Lori Haxton, ATSU vice chancellor for student affairs, to retire April 30
Posted: April 23, 2025
After more than 36 years of recruiting and counseling A.T. Still University (ATSU) students and leading the Office of Student Affairs for the past 12.5 years, Lori Haxton, MA, vice chancellor for student affairs, will retire effective April 30, 2025.
Haxton began her career at ATSU in December 1988 as director of admissions and enrollment services. Her caring personality, combined with her expertise in residential life, admissions, alumni services, and student affairs, led her to be named vice president for student affairs in July 2012 and vice chancellor for student affairs in July 2024.
As vice chancellor, Haxton is responsible for overseeing key areas across all university locations, including Admissions, Enrollment Services (Financial Aid, Registrar’s Office), Learning Resources & Accommodation Services, Behavioral Health & Wellness, Student Wellness, Thompson Campus Center, On-campus Housing, and Student Life. Under her leadership, the University has navigated numerous challenges, from adapting to shifting regulatory landscapes to managing evolving state and federal education mandates, executive orders, and regulations.
Haxton’s commitment and service to the University have been long recognized. She has received Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association (KOAA) Honorary Membership (1999), Missouri Campus Distinguished Service Award (2001), KOAA Distinguished Service Award (2006), Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons Service Award (2012), KOAA Living Tribute Award (2015), and George Windsor Award (2017 and 2022). Since 2014, Haxton has represented ATSU at AACOM’s Council of Student Affairs, where she served as chair in 2021-2022. Prior to 2014, she served on AACOM’s Council of Admissions (1988-2013).
During her tenure, Haxton witnessed ATSU’s transformation from a single-discipline institution to a multi-campus health professions university. Throughout this journey, she has had a profound influence on the lives and careers of thousands of students and applicants.
“While we will greatly miss Lori’s leadership and thoughtful contributions to ATSU, please join me in wishing her all the best as she embarks on the next chapter of her life. May her retirement bring her fulfillment, happiness, and well-deserved time to enjoy the things she loves,” said ATSU Chancellor Craig Phelps, DO, ’84.
Deanna Hunsaker, DHEd, MBA, currently assistant vice chancellor for enrollment services, will serve as interim vice chancellor for student affairs.