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Gateway Advising and Major Exploration Center

Ward Edwards 1900
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Phone: 660.543.4721
gateway@ucmo.edu





Gateway Advising and Major Exploration Center Team

Ken Schueller

Director
Ph. 660-543-4721
Email: schueller@ucmo.edu

Hello – My name is Ken Schueller, Career Counselor and Director of the Gateway Advising and Major Exploration Center at the University of Central Missouri.  I am glad that you found me because if you are trying to make a “major” or “minor” decision regarding your career, then I’ve been looking for you. Don’t put off getting the individualized assistance you need any longer. I specialize in helping the undecided and I’d love to help you!

Originally from the great state of Wisconsin, my professional life has provided me with experience in aviation technology, safety, quality assurance, industrial management, production management and career development in a wide variety of locations and settings.

Academically, I have undergraduate degrees in aviation technology and management with an emphasis in human resources; advanced degrees in management and human resource development (specializing in career development). I am an internationally certified career coach and a nationally recognized master career development professional, with additional credentials in administering and interpreting career assessments.

Remember this – Deciding on a major may be a major decision, but it’s not a decision you have to face on your own – call now!



Ken Schueller

Michelle Dahlstrom

Career Counselor
Ph. 660-543-4721
Email: mdahlstrom@ucmo.edu

Hi! My name is Michelle Dahlstrom, Career Counselor in the Gateway Center at The University of Central Missouri. If you are in the process of selecting a major, or reconsidering your current degree program, or want to explore your career options, I am here to help you. You deserve individualized assistance in this very important life process. I specialize in helping the undecided, and I would love to work with you!

I grew up on the Minnesota-North Dakota border and have been in Missouri since 1994. In my career journey, I have worked in advertising and marketing; broadcast and print media production; university campus activities; and mental health/substance abuse counseling. I am a Missouri-licensed professional counselor, and I am living my career dream, which is to help you discover and live your career dreams!

Academically, I have a B.A. in English and communications with an emphasis in public relations, and I earned my Master’s of Science degree in counseling/clinical psychology from the University of Central Missouri. I am additionally credentialed in administering and interpreting career assessments. I am a member of the American Counseling Association of Missouri and the National Career Development Association.

Choosing a major is an important decision, but it’s not a decision you have to make alone – let me assist you; call now!



Michelle Dahlstrom

Carmen Binder Carmen Binder

Career Counselor
Ph. 660-543-4721
Email: binder@ucmo.edu

Hello and welcome to UCM!  I am Carmen Binder, a Career Counselor in the Gateway Center.  I’m glad you are seeking assistance along your college path.  Whether you are questioning your decision on a major, inquiring about choosing a major, or just needing some guidance, I’d be happy to help!

I grew up in Missouri and attended the University of Central Missouri.  I have worked in management and in higher education since then. Academically, I have a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Organizational Communications and a Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel Administration, both from the University of Central Missouri.

One of my greatest joys is serving students and I’d be happy to help you find the right career path at Central.  Please call today so I can assist you on your way to a degree and a meaningful career.


Andrea NewmanAndrea Newman

Academic Advisor
Ph. 660-543-4721
Email: newman@ucmo.edu

Hi, my name is Andi Newman and I am an academic advisor in the Gateway Center.  I serve students who are transferring in to the College of Health, Science, and Technology. I work closely with departments in my college to help students with a smooth, successful gateway from their previous institution to UCM. I assist students with information on how classes will transfer,connecting them with departments to get major courses approved, and enrolling them in their first semester at UCM. The earlier my appointment is held with a student during enrollment time, the better schedule we can work out together.  I also provide advisement services to Open Option and General Studies students.

I was born and raised in Missouri and came to Warrensburg in 2006. I received my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Business Management from UCM, and I am currently working on my Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration. I enjoy assisting students to become successful in their college career, just as I was at UCM. I look forward to meeting our future students to help with their concerns, questions and enrollment. Have a wonderful day!


Dana Hoover

Academic Advisor
Ph. 660-543-4721
Email: hoover@ucmo.edu

Hello. My name is Dana Hoover, and I am an academic advisor in the Gateway Center. I serve students who are transferring in to the College of Education and students transferring in to the Nursing Program.  Transfers are very important at the University of Central Missouri! We are here to make your gateway smooth and productive. I also provide advisement services to Open Option and General Studies students.

