Dr. Esther Perález has accepted the position of vice president for student affairs at Missouri Western State University. She will begin her duties Jan. 4.

As vice president for student affairs, a new position at Western, Dr. Perález will oversee residential life and services, student development and student services and retention. For the last several years, Missouri Western's provost has overseen both academic and student affairs.

Dr. Perález has more than 20 years of administrative experience in student affairs at a number of institutions of higher education, including 11 years as a dean or vice president. Most recently, she served as vice president for student affairs at the City College of New York, where she managed a $3 million budget and supervised more than 40 professionals.

Prior to CCNY, Dr. Perález was at Metropolitan State University, serving first as dean of students and university advising, then as vice president for student affairs. She also served in several administrative positions at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Perález received her bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont., her master's of science degree in reading from Eastern Montana College in Billings and her doctorate in educational administration from the University of Minnesota.