Success Coaches - Meet Us

Male student studying with female student

Success Coaches - Meet Us

Who We Are

Success coaches support students and help them reach their academic, career, and personal goals​ while navigating challenges and referring to identified campus resources. Student Success offers holistic support that aligns with "cura personalis," part of RU's core values of caring for the whole person.

Steph Hart, MPA (Students with last names A-K)

Steph Hart rejoined the Rockhurst community in March 2023. Previously, she served as the Director of College Counseling at two Kansas City area high schools following a career in college admissions at two universities (including Rockhurst!). Steph is proud to be a first-generation college graduate and values the Jesuit education she received for her undergraduate degrees in psychology and criminal justice. In addition, Steph earned a graduate degree in public administration with an emphasis in non-profit leadership. Steph’s best skills are organization and time management. She is known by many past students as “Mama Hart” because of both the care and the accountability she infuses into her relationships with students. In addition to her Success Coach responsibilities at Rockhurst, Steph is also the staff advisor for the Peer Coaches and RockUrCommute. In her spare time, Steph and TC spoil their rescue dog, Dublin, and she loves rural drives in her Jeep Wrangler (named Limerick). Steph is also an avid podcast listener, gardens… and is known for her banana bread.

 

Clifton “Top 5” Strengths: (1) Activator, (2) Strategic, (3) Communication, (4) Self-Assurance, and (5) Significance. 

How to contact Steph:

Matt Emory, MEd (Students with last names L-Z)

Matt Emory joined the Student Success team at Rockhurst in the summer of 2021. His previous roles in education include working as a high school Spanish teacher and a college academic advisor. Matt enjoys getting to know his students and helping them realize their academic, career, and personal goals. Matt believes that a college education should be accessible and achievable for anyone. He has a special interest in supporting First-Generation college students. Matt strives to help students identify their individual strengths, interests, and values so the student feels a purpose in both their educational journey and in their life. Matt is a proud alum of Rockhurst. He earned his Master of Education at RU that led to his career in education. In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and playing guitar. 

 

How to contact Matt:

Clifton “Top 5” Strengths: (1) Empathy, (2) Strategic, (3) Connectedness, (4) Learner, and (5) Intellection.

What should I expect?

Typical meetings with the success coach last 30 minutes. During the meeting you will review and set goals and discuss any issues that are interfering with your success. Your coach strives to create a warm and welcoming environment during each meeting. Success coaching meetings can take place virtually over Teams or face-to-face in our offices located within the Learning Center, VanAckeren 200.

Who benefits from working with a Success Coach?

Any student who is:

  • in need of a success coach to help identify obstacles present in personal or academic areas
  • in need of someone to listen to concerns and offer compassionate care and assist in strategizing solutions
  • falling behind in classes and in need of academic planning support
  • a first-generation college student seeking support and not sure where to turn
  • a commuter student trying to find connections and resources on campus
  • transitioning back to the classroom after a family emergency or medical issue
  • hitting a plateau and wants to find motivation
  • having concerns or questions about college, and not sure who to ask
  • on academic probation or warning and in need of a success plan of action

Who is my success coach and how do I make an appointment?

Set up an appointment with Steph Hart

  • Students A-K
  • RockUrCommute
  • Peer Coach programming

Set up an appointment with Matt Emory

  • Students L-Z
  • KC Scholars inquiries
  • First-Generation student initiatives

When and where will my appointment take place?

  • Appointments are available face-to-face in Van Ackeren Hall 200 (Aylward-Dunn Learning Center) or virtually on Teams. View the interactive campus map here.

  • Standard office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. During the months of June and July, the offices close on Fridays at 12:00 PM.

Meghan Freeman, MA. Financial Success Coach for all students

Meghan rejoined the Rockhurst University family in November 2023. Ms. Freeman has extensive experience in coaching through her work at AMC Theatres, Childrens Mercy Hospital and Terracon engineering, a woman-owned consulting company. She also previously worked at the Prosperity Center on campus.

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Meghan completed her undergraduate degree in Business Management and Marketing with a minor in History at Towson University. In 2021, she completed a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership at Rockhurst University.

Meghan recognizes that the University is helping students learn many things that will be important in lifelong success. One of those important skills is knowing how to manage your personal finances. She is passionate about helping everyone achieve financial freedom and security.

In Meghan’s free time she enjoys gardening, sailing, working out, prayer and reflection and supporting local nonprofits.

Clifton “Top 5” Strengths: (1) Connectedness (2) Winning Others Over (3) Individualization (4) Achiever (5) Learner. Agilities: Developing Others, Serving and Caring, Organizing

How to contact Meghan:

Who benefits from working with the Financial Success Coach?

  • Students concerned about paying tuition.
  • Students considering getting a credit card.
  • Students wanting to manage their spending.
  • Students wanting to start saving.
  • Students wanting to protect their money.
  • Students getting ready to graduate.

Who is my success coach and how do I make an appointment?

Set up an appointment with Meghan Freeman Financial Success Coach

  • All students
  • First-generation students
  • Hawk Scholars
  • Students receiving financial aid, Pell grants, or scholarships