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Peggy Whaley is the Director of Student Engagement and Success at ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University. She leads institutional retention and student success efforts and initiatives. She also serves as the coordinator of first-year experiences and academic advising for the University. She received her M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership (1997) and B.S. in Agricultural Education (1995) from Colorado State University. Peggy has been a teacher, advisor, and advocate for students and their success for over 25 years both at ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University and at Colorado State University. Peggy, along with two of her ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State colleagues, received the Best Practices Award from the Consortium for Student Retention Data Exchange at the 2018 National Symposium on Student Retention in Salt Lake City, UT.

Jennifer Smith is the assistant director for the Center for Student Engagement and Success, serving as an advisor to undeclared students and assisting students with success goals, leading the Parent and Family Council, and the development and implementation of other retention initiatives. She also assists in Enrollment Management with communication initiatives. Jennifer received her B.S. in Plant and Soil Science (1996) from the University of Tennessee at Martin, working for the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, before transitioning to education in her local county school system. Jennifer has worked in the Office of Admissions, and the Office of Enrollment Management at ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University, and is dedicated to helping students find their passion, set goals, and achieve success in their future endeavors in her role with Student Engagement and Success.

Jordan Garner is the Student Success Coordinator for the Center for Student Engagement and Success. Jordan received his B.S. in Business Management in 2021, and will graduate with his M.A. in Postsecondary Education in 2023 from ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University. Jordan has previously worked in Career Services at ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University and is passionate about helping students grow and succeed in their time as a Racer and beyond.

Leanna McClure is the Coordinator for First-Year Academic Advising. Leanna received her M.S. in Organizational Communication (2012) and B.A. in Organizational Communication (2010) from ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University. Leanna has worked full-time at the University for over ten years, holding prior positions in the Office of Veteran and Military Student Success and Office of the Registrar, and part-time as an adjunct instructor. Leanna understands that the first-year sets the foundation for the college experience and is passionate about collaborating with University faculty and staff to ensure that students are provided with the holistic care, resources and intentional guidance they need to successfully advance during their studies and beyond.

Sarah Williams is a professional advisor in the Center for Student Engagement and Success. Sarah has a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and a Master's degree in Postsecondary Education Administration, both from ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State. She enjoys getting to know students and helping them solve whatever problems they come across, academic or otherwise. When she is not working, Sarah enjoys traveling and playing board/video games with her husband and kids.

Marshall is a U.S. Army and Special Operations veteran. Following more than two decades in military and federal service he embarked on a new academic mission which resulted in the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in organizational management and a Master’s Degree in social work. Marshall’s end goal since leaving government service has been to continue serving the military and veteran communities. Marshall is a parent of four sons. Three of them are military-affiliated and continue a proud tradition of service to this fine nation. Marshall is married to an MSU alumnus, a local business owner, and a highly regarded artist.

Colleen Anderson is the School Certifying Official (SCO) for ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University. As the SCO, she submits enrollment certification to the Department of Veteran Affairs for all students using Veteran Affairs benefits. These benefits include: Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill), Chapter 30 (Active Duty GI Bill), MGIB Selected Reserve (1606), Chapter 35 (Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program) and Fry Scholarship. Ms. Anderson received her B.S. in Physical Education (1986) and her M.S. in Human Development & Leadership (2017), both from ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University. Colleen is originally from Ridgway, Illinois and enjoys reading, playing games, watching movies, and working outside. She is a widow with three children and three grandchildren. She was a Camp Director for 23 years before coming to ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University in 2009. Every October, she becomes someone different when she portrays different characters at Talon Falls Scream Park! Her favorite thing about the VMSS is the people and assisting with benefits and education! For the past 13 years, she has worked at MSU in the Educational Studies, Leadership, and Counseling Department as an Administrative Assistant I, Career Services Department as an Administrative Assistance II, and now Veteran & Military Student Success. She enjoys donating her time giving back to the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä community in various ways, attending church events, travel and very proud to be a Racer!