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Peggy Whaley

Peggy Whaley

Director
Center for Student Engagement and Success

425 Wells Hall

Peggy Whaley is the Director of Student Engagement and Success at Murray State University. She leads institutional retention and student success efforts and initiatives. She also serves as the coordinator of the student success seminars and first-year experiences 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 15 years both at Murray State University and at Colorado State University. Peggy, along with two of her Murray 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

Jennifer Smith

Assistant Director
Center for Student Engagement and Success

425 Wells Hall

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 Murray 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

Jordan Garner

Student Success Coordinator
Center for Student Engagement and Success

425 Wells Hall

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 Murray State University. Jordan has previously worked in Career Services at Murray State University and is passionate about helping students grow and succeed in their time as a Racer and beyond.

Leanna McClure

Leanna McClure

Coordinator of First-Year Academic Advising
Student Engagement and Success

112 Lowry Center

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 Murray 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

Sarah Williams

Professional Advisor
Center for Student Engagement and Success

109 Lowry Center (2nd Floor)

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 Murray 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.

Ace Ebling

Ace Ebling

Advising and Tutoring Specialist
Center for Student Engagement and Success

G9 Lowry Center (1st Floor)

Ace Ebling is the advising and tutoring specialist for the Center for Student Engagement and Success. He leads the tutoring program and also assists in advising within the first-year academic advising program. Ace brings a wealth of experience working with students in housing as a resident director and resident advisor at Murray State. He is currently finishing his master's degree in postsecondary education and an academic advising certificate through the College of Education and Human Services.

Travis Plunkett

Travis Plunkett

Professional Advisor
Center for Student Engagement and Success

G11 Lowry Center (1st Floor)

Travis Plunkett is a professional advisor in the Center for Student Engagement and Success. Travis earned both a Bachelor's in Agricultural Science (2016) and a Master's in Postsecondary Education Administration (2018) from Murray State University. Travis plans to use his passion for Student Affairs to assist students in acclimating to life on a college campus and to provide support whenever needed. When not working, Travis enjoys spending time with his newborn daughter, spending time outdoors, and relaxing with video games.

Jillian Smith

Jillian Smith

Graduate Assistant
Division of Student Affairs / Center for Student Engagement and Success

425 Wells

Jillian Smith is a graduate assistant for Student Affairs. Jillian graduated in 2022 with a B.A in Political Science. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Mass Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. She is passionate about helping students navigate college life and ensuring they have a wonderful experience at Murray State. As an undergrad, Jillian worked at the Dean’s Office of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and was a staff writer at the Murray State News.

Marshall Hayes

Marshall Hayes

Coordinator
Veteran and Military Student Success

456 Blackburn Science Building

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

Colleen Anderson

SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIAL
Veteran and Military Student Success

456 Blackburn Science Building

Colleen Anderson is the School Certifying Official (SCO) for Murray 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 Murray 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 Murray 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 Murray community in various ways, attending church events, travel and very proud to be a Racer!

 

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