Southeastern University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southeastern University has 7 executives leading key functions including administration, technology, marketing, finance, and strategic communications.

Committed to academic excellence and spiritual growth, Southeastern University provides diverse degree programs through a robust network of campus, online, and nationwide extension sites.

Leadership Roles at Southeastern University

  • Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance - Andrew Kelley
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Phillip Schmitt
  • (Office of The Strategic Communications Coordinator & President - Anderson Slabaugh
  • President - Charlene Jarvis
  • Chief of Staff - Patrick Fitzgerald
  • Chief Technology Officer - Neal Dyer
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Sofia Ramos
  • Andrew Kelley - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance

    Andrew Kelley, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance at Southeastern University, manages the fiscal health and long-term capital planning of the institution. Overseeing the budgeting process for academic departments, Kelley ensures the efficient allocation of resources across the Lakeland campus and nationwide extension sites. This role involves monitoring endowment performance and maintaining compliance with financial regulations. Andrew Kelley directs the financial reporting functions to provide transparency for the Board and stakeholders. By analyzing revenue streams from diverse degree programs, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance supports the expansion of educational offerings. This leadership position requires close coordination with other executives to balance operational costs with the mission of providing affordable, Christ-centered education. Through rigorous fiscal oversight, Kelley maintains the financial stability required for institutional growth. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance secures the economic future of the university.

    Phillip Schmitt - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Phillip Schmitt, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Southeastern University, focuses on internal audit functions and risk management strategies. Overseeing the daily financial operations, Schmitt ensures the integrity of accounting practices across all university departments. This role involves managing institutional debt and optimizing cash flow to support the development of new academic facilities. Phillip Schmitt directs the procurement processes to maximize value for the institution while maintaining high standards of service. By collaborating with the finance team, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer implements cost-saving measures that enhance operational efficiency. This leadership function requires constant attention to regulatory changes and economic shifts that impact higher education funding. Through the development of robust financial policies, Schmitt protects the assets of the university. Ultimately, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures the fiscal discipline necessary to sustain the long-term mission of the institution.

    Anderson Slabaugh - (Office of The Strategic Communications Coordinator & President

    Anderson Slabaugh, the (Office of The Strategic Communications Coordinator & President at Southeastern University, manages the flow of information between the executive office and the broader university community. Overseeing the development of internal and external messaging, Slabaugh ensures consistency in the institutional voice across all platforms. This role involves coordinating high-level communications for the President to maintain alignment with the university mission. Anderson Slabaugh directs the dissemination of key updates regarding academic initiatives and campus developments. By facilitating clear communication channels, the (Office of The Strategic Communications Coordinator & President supports the strategic goals of the leadership team. This position requires constant engagement with stakeholders to foster a unified culture across the Lakeland campus and extension sites. Through the management of public relations and internal messaging, Slabaugh enhances the reputation of the institution. Ultimately, the (Office of The Strategic Communications Coordinator & President secures the clarity and transparency required for effective leadership.

    Charlene Jarvis - President

    Charlene Jarvis, the President at Southeastern University, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing the academic and administrative leadership, Jarvis ensures the university remains true to the Christ-centered mission while expanding degree programs. This role involves representing the institution to external partners, donors, and the broader community. Charlene Jarvis directs the long-term planning efforts that guide the growth of the Lakeland campus and the nationwide extension network. By fostering a culture of academic excellence, the President supports the success of students and faculty alike. This leadership position requires constant collaboration with the Board to navigate the complexities of higher education. Through the implementation of strategic initiatives, Jarvis drives the university toward its goals of innovation and service. Ultimately, the President secures the future of the institution by maintaining a focus on the core values and educational impact of the university.

    Patrick Fitzgerald - Chief of Staff

    Patrick Fitzgerald, the Chief of Staff at Southeastern University, manages internal operations and coordinates executive initiatives across the institution. By streamlining communication between the President and various academic departments, Fitzgerald ensures organizational alignment with the university mission. This role involves overseeing administrative workflows and facilitating high-level decision-making processes that impact the entire campus community. Patrick Fitzgerald maintains operational efficiency by monitoring project timelines and resource allocation across the Lakeland campus and extension sites. Through rigorous oversight of institutional priorities, the Chief of Staff supports the broader goal of maintaining a Christ-centered learning environment. By fostering collaboration among senior leadership, Fitzgerald drives the execution of strategic objectives. This position requires constant engagement with faculty and staff to uphold academic standards while managing the complexities of a growing educational institution. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the operational stability necessary for long-term growth.

    Neal Dyer - Chief Technology Officer

    Neal Dyer, the Chief Technology Officer at Southeastern University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting over 80 degree programs. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems, Dyer ensures seamless connectivity for students across the Lakeland campus and nationwide extension sites. This role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and data integrity to protect institutional assets. Neal Dyer directs the deployment of innovative educational technologies that enhance the online learning experience for a diverse student body. By collaborating with academic leadership, the Chief Technology Officer aligns technical capabilities with the evolving needs of higher education. This leadership function focuses on scaling network capacity to accommodate increasing digital enrollment. Through the implementation of robust software solutions, Dyer optimizes administrative processes and improves accessibility for all learners. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer maintains the technological foundation required for the university to deliver high-quality instruction in a modern, competitive academic landscape.

    Sofia Ramos - Chief Marketing Officer

    Sofia Ramos, the Chief Marketing Officer at Southeastern University, directs all brand strategy and student recruitment initiatives. Overseeing the development of comprehensive marketing campaigns, Ramos ensures the university message reaches prospective students across North American markets. This role involves analyzing enrollment data to refine outreach efforts for bachelor, master, and doctoral programs. Sofia Ramos manages the creative direction of digital and traditional media to maintain a strong institutional presence. By collaborating with admissions teams, the Chief Marketing Officer drives growth in student population and enhances the visibility of extension site programs. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of market trends to position the institution effectively within the competitive higher education sector. Through strategic partnerships and targeted advertising, Ramos expands the reach of the university. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer secures the brand reputation and enrollment pipeline necessary for the continued success of the institution.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Southeastern University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Southeastern University?
    Southeastern University is led by Andrew Kelley (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance), along with executives such as Phillip Schmitt (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Anderson Slabaugh ((Office of The Strategic Communications Coordinator & President).
    Who is part of Southeastern University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Southeastern University includes leaders such as Andrew Kelley (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance), Phillip Schmitt (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Anderson Slabaugh ((Office of The Strategic Communications Coordinator & President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Southeastern University have?
    Southeastern University has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Southeastern University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Southeastern University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, (Office of The Strategic Communications Coordinator & President, President, Chief of Staff.