will be transitioning from her current roles as director of Utah Global Instruction and as the academic liaison for Utah Global in Undergraduate Studies and as associate instructor and student support specialist in the Department of Linguistics, where she received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. At the U, Marsh Schaeffer has been responsible for student recruitment, outreach and events, interdepartmental coordination, student advising and mentorship, enrollment data analysis, curriculum development and evaluation, instructor training, course design and implementation and program administration. She has taught a variety of linguistics, ESL and EFL courses impacting students at multiple levels and in several countries around the world, from children and preliterate adult refugees to graduate students and practicing teachers. She and husband Kent have seven young adult children and recently began a new adventure as foster parents.  

"The College of Humanities equips students with the skills needed in an ever-changing career landscape and our alumni make significant contributions in local and global communities,” said Marsh Schaeffer. “I look forward to engaging with students across the college as they explore new educational pathways and find creative ways to impact the university and the world around them both through study and meaningful co-curricular activities as they prepare to launch into meaningful careers."

Among her many functions, Marsh Schaeffer will direct the development and implementation of student service objectives, serve as a main point of contact for students coming to the new Humanities Student Success Center (opening in CTIHB in 2023), oversee operations in areas relating to student activities, housing, alumni, and career services, as well working to reintroduce of the Humanities Scholars Program.

 The College of Humanities Dean’s Office welcomes Karen Marsh Schaeffer to the team!

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MEDIA CONTACTS
Jana Cunningham, University of Utah College of Humanities
jana.cunningham@utah.edu | 801-213-0866

Published November 4, 2022