By TENA L. COOK, MARKETING COORDINATOR
CHADRON, Neb. – A total of 169 Chadron State College employees participated in the inaugural Eagle Success Summit hosted on campus Aug. 29, according to committee co-chair and Director of the Office of Academic Success Chantel Merchen.
Merchen said the idea for the summit originated after she learned of a similar program at another college. When Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kimberly Paddock-O’Reilly asked Merchen and Dean of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht to co-chair a task force to improve communication and build relationships, the group saw the summit as an opportunity to try something new.
“As many know, you do not create sustainable change by doing what you have always done,” Merchen said. “You need to step out of your comfort zone, try something new, and get a team of amazing people around you, which is just what our committee did.”
The summit also served as Merchen’s capstone project for the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) through the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). She said her ELP cohort offered support throughout the planning process.
“We look forward to continuing this effort on campus, and we are still celebrating what a fun and engaging event we had,” Merchen said.
Survey results showed that 89 percent of participants were satisfied with the conference, and 84.6 percent said they were likely to attend again in the future. Additionally, the feedback provided suggestions for future improvements.
“CSC is committed to providing professional development relevant to the goals of the institution to our faculty and staff,” Paddock-O’Reilly said. “The feedback received will be used to help guide the planning process for next year.” Attendees praised the summit’s opportunities for networking and collaboration, as well as the quality of the keynote speakers.
A survey respondent noted the keynote speakers were knowledgeable and engaging, and that each session offered valuable learning. They also remarked that the event felt carefully planned and executed.
Keynote speaker Dr. Laurie Schreiner said she was impressed by the event’s energy and focus.
“It’s unusual for an institution to have everyone at an event like this focused on student success—so kudos for centering on the student experience,” Schreiner said. “The level of energy and engagement in the room, along with the clear commitment to students, was impressive.”
She also commended the collaborative planning behind the summit.
“Collaborative engagement is the hallmark of a thriving campus, and I witnessed a high level of it firsthand,” Schreiner said. “Congratulations on involving so many people and providing a rich experience that was accessible to all.”
In addition to Merchen and Helmbrecht, committee members included Daniel Binkard, Dr. Lorie Hunn, Kayla Junge, Dr. Mary Keithly, Amanda Medaries, Stacie Mittleider, Taylor Osmotherly, Chris Singpiel, and Kaylee Summers.