Admissions staff eager to meet prospective students
CHADRON – With new leadership and realigned responsibilities, Chadron State College’s Admissions team is preparing to connect with students in more personal and meaningful ways. Dr. Derry Ebert, vice president for enrollment management, said the changes are designed to better serve prospective students across western Nebraska and beyond.
“Our Admissions team will connect more with western Nebraska and spend time at high schools,” Ebert said. “That may be at a college fair, a high school football or basketball game, or a high school theatre performance. Wherever we can find a way to serve our schools and connect with prospective students, we will be there. We want to share why we feel CSC is a great place to begin a new journey.”
Among the counselors focused on high school students is Carlie McPeak of Dunning, Nebraska, a CSC alum with a degree in sports and recreation management. Raised on a ranch with a graduating class of only six, McPeak said she values CSC’s small class sizes and personal connections.
“I’m excited to get to know students as they take their next steps in education,” she said.
Jackson Leuenberger of Cook, Nebraska, also a CSC graduate, majored in rangeland management with an option in livestock management. While on campus, he helped launch three student clubs and said he appreciates CSC’s welcoming community.
“College is a great time to make both personal and professional connections,” he said.
Mackenzie “Kennie” Gabel of Gering, Nebraska, earned a communications degree with a minor in journalism. As a former CSC cheerleader, she said she sees the campus as more than a place to earn a degree.
“We strive to make CSC a place for everyone to call home,” Gabel said.
Sandra Arlt of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, will work with students interested in transferring. Arlt has degrees from Western Nebraska Community College and CSC in social work and psychological sciences. As a first-generation student, she said she knows the value of a supportive campus community.
“I’m excited to meet students and support them on their journey to CSC,” she said.
Erin Orn will focus on recruiting athletes. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in sociology and criminology of law. She said she loves the campus size and welcoming community.
“Come visit campus and take advantage of the close-knit community,” Orn said. “Get involved, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Sam McKinley of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a CSC alum who will focus on graduate students and helping students interested in RHOP, RLOP and RBLI. He is a former CSC football player and coaching assistant. He said the genuine, welcoming spirit of campus is valuable.
“The smaller class sizes create more meaningful connections with staff and other students,” he said.
Gabi Perez-Patterson of Sioux City, Iowa, is a bilingual CSC alum who majored in family and consumer sciences with a minor in exercise science, who will work with adult students. She said the community makes the college unique.
“Whether it’s on campus or out in the community, the people of Chadron are welcoming and friendly,” she said.
Perez-Patterson encourages students to visit campus, either in person or virtually, to see what CSC offers.
Courtney Bremer is returning in her role as Campus Visit Coordinator.
The 2025-26 admissions team reflects a strong CSC alumni presence, regional roots, and commitment to personal connections. These are values Ebert said will remain at the center of CSC’s recruiting efforts. Students interested in planning a campus visit or applying for admission, should visit the Admissions page at csc.edu/admissions.
Category: Campus News