Online Programs Staff

Online Program Manager
Rehn Hall, 114A

Leslee Hammers began working in the Online Undergraduate Program in Spring 2017. She has a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Technologies and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Instructional Technology. Leslee was a non-traditional student for both of these degrees, working and attending school part-time. She had one daughter before she started working on her bachelor’s degree and another daughter before she finished. Leslee felt like she needed to obtain an education to be better able to stress the importance of a college education to her daughters.

Leslee has been interested in adult education, especially online education, since she began working on her bachelor’s degree. Having worked in different roles in the College of Business and Analytics since 2004, she is excited for the opportunity to utilize her education and years of institutional knowledge to assist students and faculty with online education.

Coordinator of Assessment and Online Graduate Programs
Rehn Hall, 133

Nicholas G. Hoffman, Academic Outreach and Career Specialist for Graduate Programs for the College of Business and Analytics, came to SIU from Rockford, Illinois. Formerly a Teaching Assistant for the College’s oM.B.A. program, he also brings his expertise in data management, evaluation and program development to expanding the College’s career services to graduate students, providing advisement to current M.B.A. graduate students, and overseeing the teaching assistantship experience for the online M.B.A. program. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Applied Psychology.

Michelle Johanson joined the College of Business and Analytics as an accountant in the Dean’s Office in 2015. She was promoted to business manager and is currently the online undergraduate program manager. Managing the online program is a perfect fit for Johanson. She has experience working with online programs in the College of Business and Analytics and in the Workforce Education and Development Off Campus Degree Program as a teaching assistant and a research assistant.

Johanson is a three degree Saluki. She earned her bachelor’s degree in finance, master’s degree with a major in workforce education and development focusing on instructional design and E-learning and a Master of Accountancy, all from SIU Carbondale.

Interim Director of Undergraduate Online Student Services
Rehn Hall, 129A

Ivan Vargas serves as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the College of Business and Analytics, where he leads initiatives focused on student success, retention, and expanding pathways into business education. Since joining SIU in 2019, he has supported students through roles in advising, admissions, and student life, and now directs the Saluki Opportunities Awareness Residency (SOAR) while assisting the Dean’s Student Advisory Board in executing impactful student-driven programming. Ivan holds bachelor’s degrees in finance, accounting, and criminology and criminal justice, and is currently pursuing a Master of Accountancy with plans to become a CPA. He is passionate about building a community where every student feels supported, empowered, and confident in their future.