Lakeland's Southeastern University promotes two top administrators to new roles

Southeastern University in Lakeland has promoted Michael Steiner to senior vice president of advancement and innovation. Steiner most recently served as the university’s vice president for innovation and as chief of staff.

His role will expand to provide leadership and visionary oversight to the university’s advancement efforts, the school said in a news release. His responsibilities will include coordinating the president’s priorities across the SEU Network, strengthening community relations and enhancing the university’s advancement initiatives.

Since 2015, Steiner has held a variety of key positions within the university. He has overseen the start-up of several new initiatives; sought funding through grants ; cultivated relationships with local, state and federal representatives ; and developed the SEU Media Network. He has helped secure more than $9 million in grant funding for SEU over the last four years, the release said.

Steiner holds a doctorate in business psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

“This role change aims to harness Steiner’s visionary capabilities further, accelerating the work of our Advancement office and capitalizing on his expertise to propel SEU forward,” SEU President Kent Ingle said in the release. “Steiner will be pivotal in enhancing our relationships with donors, alumni and community partners to drive institutional growth and sustainability.”

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Patrick Fitzgerald will now be serving as SEU’s chief of staff. Leading up to this point, he has held the role of deputy chief of staff where he oversaw special projects and worked closely with the Office of the President.

In his new position, Fitzgerald will be responsible for coordinating the president’s office and executing the president’s priorities and strategic initiatives. This will include serving as the central project manager for the office and providing the president with direct support on special projects.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland's Southeastern University promotes two top administrators to new roles