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, M.P.A.
(Students with last names A-K, RockUrCommute, Peer Coach programming)
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:
- steph.hart@rockhurst.edu
- O 816-501-4867
- C 816-704-0985
- Office: Van Ackeren Hall, 200C
- Book an appointment
Matt Emory, M.Ed.
(Students with last names L-Z, KC Scholars inquiries, First-Generation student initiatives)
Image
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, which led to his career in education. In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and playing guitar.
Clifton “Top 5” Strengths: (1) Empathy, (2) Strategic, (3) Connectedness, (4) Learner, and (5) Intellection.
How to contact Matt:
- matthew.emory@rockhurst.edu
- O 816-501-4075
- Office: Van Ackeren Hall, 200G
- Book an appointment
Meghan Freeman, M.A.
(Financial Success Coach for all students)
Image
Meghan rejoined the Rockhurst University family in November 2023. Ms. Freeman has extensive experience in coaching through her work at AMC Theatres, Children's 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:
- Meghan.freeman@rockhurst.edu
- O 816-501-4689
- C 913-787-5545
- Office: Van Ackeren Hall, 200D
- Book an appointment