April 25, 2025–Daniel Avegalio has been named the next dean of students at Missouri Western State University and will begin his duties May 1.
“I am pleased to welcome Daniel Avegalio to the MoWest family,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, president. “Daniel’s passion for serving our students and his experience in managing diverse and complex programs will help elevate the student experience on our campus.”
“I am excited to start my new role as dean of students,” Avegalio said. “The MoWest values of service, quality, enthusiasm, freedom, respect, and courage align so heavily with my beliefs of how we as an institution collaborate to help the growth in our region while helping our students achieve their educational and career goals.”
Avegalio is currently Military Relations Manager at Western Governors University, serving military-connected students and organizations in a 9-state region. He previously served as Dean of Student Services at State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Missouri and Associate Dean of Student Services at Sierra College in Rocklin, California. He also has worked at the California Community College Foundation and at American River College, both in Sacramento.
Avegalio received an Associate of Arts in Psychology from American River College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Sacramento State University. In 2022, he was selected for the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program through the George W. Bush Presidential Center and is currently the only VLP scholar to complete the program from Missouri. The program targets rising active-duty, veteran and civilian leaders to improve outcomes for veterans and military families.
As the dean of students, Avegalio will provide leadership to the Division of Student Affairs, including Residence Life, Student Engagement, Counseling, Health and Career Development.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.