LaTour brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience in higher education operations, facilities planning, public safety, and risk management. He joins Culver-Stockton from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC, Ankeny, Ia.), where he has served since 2023 as vice president for operations and a member of the institution’s executive leadership team.

In his role at Culver-Stockton, LaTour will oversee facilities planning and management, campus operations, public safety, risk management, and infrastructure initiatives supporting the College’s academic mission and long-term strategic goals.

“Bill brings an exceptional depth of experience in facilities leadership, operational strategy, and campus safety,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, C-SC president. “His proven ability to guide complex capital projects, manage large operational portfolios, and collaborate across campus constituencies will be invaluable as we continue to invest in our campus and create environments where students, faculty, and staff can thrive.”

At DMACC, LaTour was responsible for college-wide operations across six campuses and multiple centers encompassing more than 2.3 million square feet of facilities. His portfolio included facilities planning and management, information technology, public safety, enterprise risk management, and regional operations. He played a key leadership role in the development and board approval of a comprehensive district-wide facilities master plan in 2024 and led several major capital projects, including new academic and workforce training facilities.

Prior to his tenure at DMACC, LaTour served for eight years as dean of operations at John Wood Community College in Quincy (Ill.), where he oversaw physical plant operations, information technology, campus police, and risk management. He also held dual roles for more than two decades at John Wood as chief of police and risk manager, leading campus safety initiatives, emergency preparedness, regulatory compliance, and enterprise risk programs.

“I am honored to join 91ֱ�� and excited to support the institution’s mission and strategic vision,” LaTour said. “I look forward to working with campus partners to ensure facilities and operations that are safe, efficient, and aligned with the College’s commitment to student success and experiential learning.”

LaTour earned his M.S. in human relations/business from Amberton University (Garland, Tx.) and a B.S. in law enforcement administration from Western Illinois University (Macomb, Ill.).

Koplinski joins Culver-Stockton after a successful advancement career at Blackburn College (Carlinville, Ill.), where she served in several senior leadership roles, including vice president for institutional advancement, interim VP for institutional advancement, and senior director of development and foundation relations.

Throughout her tenure at Blackburn College, Koplinski led and collaborated on the development and implementation of comprehensive advancement programs, including capital campaigns, annual giving, major and planned gifts, corporate and foundation relations, alumni engagement, and stewardship. She was instrumental in a successful five-year comprehensive capital campaign that raised more than $26 million. In addition, Koplinski played a key role in building strong relationships with key alumni and donors resulting in significant financial support. She also developed a robust grant program securing and managing numerous grants including federal, state, and private foundation awards.

“Sarah is an experienced advancement leader with a strong record of results, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Culver-Stockton,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, president of C-SC. “At Blackburn College, she helped lead comprehensive fundraising efforts that strengthened institutional capacity and advanced strategic priorities. She understands how to build authentic donor partnerships, align philanthropy with mission, and create the kind of donor-centered culture that drives long-term impact. As we look to the future of Culver-Stockton, Sarah’s strategic mindset, steady leadership, and deep understanding of effective fundraising will be instrumental as we grow support for our students and the work happening on the Hill.”

Prior to joining Blackburn, Koplinski spent 10 years with the American Cancer Society in Wisconsin and Illinois, where she managed large teams, multimillion-dollar budgets, and statewide fundraising initiatives. Earlier in her career, she served as the first lay director of development for The Core Collective (formerly St. Vincent Home for Children) in Florissant, Mo., leading grant writing, planned giving, special events, and marketing efforts.

Koplinski holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration and political science, with a minor in speech communications, from Blackburn College. She has completed advanced training in fundraising management and federal grants administration.

Koplinski and her husband, Trent, met while in college and have been married for 26 years. They have two children, including a son who is currently in college and a daughter who is a nurse.

“I am honored to step into this role at 91ֱ��,” Koplinski said. “This institution has a powerful mission and an engaged community of alumni, donors, and friends. I look forward to building strong partnerships that support our students, faculty, and the future of the College. I am excited to join the Culver-Stockton community and look forward to becoming involved in campus life and the surrounding area.”

“I was attracted to the CFO opportunity because of my love of 91ֱ��,” Hark said. “As an alumna, Culver has always held a special place in my heart. Meeting President Schellenberger and learning more about the position, I felt a sense of coming home.”

Hark earned bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business administration from Culver-Stockton and later completed her MBA from William Woods University. She brings more than 25 years of financial and administrative leadership experience to her new role.

Most recently, Hark served as the administrator of the Northeast Missouri Ambulatory Surgery Center in Hannibal, where she managed facility operations, annual budgets, audits, and regulatory compliance for more than a decade. Her career also includes serving as CFO/Controller at Pike County Memorial Hospital and Finance Manager at ETC ComputerLand.

