Engaged Learning
Dr. Mark Valenzuela
Associate Provost, Engaged Learning
Dr. Valenzeula came to Lindenwood in August 2021 to champion engaged learning on campus. Prior to LU, he taught at the University of Evansville as a faculty member and advisor in civil engineering for over 20 years. He taught abroad in England and accompanied students who worked with families building homes in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Mexico. As a registered professional engineer in the state of Indiana, he served as an expert witness in a case involving a structural collapse that left a worker paralyzed. Marka holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s degree and a PhD in Structural Engineering from Cornell University.
Mark is recently married to his husband Mike, and has a cat named Bob. He enjoys collecting old cameras and taking photos. He was born in the Philippines but grew up in Atlanta. Mark loves to travel and has lived in five different states (so far): Georgia, Tennessee, New York, Indiana, and Missouri.
Baylie Fowler
MSW Practicum Student, Center for Engaged Learning
As an alum of Lindenwood University, Baylie holds a BA in Psychology. She is currently pursuing an MSW through the University of Iowa with hopes of working in higher education or nonprofits after graduation. She has worked in a domestic violence shelter for three years. Baylie has two cats, loves coffee, and enjoys making clay earrings in her free time.
Career Services
Shannon Wright
Director, Career Services
Shannon started at Lindenwood as a Career Strategist in 2015 before moving into the role of Assistant Director and then Director of Career Services. Shannon has a Bachelor’s degree in History from Eastern Illinois University and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Human Resources at Lindenwood University. He has over 10 years’ experience in the Career Services field.
Shannon has two children, Holley and Henry. He loves being outside and working on his small family farm, finding new places to dine, and exploring the St. Louis region.
Alyx Stewart
Career Strategist
Alyx joined the career services team in October 2021. Prior to that, she worked at St. Charles Community College and Missouri State University. Alyx holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Diversity Studies, Sociology, and Child & Family Development; Undergraduate Certificate in Diversity in the United States from Missouri State University.
Alyx loves to read. She has a corgi and a calico. And, she thrives in cold, rainy weather!
First-Year Programs
Justin Barton
Director, First-Year Programs
The Director of First-Year Programs, Justin Barton, oversees the work of first year seminar (UNIV 101), Learning Communities, Family and Supporter Communication, Roar Cast Podcast, First Year Council, Sophomore Council, and First Gen Collegians. He provides leadership in the academic orientation of new students through New Student Orientation and training of Lion Leaders. He has nearly 20 years of experience in higher education. Justin has a B.S. Degree in Mass Communications/Public Relations from Southeast Missouri State University and an M.S.A in Marketing from Lindenwood University. Justin is a USA Certified Cheerleading Coach with over 25 years of experience in the sport, he resides in Bridgeton, MO with his wife Heather, two kids James and Natalie, and his dogs Moose and Addie.
