Southeastern University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southeastern University has 7 executives leading key functions including marketing, operations, finance, technology, and institutional strategy.

Committed to academic excellence and spiritual growth, Southeastern University delivers transformative higher education through diverse degree programs and an expansive network of extension sites across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Southeastern University

  • Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Phillip Schmitt
  • Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance - Andrew Kelley
  • President - Charlene Jarvis
  • President - Kent Ingle
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Sofia Ramos
  • Chief of Staff - Patrick Fitzgerald
  • Vice President, Technology & Chief Technology Officer - Neal Dyer
  • Phillip Schmitt - Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Phillip Schmitt, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Southeastern University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Overseeing budget allocations and endowment growth, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the expansion of degree programs and extension sites. This leadership role involves rigorous financial reporting and risk management to maintain accreditation standards. By optimizing capital investments, Phillip Schmitt directly impacts the university's ability to fund new academic initiatives. Ultimately, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer secures the financial future of the institution through prudent fiscal policy. Through careful monitoring of revenue streams and operational costs, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary economic foundation for the university to continue its mission of providing high-quality, Christ-centered education to students nationwide.

    Andrew Kelley - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance

    Andrew Kelley, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance at Southeastern University, directs the procurement and financial compliance functions of the institution. Overseeing the audit processes and institutional accounting, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance ensures that all financial activities adhere to the standards set by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This leadership role involves managing the financial aspects of the university's nationwide extension site programs. By streamlining procurement workflows, Andrew Kelley directly impacts the cost-effectiveness of university operations. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance supports the institution's growth by maintaining transparent and accurate financial records. Through strategic oversight of the university's financial assets, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance ensures that the institution remains fiscally responsible while pursuing its goal of providing transformative higher education to a diverse student population.

    Charlene Jarvis - President

    Charlene Jarvis, the President at Southeastern University, leads the academic vision and institutional culture of the university. Overseeing the faculty development and curriculum standards, the President ensures that the institution remains true to its Christ-centered mission. This leadership role involves engaging with external stakeholders and donors to secure the future of the university's 80 degree programs. By fostering an environment of academic excellence, Charlene Jarvis directly impacts the success of students across the Lakeland campus and extension sites. Ultimately, the President drives the strategic direction of the institution, ensuring that all departments work in harmony to achieve long-term goals. Through visionary leadership, the President maintains the university's reputation as a premier institution of higher learning, guiding the community toward continued growth and impact within the broader educational landscape of the United States.

    Kent Ingle - President

    Kent Ingle, the President at Southeastern University, directs the overall strategic growth and external relations of the institution. Overseeing the expansion of the university's reach, the President focuses on building partnerships that enhance the visibility of the online learning program and extension sites. This leadership role involves representing the university to the public and ensuring that the institutional mission resonates with current and future students. By championing innovation in higher education, Kent Ingle directly impacts the university's market position. Ultimately, the President secures the long-term viability of the institution through effective advocacy and community engagement. Through a commitment to leadership development and academic integrity, the President guides the university toward achieving its mission of providing a transformative, faith-based education to students across the nation, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in the field of higher education.

    Sofia Ramos - Chief Marketing Officer

    Sofia Ramos, the Chief Marketing Officer at Southeastern University, directs all brand positioning and student recruitment initiatives. Overseeing the university's digital presence and promotional outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across all 100 extension sites nationwide. This leadership role involves crafting data-driven campaigns that highlight the Christ-centered mission to prospective students. By optimizing enrollment funnels and managing public relations, Sofia Ramos directly impacts the growth of the student body. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer secures the institutional reputation by aligning marketing strategies with the broader academic goals of the university. Through constant analysis of market trends, the Chief Marketing Officer maintains a competitive edge in the higher education sector, ensuring that the institution remains a top choice for students seeking faith-based learning environments across the country.
    Sofia Ramos

    Patrick Fitzgerald - Chief of Staff

    Patrick Fitzgerald, the Chief of Staff at Southeastern University, manages executive operations and facilitates communication between the president and the board. Coordinating administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional priorities remain aligned with the core mission of the university. This leadership role involves overseeing special projects that span the Lakeland campus and the extensive online learning network. By streamlining internal processes, Patrick Fitzgerald directly impacts the efficiency of the executive office. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff supports the university's strategic vision by managing complex organizational challenges and fostering collaboration among department heads. Through meticulous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff maintains the stability of the institution, allowing the leadership team to focus on long-term academic success and the expansion of educational programs across the United States.

    Neal Dyer - Vice President, Technology & Chief Technology Officer

    Neal Dyer, the Vice President, Technology & Chief Technology Officer at Southeastern University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting both the Lakeland campus and the comprehensive online learning program. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols and academic software integration, the Vice President, Technology & Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across all extension sites. This leadership role involves modernizing classroom technology and administrative systems to improve operational efficiency. By implementing scalable cloud solutions, Neal Dyer directly impacts the accessibility of the university's 80 degree programs. Ultimately, the Vice President, Technology & Chief Technology Officer drives digital transformation to enhance the learning experience. Through constant innovation in information technology, the Vice President, Technology & Chief Technology Officer maintains a robust technical environment that supports the university's mission of delivering accessible, high-quality education in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Southeastern University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Southeastern University?
    Southeastern University is led by Phillip Schmitt (Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Andrew Kelley (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance) and Charlene Jarvis (President).
    Who is part of Southeastern University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Southeastern University includes leaders such as Phillip Schmitt (Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Andrew Kelley (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance), Charlene Jarvis (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 Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Finance, President, President, Chief Marketing Officer.