Grayson College Welcomes Alison Soeder as Director of Strategic Planning and Assessment

Grayson College is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Soeder as the new Director of Strategic Planning and Assessment. Soeder brings a strong background in higher education assessment, accreditation, and strategic planning—along with a passion for advancing student success in rural communities.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from East Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in International Management Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a focus on Rural Higher Education at West Texas A&M University, with an expected graduation in December 2025.

Prior to joining Grayson College, Soeder served as the Director of Institutional Effectiveness at East Texas A&M University, where she led the institution’s 2024 SACSCOC Reaffirmation of Accreditation process. Her leadership included writing principle responses, editing narrative submissions, coordinating on-site and off-site reviews, and working directly with the SACSCOC Vice President to address accreditation concerns.

Earlier in her career, she served as an Assessment Specialist, overseeing the integration of assessment software, delivering user training, and supporting reporting for institutional, state, and federal compliance.

“Alison Soeder’s deep understanding of strategic planning, assessment processes, and compliance requirements makes her an outstanding addition to Grayson College,” said Dr. Jeremy McMillen, Grayson College President. “Her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that we continue to meet and exceed institutional and regulatory expectations while advancing our commitment to student success.”

Soeder’s expertise in data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement will play a critical role in supporting Grayson College’s strategic goals. Her commitment to expanding access to higher education aligns closely with the College’s mission of fostering student achievement and community advancement.