Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Narbeth Emmanuel has named Kelly Jo Karnes as the new director of student involvement. Karnes succeeds long-time director Steve Sperotto, who retired at the end of the 2013 spring semester. She assumed her new role effective July 1.
Karnes is responsible for directing the Kimmel Leadership Center which provides development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of comprehensive educational, co-curricular and support services. She will supervise more than 200 student organizations and areas including student leadership and organizational development, Greek life, student government, student legal services, and civic and social justice engagement. She is responsible for advising and mentoring students, faculty and staff for the purpose of improving and enhancing campus life.
“Kelly Jo brings an enormous amount of experience in both Greek affairs and leadership programs as well as in campus programming,” Emmanuel said. “She brings the necessary leadership to guide, support and mentor our staff while developing a set of standards and expectations to assure necessary accountability.”
A Lawrence, Kan., native, Karnes comes to SIUE from the University of Iowa where she served as the associate director since 2007 for Student Involvement and Leadership. Her responsibilities included oversight for homecoming, dance marathon, four cultural centers, student legal services, University box office, undergraduate and graduate student governments along with campus arts and entertainment.
Karnes joined Old Dominion University as assistant director in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership in 2002. She was promoted to associate director in 2005.
She began her tenure at the University of Kansas as an assistant complex director in the Department of Student Housing in 1997. As a graduate intern in 1998, she began managing relationships with the Greek programs and was named assistant director for Greek programs in 1999.
Emmanuel also said the search committee highly valued Karnes’ interpersonal skills, commitment to diversity and overall philosophy. He stated that her breadth and depth of experience at both state and private institutions will prove to be a valuable asset.
Karnes is a member of the Association for Fraternity/Sorority Advisors; the National Association of Student Personal Administrators; the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values/National Black Greek Leadership Conference; and the Association of College Unions International.
Karnes achieved a bachelor’s in elementary education from Emporia State University in 1997. She earned a master’s in higher education administration in 1999 from the University of Kansas.