Southeast New Mexico College welcomes new Vice President of Workforce and Community Engagement

(CARLSBAD, NM) After a nationwide search, Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Schroeder as the new Vice President of Workforce and Community Engagement, effective November 1st, 2026.

“Dr. Schroeder brings extensive experience and a track record of success to SENMC,” said Dr. Kevin Beardmore, SENMC President. “Her perspective and leadership will complement the incredible team we have in place and position us to be even more responsive to the economic development needs of the region.”

Dr. Schroeder has fifteen years of experience in K-12 public education and early childhood education, having taught Title I pre-school and first grade, as well as serving as director of her own childcare center. Ten years ago, Dr. Schroeder embarked on a career in higher education and became enchanted with the opportunities it presented with it, resulting in her pursuit of a doctorate in higher education administration.

Dr. Schroeder said, “I love the mission of higher education. While working on my doctorate, I spent a great deal of time researching two-year colleges, particularly rural institutions, and that became a real passion for me. Rural colleges can have an outsized impact on the communities they serve. As I began my job search, I was very selective about the opportunities I pursued. I was looking specifically for a rural college and a community where I could make a meaningful difference. I’m thrilled that opportunity has brought me to Southeast New Mexico College and Carlsbad.”

Dr. Schroeder currently serves as Executive Director for the Career Accelerator at South Arkansas College (SouthArk), where she provides executive leadership for workforce development, adult education, career services, corporate training, and student transition initiatives. Working across academic affairs, workforce development, and community partnerships, she leads strategic efforts that expand educational access, strengthen employer engagement, and align workforce programs with regional economic development priorities. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and creating pathways that improve student success while meeting the evolving needs of business and industry.

Prior to joining SouthArk, Dr. Schroeder served as Director of Academic Advising and Student Support at Columbia Southern University, where she led initiatives focused on student engagement, retention, and academic success in an online learning environment.

Dr. Schroeder holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Alabama, a master's degree in Elementary Education from Missouri State University, a master’s degree in organizational leadership with a concentration in Human Resource Development from Waldorf University, and a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern State University. She was recognized with the University of Alabama's Most Outstanding Graduate Student Certificate of Distinction in 2021 and SouthArk's Most Outstanding Employee Award in 2023.

“I am so excited to start at SENMC and make Carlsbad home. Everyone I’ve met has been extremely welcoming. I look forward to becoming part of the college and especially the community” said Dr. Schroeder.