Below joined SEMO in May 1990, as an admission counselor and served in this role for four years. During this time, she also served as acting director of Admissions. From 1994-2001, Below served as Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Jefferson College. In 2002, Below returned to Southeast as Director of Admissions. She has also previously held the positions of Dean of Students, assistant and associate vice president of Enrollment Management, and part-time instructor. In 2013, Below became vice president, joining the President’s Executive Staff. 

In her current role, she oversees departments supporting new student recruitment, student life, and auxiliary services including Academic Advising, Admissions, Institutional Research, International Education and Services, Intensive English Program, Marketing and Communications, Registrar, Dean of Students (includes Behavioral Health and Accessibility Services and Student Conduct), Student Financial Services, and Student Life (includes University Bookstore, Campus Health Clinic, Campus Life and Event Services, Dining, Greek Life, Military and Veterans Services, New Student Programs, Recreation Services, Residence Life, Show Me Center and Textbook Rental). 

During her career at SEMO, Below has modernized new student recruitment and spearheaded numerous efforts to strengthen student retention and graduation rates. Most recently, she has led the University’s first brand launch, co-chaired development of the University’s most current Strategic Action Plan and developed a Strategic Enrollment Plan endorsed by SEMO’s Board of Governors last summer. In addition, Below has mentored and guided hundreds of students to transform their lives by pursuing and earning a college degree. She has been a leader and advocate for the power of post-secondary education in the state of Missouri and has worked to promote the long-term benefits of a college degree.

“I have valued Debbie’s counsel and appreciate the hours and effort she has put into helping us succeed,” said SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas. “I think of Debbie not only as a professional colleague but as a trusted friend. I have not met before anybody with a sense of institutional commitment and work ethic as profound and strong as Debbie’s. SEMO is losing an irreplaceable individual."