Eric T. Baumgartner, Ph.D.

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMICS

Eric Baumgartner is executive vice president of academics at MSOE. He provides strategic leadership and direction for all of the academic programs and academic support units across campus. Prior to joining MSOE he served as dean of the T.J. Smull College of Engineering and professor of mechanical engineering at Ohio Northern University. He previously was a senior member of the engineering staff at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Baumgartner also taught at UCLA and Michigan Technological University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Cincinnati, a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a certificate from the Institute for Educational Management at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Daniel J. Bergen, Ph.D.

SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT

In his role as senior advisor to the president, Dan Bergen works closely with Dr. John Walz to lead the development and implementation of new strategic initiatives to help the university achieve its vision. He also works to ensure the university maintains a constant focus on innovation and strategic thinking for the future while continuing to build MSOE’s relationships with corporate, community and educational partners. Bergen most recently served as the executive director of community engagement within Marquette University’s Office of Economic Engagement. Bergen’s experience also includes serving as interim assistant vice president of student affairs and assistant director for university apartments and off-campus student services at Marquette. He holds a Ph.D. in English-British Literature from Marquette University, an M.A. in English-Cultural Studies from Kansas State University, and a B.A. in Journalism-Advertising from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Paul Matson, CPA

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AND CFO

 Paul Matson is MSOE’s vice president of finance and CFO and is responsible for the financial integrity of the university. He works in close partnership with university leaders to plan and implement strategic objectives while developing a sustainable financial model. He provides executive level direction and management oversight for financial planning, budget and budget analysis, accounting and business operations, finance controls and reporting, financial aid strategy, treasury management and investments, risk management and insurance, capital planning, purchasing and contracts, and regulatory compliance and operations. Matson serves as the assistant secretary of the MSOE Board of Regents and as staff officer for the Audit & Finance and Investment Committees. He is an established leader in finance and accounting, having previously served as the CFO and controller for several manufacturing, distribution and service organizations with global reach and revenues ranging from start-up to $600 million. He has experience at privately held and Fortune 500 companies as well as non-profit organizations.

Seandra Mitchell

VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS AND CAMPUS INCLUSION

Seandra Mitchell is vice president of student affairs and campus inclusion. She provides leadership and direction to help improve diversity and strengthen the climate of equity and inclusion on our campus. Mitchell oversees the Office of the Dean of Students, campus life, multicultural affairs and the Raider Center for Academic Success. She plays a key role in developing and implementing training programs to raise awareness of diversity, inclusion and respect for MSOE faculty, staff and students, and provides guidance to MSOE student organizations to further strengthen their climate of inclusion. Mitchell also works collaboratively with the university’s CREATE Institute to strengthen the MSOE Mindset among our graduates and engages with other Milwaukee organizations that can positively impact campus climate. She previously served as MSOE’s Dean of Admissions. Mitchell holds a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications from UW-Whitewater and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Georgetown University.

Jeff Snow

VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

Jeff Snow is vice president of university advancement and brings more than 25 years of development experience in higher education. Snow directs MSOE’s development and alumni affairs efforts including a comprehensive development program, alumni relations and advancement services. Prior to joining MSOE, Snow served as the director of college advancement for the University of Kentucky College of Engineering where he was responsible for planning and managing the college’s $110 million capital campaign. Snow previously held development roles at Valdosta State University, Georgia Southern University and the University of Central Florida. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Valdosta State University; a master’s degree in higher education administration from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from the University of Central Florida.

Sebastian Thachenkary

VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Sebastian Thachenkary directs the university’s brand and marketing strategy including web, social media, print, video, digital, and media relations. He oversees the Marketing Communications Department, the Grohmann Museum and WMSE 91.7FM, the university’s independent, non-profit and listener-supported radio station. His marketing experience spans several industries and includes corporate communications, public relations, integrated brand and marketing strategy, web and digital communications, business development, corporate sponsorships and strategic partnerships. In 2018, Thachenkary was one of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Chief Marketing Officers of the Year. Prior to joining MSOE, he served as director of marketing communications for Alverno College, vice president of marketing communications for Johnson Financial Group and brand manager and marketing director for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Tim Valley, Ph.D.

VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT SERVICES AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

As vice president of student services and enrollment management, Tim Valley sets the strategic direction for enrollment management at MSOE including traditional, international, transfer and graduate students. Valley also oversees all aspects of MSOE’s NCAA division III athletics programs, spanning more than 20 collegiate sports. He also directs the functions that support a holistic approach to education through Student Life. Valley holds a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, an M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Iowa State University and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University.

Stephen Williams, Ph.D.

VICE PRESIDENT OF CAMPUS INFRASTRUCTURE

Steve Williams, P.E. is vice president of campus infrastructure and ensures the university’s physical spaces are designed to capture the power and flexibility offered by modern digital tools. In his role, he oversees MSOE’s Information Technology Department as well as the Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities and Custodial Departments. Online and virtual tools continue to become a larger component of how universities educate and operate, and Williams will set the direction for implementing next generation technology to support MSOE’s educational methods. Williams joined the faculty at MSOE in 2002 and served as the electrical engineering program director before being promoted to chair of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department. Williams earned his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from University of Missouri-Columbia. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Wisconsin.