New Leadership Team at Professional Studies

Two top administrators have joined the leadership team at Southwestern College Professional Studies. Pamela Monaco, vice president for professional studies, and Michael Holmes, director of academic affairs, are now in place at the Wichita East Professional Studies Center.

Monaco came to Southwestern College from California, where she had been dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Brandman University. Prior to that she was the director of the University Without Walls at the University of Massachusetts—Amherst. (This division of the University of Massachusetts is considered an industry leader in adult degree completion.) She has also provided leadership at the University College of the University of Maryland. Monaco will oversee all aspects of the Professional Studies program, including interaction with the college’s main campus programs in Winfield.

Holmes has extensive experience with the University of Phoenix, and most recently had been employed by the city of Harrisburg, Penn. Holmes will be responsible for the academic experience of learners, assessing programs, scheduling courses, and recruiting and retaining faculty members.

“We want to ensure we are reaching all learners who need a school like Southwestern College Professional Studies, a school that offers students a second chance at finishing their degrees,” Monaco says.

Southwestern College is a private institution granting undergraduate and graduate degrees and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Southwestern College Professional Studies offers flexible degree options for the adult learner. More than 1,900 students attend classes at the main Winfield campus and at five professional studies sites in Kansas and Oklahoma, or online around the world.