The Division of Student Success welcomes two new leaders: Christopher Schroeder, director of career opportunities and employer relations, and Dharma Jairam, dean of students. Together, they bring extensive experience in career development, employer engagement, higher education leadership and student success. 

Christopher Schroeder joins S&T as director of career opportunities and employer relations 

Christopher Schroeder joined Missouri S&T on Monday, Sept. 14, after serving as assistant director of career development and corporate engagement at Arkansas State University. In that role, he co-led the transformation of the university’s career services office, significantly expanding employer engagement, and events and programming while establishing a customized employer recruitment program. 

Before Arkansas State, Schroeder worked in partnership development at the University of Cincinnati, where he managed a large portfolio of corporate partners and worked to expand employer engagement. 

A licensed attorney, Schroeder brings a combination of career development, corporate engagement, legal and business experience to S&T. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from Mississippi College School of Law, an MBA from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree from Flagler College. 

As director, Schroeder will lead career opportunities and employer relations and its work to connect S&T students with employers, career preparation resources and opportunities that support their transition from college to career. 

Dharma Jairam joins S&T as dean of students 

Dr. Dharma Jairam joined Missouri S&T Aug. 10, with more than 15 years of experience in higher education leadership, teaching, research and student development. Most recently, he served as dean of business, humanities and social sciences at Mid-Plains Community College, where he led the college’s largest academic division. His previous experience includes serving as chair of psychology at Fort Hays State University and as director of the Applied Research Center and a tenured associate professor at Morningside University. 

Jairam is also a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission and an accomplished scholar whose research focuses on student learning, academic success and educational psychology. His work has been published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, Contemporary Educational Psychology and Instructional Science. 

He earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Keuka College. 

As dean of students, Jairam will lead programs and services focused on community standards and student support while serving as a key advocate and resource for S&T students. He will also oversee the Military and Veterans Service Center.  

The addition of Schroeder and Jairam strengthens the Division of Student Success’ work to support students throughout their S&T experience — from finding their place and navigating challenges to preparing for meaningful lives after graduation.