Meet the Student Life Staff

In her role as a dean of students, Dr. Lisa Beckenbaugh basically oversees the aspects of your on-campus experience that take place outside of the classroom.

Originally from Minnesota, Dr. Beckenbaugh graduated with her PhD from the University of Arkansas in 2002.  She taught history at the college level before completing a post-doctoral fellowship. In 2005 she relocated to Leavenworth, Kan., and joined the USM Student Life staff as the Assistant Dean in 2007.  The following year, Dr. B was promoted to Dean of Students. 

Dr. B loves animals and volunteers at an area animal shelter. She also enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and pet cats.

Originally from Weston, Mo., Julene married and moved to Leavenworth. She and her husband have two children and a dog. Prior to her joining the USM staff, she served as the athletic secretary for Leavenworth High School for 15 years. 

In her spare time she enjoys watching sports, especially volleyball and KU basketball. She also loves working out, shopping, and spending time with her family.

Kristin Jackson joined the USM staff in 2009 as the Assistant Director and now serves as the Director of Residence Life. In this role, she oversees USM’s residence halls and works to make USM a hospitable and livable place for you.

Kristin earned her bachelor’s from Southwest Missouri State and then served as hall director and complex director at Northwest Missouri State. She also worked at the University of Nebraska-Omaha in student housing.

Kristin is currently working on her masters in Training and Development. She is originally from North Dakota and in her free time enjoys spending time with her family. 

Chris Hayes has a bachelors of science in pharmaceutical science from The Ohio State University and a master of arts in education from the University of Saint Mary.

In his free time he enjoys working out and playing tennis. This year he looks forward to the opportunity to work with students like yourself and help them develop into better, more prepared adults.

Sister Julie Marsh, who has served in the religious life for 24 years, is in charge of USM’s campus ministry, and is here to help you with your spiritual development on campus. Sr. Julie earned her bachelor’s from the University of Iowa in 1986, focusing on music therapy.

After entering her religious community, she ministered as a Music Therapist at a residential care facility in Dubuque and was the Associate Director of Special Services for Catechetical Services for the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Sr. Julie earned her master’s in pastoral studies in 1995, and received her certificate in spiritual direction in 2006.

She enjoys reading, walking, playing the piano, listening to music, and visiting with family and friends.

Father Owen Purcell, O.S.B., has served on the USM campus ministry staff since 2009, and also acts as chaplain to the Spires Men’s Basketball Team. He’s here to help you with your spiritual development or just serve as a friendly voice when you have a problem.

Fr. Owen is a native of Leavenworth, and attended the North Broadway School and Immaculata High. After two years at St. Benedict's College in Atchison, Kan., he entered the community of St. Benedict's Abbey in 1951, made final profession in 1954 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1957.

His time in ministry has included 23 years as a high school teacher, 11 years as a rural pastor, and 17 years as an official in the monastic community.

Deb Shaddy has served as the USM campus counselor since 2008. She’s here to help you deal with the challenges of college life.

Deb earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. After several years in higher education at Creighton, she maintained a private practice in Omaha serving individuals, couples, and families. Her Favorite pastimes include walking, dancing, and reading. 

Karen is currently a student in the counseling psychology program at the University of Kansas, and will graduate with a Master’s degree in December of 2011. She and her husband have four children and two cats. In her spare time, Karen enjoys movies, reading, meditation, and spending time with her family.