“I look forward to giving back to Culver and watching the next generation of students fall in love with our beautiful campus and all it has to offer, just as I did many years ago,” Hark said.

President Lauren Schellenberger said Hark’s background makes her an outstanding addition to the College’s leadership team.

“Tracie’s depth of financial expertise and her strong connection to Culver-Stockton will help advance our mission and long-term goals. I am thrilled that she is joining the senior leadership team,” Schellenberger said.

Hark and her husband, John, live in Hannibal and have five children.

Most recently, Freeman served as the Entrepreneurial Specialist for the Small Business Development Center at the Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council. In this role, he provided vital resources to underserved entrepreneurial communities across a seven-county region. His work was guided by strong personal relationships and community-informed program development that elevated local startup ecosystems. 

“Sean has a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our region, and we are excited to welcome him to this role,” said Leslie Sieck, Vice President for  Strategic Initiatives at C-SC and former Executive Director of Tri-State Development. “His experience, relationships, and community-first mindset will be invaluable as we continue to expand the reach and impact of Tri-State Development.” 

In addition to his economic development expertise, Freeman brings a background in  higher education, having previously served as Director of Admissions at Hannibal-LaGrange University. His combined experience uniquely positions him to continue and grow the impact of Tri-State Development through training, tools, and resources that support long-term regional economic growth. 

Freeman will work closely with Sieck, who recently stepped into a new leadership role at C-SC to support the continued growth of strategic programs and initiatives that serve the broader tri-state region. Tri-State Development is an initiative of 91ֱ�� focused on supporting economic and community growth across a 42-county region in northeast Missouri, west-central Illinois, and southeast Iowa. 

“I am particularly interested in Culver’s commitment to the liberal arts,” he said. “My experience as a student, faculty member, and administrator at small liberal arts institutions has only strengthened my support for this type of educational environment,” Dr. Seale explained. 

He noted that he is especially drawn to the opportunity to work in partnership with C-SC President Lauren Schellenberger to advance the College’s strategic priorities. 

“Dr. Seale brings a powerful blend of academic leadership, creative thinking, and authentic engagement to 91ֱ��,” President Schellenberger said. “His experience at institutions that value student-centered learning, paired with his clear passion for collaboration and innovation, make him exceptionally well-equipped to help advance our mission and support our faculty, staff, and students. I am thrilled to welcome him to our leadership team.” 

Dr. Seale explained that his leadership philosophy centers on transparency, collaboration, and open communication. 

“A provost must navigate a two-way street—supporting the needs of faculty and staff while advancing institutional goals,” he said. “People are more likely to support decisions when they’re part of the process and understand the rationale behind them.” 

Among his first priorities, Dr. Seale plans to engage deeply with the Culver-Stockton community. 

“I want to listen, learn, and understand what makes C-SC a special place. That means spending time with faculty, staff, and students to hear their perspectives,” he said. “I’m committed to

being an active and visible member of the community—from the classroom to the cafeteria to campus events.” 

Dr. Seale began his academic career in 1996, after discovering a passion for teaching as a graduate assistant at The College of William and Mary. Although he once envisioned a future in engineering, he quickly found purpose in the classroom and later in leadership. He began his administrative journey as chair of the physics department at Carson-Newman University (Jefferson City, TN) and continued through increasingly impactful roles. 

Originally from Indiana, Dr. Seale earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Wabash College (Crawfordsville, IN) and his master’s and doctorate degrees in physics from The College of William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA). Over the years, he has become known not only for his administrative acumen but also for his creativity and personal connection to campus life—often showing up to sporting events with spiked hair dyed in school colors. 

He and his wife, Cecilia, met while playing competitive volleyball in graduate school and have been married for 28 years. Together, they look forward to being involved in campus events and becoming part of the local community. 

“We were incredibly impressed by everyone we met during my interview,” Dr. Seale said. “The faculty and staff were authentic and welcoming, and the students were remarkable.” 

Outside of work, Dr. Seale enjoys woodworking, building custom furniture, and repurposing antiques into unique home décor. He’s also a music enthusiast, with a particular love for blues and live performances. 

“It’s an exciting moment for the College. I’m grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working alongside the entire campus community as we move forward together,” he said. 

About 91ֱ�� 

91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

Michelle’s expertise extends beyond annual giving; she has a proven track record in planning and leading Giving Days, which significantly boosted alumni participation and annual giving goals. Her grant writing and collaboration skills have been instrumental in securing over $4 million in funding. This includes grants from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) which supports the university’s health science facilities, established  St. Clare’s food and hygiene pantry, and funding for various academic programs and projects.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle back to The Hill,” stated President Lauren Schellenberger. “Her extensive experience in fundraising, coupled with her deep connection to our institution, make her an invaluable addition to our team.”

