Daemen University President Gary A. Olson has announced two key appointments to his cabinet and the promotion of a current member.
Following national searches, Dr. Mimi Steadman has been appointed Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing, and Dr. Kerry Spicer has been appointed Vice President for Student Affairs. In addition, Traci Murphy has been promoted to Vice President for Athletics.
Dr. Mimi Steadman
As the VP for Enrollment Management and Marketing, Dr. Steadman will lead the enrollment team and oversee a comprehensive admissions program to ensure Daemen meets enrollment goals. She will also lead the marketing and communications team responsible for all marketing activities, including branding, social media, digital communications, advertising, and institutional communication.
Dr. Steadman has held numerous leadership positions at Daemen since 2006, most recently serving as the Associate VP for Academic Affairs.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in human development from Cornell University, a master of science in college student development from the University of Rhode Island, and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of California, Berkeley.
“I am honored and energized by this opportunity to serve Daemen by highlighting the incredible people and programs at the university, and by connecting students to an education that can transform their futures,” Dr. Steadman said.
Dr. Kerry Spicer
As the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Spicer will be responsible for the administration of student life, including residence life, discipline, student activities and engagement, orientation and student leadership development, career services, health and insurance services, campus safety and operations, and conference and dining services.
She has served as the Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students since October 2023. She joined Daemen in January 2019 as the Dean of Students.
Dr. Spicer graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and women’s studies. She earned a master’s in student personnel administration from Buffalo State University and a doctorate in education leadership and management from Drexel University’s School of Education.
“I am thrilled at the opportunity to continue my work with the Daemen community both near and far,” said Dr. Spicer. “This moment is especially powerful having just watched our students win awards, gain their white coats, finish their films, launch into the next phase of their learning, and graduate. Knowing those students, hearing their stories, and celebrating them is what makes Daemen an incredible and impressive community. I look forward to continuing to be a part of this community in the vice presidential role.”
Traci Murphy
President Olson has promoted Traci Murphy to Vice President for Athletics. Murphy has served as the Director of Athletics at Daemen since her appointment in 2018. The move comes as the Athletics Program posted its most successful season in the institution’s history.
Murphy earned a master’s degree in health education from the University of Arkansas and a bachelor’s degree in physical education/athletic training from West Chester University. While at WCU, she competed as an NCAA Division II student-athlete in the sport of swimming.
“I am humbled and honored to receive this promotion and I want to thank Dr. Olson for the confidence he has in me,” Murphy said. “This certainly wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless work of our coaches and student-athletes, as well as the administrative leadership team in Athletics. I feel blessed to be in a position where I can continue making a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes.”