Melissa Chastain, PhD
Dean, Enrollment Management & Strategic Initiatives
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Dr. Melissa Chastain joined Spalding University in 2004. Her higher education experience includes academic leadership, enrollment management, recruitment, new program and partnership development.
At Spalding, she is a tenured faculty member in the School of Communication, has served as Chair for the School of Communication, Associate Dean for the College of Social Sciences & Humanities and is currently the Dean of Enrollment Management and Strategic Initiatives with responsibility for Admissions, Financial Aid and Marketing & Communications.
Chastain is Chairman of the Kentucky Authority for Educational Television (KET) and the Kentucky Educational Television Foundation. She is currently Past President of the Kentucky Communication Association and has served as President for National Association Women’s Business Owners KY Foundation and the Association of Communication Administration. She is a journal reviewer for the Kentucky Communication Journal and the Journal for Communication Administration.
Additional accomplishments include Business First’s 20 People to Know in Education & Workforce Development, the Lumina Foundation’s Learning Outcomes Project and keynote address on Edith Stein and the Rhetoric of Responsibility.
Chastain holds a PhD in Communication, Duquesne University; MA in English Literature & Theory, Duquesne University; and BA in English Literature, Westminster College.
Jill Gaines, MSBC
Director of Admissions, Community Partnership Development
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Jill earned her BS in Business Administration and Accounting at Spalding University and went on to earn her MS in Business Communication with a concentration in Non-Profit Management. In addition, she completed all of her degrees as a non-traditional adult learner. She is a proponent of lifelong learning and has the privilege of working with professional adults in both undergraduate and graduate programs at Spalding University. Jill prides herself in promoting and empowering women both professionally and personally. She is on the Associate Board of Maryhurst and hopes to make a difference in meeting the needs for the kiddos at Maryhurst. Jill is graduate and active member of the Leadership Louisville community. She also serves on the Alumna Association Board at Assumption High School in Louisville, Ky.Joyce Janczy
Associate Director of Admissions
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Joyce has been working in higher education since she graduated from college. She is a lifelong learner and advocate for others pursing their dreams of attending college and obtaining their undergraduate degree. She loves working with incoming students and their families, helping them find the school that is their perfect fit. She enjoys helping others in any way possible to make the college enrollment process smooth. She does not believe there is any such thing as a dumb question and encourages families to think through every aspect of their college decision.
Jeff Dickson
Enrollment Technology Coordinator
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Jeff has been working in higher education since 2018 and has been with Spalding since 2021, beginning as a Transfer Admissions Counselor before moving into his current role in April 2022. As the Enrollment Technology Coordinator he gets to work closely with various departments around campus, including Marketing and Information Technology, to help the Admissions Counselors best meet the needs of their students.Rachel Bischoff
Admissions Counselor — Tour Specialist
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Rachel is a Louisville native who is passionate about helping students achieve their academic and professional goals. With a background in secondary education and a dedication to promoting educational access in Kentucky, she is grateful for the opportunity to support students in their academic careers at Spalding. She holds a MA in English from Wake Forest University and a BA in English and Dramatic Arts from Centre College.Josh Cato
Admissions Counselor
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Josh earned his degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. He has a passion for helping others and education. He is new to working in higher education, but he is very eager to grow in the position. His goal is to help students reach their highest potential and graduate with the degree that they ultimately desire.Maggie Edwards
Admissions Counselor, Specialized Transfer/Professional Recruitment
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Maggie earned her MA in Higher Education Administration to join the Golden Eagles as an Admissions Counselor for online and transfer students. Additionally, she utilizes her business background to service community partnerships. Her goal is to simplify the process for all those involved. She has served on several committees supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is currently on the Alumnae Board of Directors for Mercy Academy.Shamia Gaither
Admissions Counselor
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Shamia Gaither graduated from Spalding University with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and recently graduated from Mason Gross at Rutgers University, where she pursued her Master's degree. While living in New Jersey, she discovered her passion for working in higher education and decided to continue that pursuit. As an admissions counselor, she hopes to provide a welcoming experience and continue her education.Madi Jaggers
Admissions Counselor
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Madi Jaggers earned her Bachelor's of Arts in Communication Studies at Spalding University. She has been a part of the admissions team since her first year of undergrad as a Work student and Student Ambassador. Madi has found a passion for sharing her Spalding experience with perspective students and making a difference in the world with compassion and generosity. Her goal as an Admissions Counselor is to revamp the Student Ambassador program, as well as to be an asset to her team by helping her students have an easy successful transition into becoming a Golden Eagle.Samantha Key
Senior Admissions Counselor
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Sammy graduated college in 2021 with a degree in Psychology and has a passion for education. She is eager to begin her career in higher education. Her goal is to help students graduate and earn their degree so they can pursue their aspirations and live life to the fullest.Mary Ann Seger
Transfer Admissions Counselor
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Mary Ann's numerous years experience in enrollment service departments within the Spalding Community affords her the opportunity to effectively guide lifelong learners as they prepare their return to school. Her experience as a transfer student to Spalding from Jefferson Community and Technical College, paired with over 14 years customer service, benefits those she serves. As a proud member of Team Admissions, Mary Ann knows the challenges adult students face as they strive to balance their education, work and home life. She stands ready to assist and advocate for all whom she encounters as they continue educational journey at Spalding University.Elizabeth Simmons
Data Processing Specialist
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Elizabeth has worked in the field of higher education for over 17 years, 15 of those have been with Spalding University. Her attention to detail and orderly manner is what keeps the day to day process of gathering and maintaining the student’s information seamless, during their application process. She prides herself on accuracy and swiftness, as she knows the process of applying to college can be an anxious time for anyone.
Elizabeth is proud to be an Admissions team member and all that she has helped them achieve during her time with them, and looks forward to many more.