Michelle’s return to C-SC marks an exciting chapter for the College’s advancement efforts, and her leadership is expected to drive continued growth and success in engaging alumni and securing vital support for the college’s mission.

For more information about Culver-Stockton visit culver.edu. To give online visit .

C-SC Chaplain Reverend Dr. Mandy Tarpening ’99 brought forth the invocation giving thanks for this cherished learning community on The Hill, pausing for gratitude for all who lead and have been good stewards of the College preserving the educational heritage despite all the challenges she has faced. “For such a time as this, You have called Dr. Lauren Schellenberger to lead our community into a bright and hopeful future,” prayed Tarpening. The invocation concluded with a blessing upon Dr. Schellenberger asking Him to place His guiding and steady hand upon her shoulder.

HB Turner, 91ֱ�� chairman of the board of trustees, welcomed everyone to the historic event. “Culver-Stockton’s cherished history is one to build upon, as we look to the future and our 175th year in 2028! A future where we continue to provide the educational experiences and tools needed for our graduates to serve our communities and the world beyond.” Turner continued, “a place to learn about faith and the human spirit, a place to learn unique lifelong skills, such as leadership, critical thinking, judgment, ethics, and service to others.”

Also participating in the ceremony, giving well wishes, sharing stories, and giving praise for her leadership, knowledge, and kindness included Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kim Gaither, President of Higher Education & Leadership Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg, Canton Mayor Sharon Upchurch, President and CEO of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dr. Brenda Beshears, President of the Alumni Board Steve Oslica ’80, Student Government Association President Hailey Laurich, Head Athletic Trainer and Senior Lecturer in Athletic Training Robert Carmichael, and Professor of Chemistry and Biology Dr. Mohamed El-Bermawy.

Turner also had the honor of installing President Schellenberger. During the medallion ceremony, he stated, “Dr. Lauren B. Schellenberger, through the selection process, which included students, alumni, staff, faculty, and College friends, you have been elected by the Board of Trustees to serve as president of 91ֱ��. It is my great honor… to install you as the president of 91ֱ�� with all the requisite rights, privileges, and responsibilities of the office. By accepting the president’s medallion, which symbolizes our College’s historic tradition of excellence, you accept the charge to serve with vision, diligence, dedication, energy, and integrity as president of 91ֱ��.”

President Schellenberger’s address included, “…it is truly the transformational nature of a 91ֱ�� education that drew me here 17 years ago, and it’s the transformational student experience and the entrepreneurial spirit that will fuel the growth and sustainability of Culver-Stockton moving forward. And that is what we are doing right now at C-SC–we are moving forward, despite so many things that represent obstacles for higher education today… It is up to us here at C-SC to push back against those obstacles, strong in our belief that what we do here every day makes a difference in the lives of C-SC students, past, present, and future. We are moving forward.”

She concluded with, “…I stand here today with a profound sense of optimism and anticipation for the future of this remarkable institution. I am honored to serve as your president and to work alongside each and every one of you to shape a vibrant and impactful community. Together, we will inspire students of promise to achieve more than they ever expected for generations to come, and together, we are moving forward and changing lives.”

Following the inauguration ceremony, a VIP luncheon was held in the cafeteria. President Schellenberger welcomed everyone and shared her gratitude for their attendance. Board Chair Turner announced a new fund that has been established in President Schellenberger’s honor. “As a part of our continued celebration today it is my honor to announce the establishment of the Culver-Stockton Innovation Fund – The Innovation Fund has been established by alumni and friends in your honor with gifts and pledges of over $100,000 to invest in our future. The Innovation Fund will empower the College’s responsiveness to emerging challenges and opportunities under your leadership by providing seed funding for innovative ideas, initiatives, and programs to support the vision and mission of 91ֱ��.”

The inauguration open-house style reception was held from 1:30-3:00pm in the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center. The casual event allowed faculty, staff, and other guests to stop by and wish President Schellenberger best wishes and enjoy a piece of C-SC-themed cake.

The creativity of staff and students shone brightly during the beach themed “Schellybration”. Not only did the students and guests enjoy grilled burgers and hot dogs but they also enjoyed a DJ, Trevor Greer, and live music from three of their own, “ The Krying Eagles”. Additionally, a beach-themed lemonade drink that included mint leaves and brightly colored umbrellas, a confetti cannon, and outdoor games rounded out the evening of fun.

