Fulton, MO – Romaine Seguin, Acting President of William Woods University (WWU), today announced the appointment of Montrice O’Neal of Jefferson City as the University’s new Vice President of Student Life, effective immediately.
O’Neal joins the WWU leadership team with more than 10 years of higher education experience, making significant contributions across Student Life, Athletics, Campus Recreation and the Office of Dean of Students throughout his career. In his new cabinet-level role at William Woods, he will have responsibility for student development and serve as a major contributing member of ongoing campus student retention efforts. He will provide leadership and management in the areas of responsibility that fall under Student Life, including Residential Life and Housing, New Student Orientation, Student Engagement, University Dining Service, Counseling and Health Services, University Chaplain, Center for Ethics and Global Studies, Office of Faith and Service, LEAD Program and Campus Safety.
A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, O’Neal came to William Woods in 2023 from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, where held positions as Director of Student Engagement and Assistant Campus Recreation Director. While at The Woods, he has served as Director of Student Engagement and Associate Dean and Interim Vice President of Student Life prior to his current promotion.
“I want to thank God for his continued blessings,” said O’Neal. “I also want to thank Acting President Romaine Seguin and (Chief Experience Officer) Dr. Ted Blashak for trusting me with this incredible opportunity, and the Student Life team for their tireless dedication to our students. Their hard work and long hours have been instrumental in our success. This opportunity is a dream come true for me, but I know there is still much work to be done.”
“Montrice O’Neal exemplifies the environment we continually seek to curate at WWU for our students – a campus of Care, Connection, and Community for all,” said Dr. Blashak. “We are beyond fortunate to have him leading Student Life as our newest VP and cabinet member.”
O’Neal is a graduate of North Carolina Central University, a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Durham, North Carolina, where he received his Bachelor of Science and competed on the Track and Field team. He also earned his Master’s Degree from Lincoln University. Married to his wife Arlicia M. O’Neal, O’Neal is also in the process of completing his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Adult Learning from William Woods.
