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The Farmer School of Business is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Chelsia Potts as the new director of the Passport, Ryan Family Scholars, and Grainger Scholars programs. With more than a decade of experience in higher education, Potts brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for first-generation students and marginalized groups.

Potts joins the Farmer School from ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University, where she served as the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education. There, she established the Office of Exploratory Studies, which supports students exploring majors, those conditionally admitted to the university, and high school students taking college courses. Her work at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University has been characterized by a commitment to proactive communication, collaboration, and the creation of environments where students feel empowered to navigate their educational journeys successfully.

Prior to her role at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University, Potts was the Dean of Student Development & Enrollment at Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City. She leveraged her collaboration skills and intervention strategies to support a diverse student population, resulting in a significant increase in student retention. Additionally, as the Academic Coordinator of TRIO-Student Support Services at Avila University, Dr. Potts led initiatives that significantly improved student retention and graduation rates.

Potts has also worked with the Partnership for Regional Education-Kansas City (PREP-KC), where she managed career academies in collaboration with high schools, colleges, universities, and industry partners to improve college and career outcomes for economically disadvantaged students.

In her new role, Potts will oversee the development and delivery of the Farmer School of Business’s donor-funded programs aimed at attracting, retaining, and graduating diverse students. She will work closely with department chairs, the Dean’s staff, and other key stakeholders to support high school recruitment initiatives, develop strategies for recruiting students into the Passport, Ryan Family Scholars, Grainger Scholars, and Hughes Family Scholarship programs, and create programs to support the retention and graduation of these scholars.

Potts’s collaborative leadership style, her ability to foster meaningful partnerships, and her dedication to student development make her an excellent fit for this role. She is excited to bring her experience and passion for student success to the Farmer School of Business.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Potts join our team. Her extensive experience and commitment to supporting first-generation and underrepresented students will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our programs and support our students," said Jenny Darroch, dean of the Farmer School of Business and Mitchell P. Rales Chair in Business ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúhip.