Melanie Barger Hits the Ground Running as Director of Alumni Engagement

Westminster is pleased to announce Melanie Barger of Jefferson City, MO, as the College’s new Director of Alumni Engagement. She began her duties on Aug. 24.

Barger is a familiar face to many Blue Jays. She worked in the Alumni Office in a variety of evolving roles from 2001 to 2012, last serving as Director of Alumni Engagement and Event Management.

Since that time, Barger’s alumni and constituent relations career further flourished with the University of Missouri System in Columbia, MO, where she served as the Constituent Relations Manager and most recently as Alumni Affairs Director at the MU School of Medicine.

The native of El Dorado Springs, MO, is excited to return to Westminster ― a place she truly calls home.

“From the enthusiasm and energy of President Lofe and the campus leadership to the new strategic plan to growing enrollment, it’s a good time to come back home,” Barger says.

Although she is not an alumna, Barger explains that she identifies with the College so much that she almost feels like one.

“I have always considered myself a Westminster ‘alum,’” she says enthusiastically. “The College has been a vital part of my growth and development, both professionally and personally.”

Barger earned both a Master of Education with an emphasis in Family and Consumer Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in Interior Design from the University of Missouri.

Today Barger is eager to dive into her work at Westminster and reconnect with alumni she once knew, many of whom she remained in contact with throughout the last decade, and to establish new relationships with graduates of the College. Barger adds that she is aware that some alumni have become disengaged, and she hopes to work on those relationships.

She also looks forward to working with students.

“I’d like to strengthen alumni/student programming and bolster student education on the importance of alumni support and philanthropy,” Barger adds.

When she isn’t busy planning alumni events, in meetings, or on the phone in her upstairs office at the Jack Marshall Alumni Center, Barger can be found on the soccer field with her husband, Keven Barger, ’06, and daughter, Tatum, a junior at Capital City High School in Jefferson City.

When they can, the couple also frequents soccer games at William Woods University, where their son, Logan, is a freshman on the Owls men’s soccer team.

Barger is quick to point out, however, that her favorite sports team is the Blue Jays. She also is a Mizzou Tigers, Sporting Kansas City, and Manchester City Football Club fan.

Time permitting, Barger enjoys putting her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design to use by decorating her home and working on crafts and other creative projects. She also enjoys streaming a variety of shows and ‘80s and ‘90s movie classics. A perfect evening might include a pizza and her two dogs, Dutch and Bailey

Downtime aside, Barger is ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work.

“My historical knowledge and existing relationships have definitely made it easier to hit the ground running,” she reflects. “When I’ve reached out to alums, they’ve been quick to respond and willing to help. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with alumni in person at Alumni Weekend and, hopefully soon, regional events.”

Be sure to mark your calendars for Alumni Weekend, April 8-10, 2022. Melanie Barger can be reached at [email protected] or 573-592-6050.