Turner’s closing remarks were, “It is now time for all aspects of the College to witness this celebration of new leadership for the future of our beloved College and higher education in the region.” For photos of this historic day go to .

“As chairman of the board of trustees, it is my honor to welcome and install Dr. Schellenberger as the 28th president of 91ֱ��, stated H.B. Turner ’79. “For the past 16 years, we have witnessed the impact she has made not only on our students of promise, but also on our campus, faculty, staff, and globally through her numerous travel study courses to Belize and Guatemala. Under her leadership and guidance, I know she will have a major impact on this historic institution of higher education and the Tri-State region and its communities.”

Dr. Schellenberger brings with her a wealth of experience, leadership, and dedication to higher education. With a deep commitment to the College’s students of promise, academic excellence, student success, and community engagement, President Schellenberger is positioned to lead 91ֱ�� into a new era of growth and achievement.

91ֱ�� is situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop “the Hill” overlooking the Mississippi River. The liberal arts college was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, four graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events. For more information about this historic event and the College, go to .

Dr. Scott Giltner joined the Culver-Stockton faculty in August 2005. He teaches courses in history with topics such as U.S. history before 1865 and since 1865, sports in American history, African American history, America in the 1950s and 1960s, American history through film, and the Civil War era. He has served the college as Chair of the History Department, Director of Experiential Learning, and Associate Division chair. He is currently the chair of the Applied Liberal Arts and Sciences Division.

Giltner was one of the inaugural recipients of the Dome Award, which recognizes C-SC employees who have played an important role in the advancement of the College, during the Alumni Honors Banquet in Oct. 2019. He received the Helsabeck Prize for Excellence in Teaching in 2014, and he was one of the three inaugural recipients of the Blue Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching presented by the Culver-Stockton Teacher Organization in 2019.

He is a member of the American Historical Association, the National Society for Experiential Education, and is former President of the Association of Academic Programs in Latin America and the Caribbean. He is the chair of the board of directors of the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum in Quincy, Ill., and a board member of the Lewis County Historical Society in Canton, Mo. In addition, Dr. Giltner serves as a member of the Higher Learning Commission’s Peer Review Corps.

Giltner, a native of Hartford, Ohio, is active in travel study, co-leading the biennial Belize and Guatemala expedition that has taken more than 120 students through the rainforests, reefs and ruins of Central America. He also is the coordinator of the 91ֱ�� Scholastic Bowl Invitational.

He previously taught at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pa. He also has written a book, “Hunting and Fishing in the New South: Black Labor and White Leisure After the Civil War,” that was published in 2008. Giltner lives in Quincy, Ill., with his wife, Heather Keller-Giltner, and their four cats.

“To be named the Sperry chair is an incredible honor, said Dr. Giltner of the appointment. “The opportunity to build on John Sperry’s legacy, of working to inspire new generations of C-SC students through exploring the Humanities, is a privilege that I will cherish.  And to inherit the title from Patrick Hotle, a dear friend and colleague for many years who set such a high standard for engaged teaching and research in the Humanities, makes it all the more special.”

John A. Sperry Jr. was a distinguished professor of humanities throughout his 35-year career at Culver-Stockton and was awarded emeritus status upon his retirement. He was best known for his enthusiasm and breadth of knowledge in the subjects of history and humanities.

Sperry served with the U.S. Army in World War II. He graduated from three universities and received several honorary degrees. Jean Sperry, John’s wife, established the Sperry Chair and Lecture in 1992 to commemorate her husband’s time at Culver-Stockton. The annual lecture honors Sperry for his dedication to the Culver-Stockton community.

Tarpening, who earned her bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy from C-SC, was the senior pastor at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Macon, Missouri, where she has served since 2022. She was previously the senior pastor at the church’s Brookfield, Missouri, location from 2015 to 2022. From 2010 to 2015, Tarpening was the pastor of Adult Ministries and Discipleship at the First United Methodist Church in Kirksville, Missouri.  She has also served congregations in Sedalia, Windsor, and Maywood, Missouri, as well as McPherson, Kansas.

She earned her Master of Divinity degree from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in 2010 and her Doctor of Ministry from South College in 2022. She received her clinical pastoral education from Carondelet Health from 2005-2006.

Her community service and memberships, both past and present, include Macon County Ministries, food bank distribution, P.E.O., Beta Sigma Phi, Macon Kiwanis Club, North Central Missouri YMCA board member, Brookfield R-III school board member, Ministries in Linn County chair, Brookfield Chamber of Commerce board member, Brookfield Country Club social committee member, Northeast Missouri Inclusion Project, and Sigma Kappa Sorority at Truman State University local advisor.