Southeast Missouri State University has hired Dr. Pat Lipetzky, associate dean of the Center for Continuing Studies at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, as dean of extended learning.

Lipetzky, who will assume her new duties July 15, will be responsible for continuing and extended learning initiatives that are currently part of the duties of Dr. Sheila Caskey, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Extended Learning. Caskey plans to retire in May.

"Pat Lipetzky was the top choice of the search committee," said Dr. Charles Kupchella, university provost.

Kupchella said she played a lead role in developing the continuing education program at St. Cloud.

Lipetzky said, "Southeast Missouri appears to be most welcoming to non-traditional students and to providing learning opportunities for students in different formats."

Prior to her years at St. Cloud, Lipetzky served as interim director of student services and assistant professor at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minn., and director of continuing education and community services at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park, Minn. She also held tenure-track faculty positions as assistant professor at Metropolitan State University and the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph.

She holds a doctorate in educational policy and administration and a master's degree in nursing administration, both from the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis. She has a bachelor's degree in health from the College of St. Francis at Joliet, Ill.

Lipetzky will be responsible for the development and administration of off-campus, extended learning programs at Southeast. She also will work with the Bootheel Education Center in Malden and the Sikeston Area Higher Education Center.