I have earned two degrees from the University of Central Missouri, a Bachelor's in Geography and a Master's in Sociology. My primary position is assisting with transfers for the College of Education, along with Open Option students and those seeking a General Studies major. I have worked with many types of students during my ten years at UCM, including exchange, international, transfer, provisional, and open option students. In addition, I have been a sponsor of the International Student Organization. My specialty is providing caring academic advisement in a timely manner!

Transferring from another college can be a stressful time, but we are here to make your educational dreams come true! Schedule an appointment today.


Dana Hoover

Natalie Peirce

Academic Advisor
Ph. 660-543-4721
Email: npeirce@ucmo.edu

Hi! My name is Natalie Pruetting, Academic Advisor in the Gateway Center.  I serve incoming transfer students for majors in the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies at the University of Central Missouri. I also provide advisement services to Open Option and General Studies students.

I am a Missouri native, from Higginsville, MO. Academically, I have a B.S. in Management and a B.S. in Marketing, and a Masters in Business Administration from Missouri State University. One of the most exciting things I did during college was to study abroad in London for a semester. I highly recommend it!

I've been advising at different public institutions in Missouri for over nine years. I very much enjoy working with students and helping to guide them through college curricula in the smoothest manner. I'm a member of the Missouri Academic Advising Association (MACADA) and the national association NACADA.

I am excited to meet you and help you with your goals!



Natalie Pruetting

Dana Chaffin

Academic Advisor
Ph. 660-543-4721
Email: dchaffin@ucmo.edu

My name is Dana Chaffin, Academic Advisor in the Gateway Center.  I serve incoming transfer students for majors in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at the University of Central Missouri. I also provide advisement services to Open Option and General Studies students. College presents many challenges, especially for a transfer student. I am here to help you with those challenges. We will map out an educational path that is right for you, while ensuring a smooth gateway to our campus.

I am a native “Warrensburger,” surrounded by family and longtime friends.  But I never pass up an opportunity to travel, which is one of my favorite things to do.  I am the parent of an alum, a current transfer student, and a high school student who will be attending UCM in the near future.

I received an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice, and a master's degree in College Student Personnel Administration, both from UCM.  My career spans over 14 years here at Central, helping students in residential life and academics.  My goal is to help students be successful in their college career. Let me use my experience and education to help you meet your educational needs.



Dana Chaffin

Grenvell Foraker

Academic Advisor
Ph. 816-347-1612
Email: foraker@ucmo.edu

Hello. I am Grenvell Foraker, Academic Advisor at the Summit Center - University of Central Missouri’s site in Lee’s Summit. I serve transfer students who are interested in attending Summit Center’s undergraduate programs in Business Administration, Child and Family Development, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Computer Science, Education, and General Studies. I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve transfer students by attempting to make the transfer process as smooth and seamless as possible.

Most of my professional life has been spent in education: in Kansas City area suburban school districts, as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and retiring as superintendent of schools. Subsequently, I have served as the Director of the Learning Labs for Ford Motor Company and Visteon Corporation.

I received my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at the University of Central Missouri and my Master’s and Doctorate in School Administration from the University of Missouri - Columbia.

I am the parent of three UCM alums, one of whom was a transfer student, as well as a fourth student who is a transfer student to UCM’s Graduate School.

Please schedule an appointment and, together, we can put a plan in place that will lead to the degree you want.



Grenvell Foraker

Erica Goans

GPS Supervisor / Graduate Assistant
Ph. 660-543-4721
Email: goans@ucmo.edu

Hi! My name is Erica Goans, Graduate Assistant in the Gateway Center.  I manage the Gateway Peer Support (GPS) Mentoring and Advising Program, and I teach AE 1400 Freshman Seminar courses. Our team of Peer Mentors assist students who are Open Option and seeking help with exploring majors, MyCentral, and class schedules. We are always eager to assist you in any way that we can.

I am originally from California, Missouri, and moved to Warrensburg in 2007 to begin my college career. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from UCM in 2011, and I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in School Counseling, also at UCM. In my spare time, I enjoy being with friends, family, running, and attending UCM sporting events.   

I have worked in various offices across campus. I enjoy working with college students. I truly care about each student who walks through our door and I treat each student as a unique individual. I will strive to meet your needs and help you to reach your goals.

Please stop by Ward Edwards 1900 for any questions or help. GPS walk-in hours are Mondays-Thursdays, 1:00-4:00 PM. I look forward to assisting you! Thank you for choosing RED!



Erica Goans