°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û

Peggy Whaley is the Director of Student Engagement and Success at °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û. 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 °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û 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 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 °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û, 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.

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 °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û. 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 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.

Jordan Garner is a professional advisor and success coach in the Center for Student Engagement and Success. Jordan received his B.S. in Business Management in 2021 and his M.A. in Postsecondary Education in 2023 from °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û. Jordan has previously worked in Career Services at °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û and is passionate about helping students grow and succeed in their time as a Racer and beyond.

Carmen Barton is a professional advisor in the Center for Student Engagement and Success. Carmen has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Central Methodist University, a Master's degree in School Counseling, and a Master's degree in Educational Administration, both from Missouri Baptist University. Carmen is a 30 year educator from Missouri that has served as a teacher, school counselor, and school administrator. Carmen also worked with high school seniors as a college and career advisor. Carmen and her husband have relocated to Murray after spending a lot of time in the community while their daughter was a student at °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û. She enjoys spending time at the lake, reading, and sleepovers with her grandchildren. Carmen enjoys working with the students of Murray State to help them be successful in achieving their goals.

Heather Claiborne is a professional advisor in the Center for Student Engagement and Success. Heather received her M.S. in Human Development and Leadership (2015) and a B.S. in Elementary Education (2010) from °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û. Heather has worked in various capacities at the University over the past 12 years, including working for the Elementary Education Undergraduate Advising Center as an assistant advisor, the Education Abroad Office as an advisor, and the Racer Campus Ministry student organization as a campus missionary. Heather has had a desire to serve university students ever since she was a student herself, and she has a passion to help students successfully navigate their journey while they are at Murray State and beyond. In her spare time, Heather enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and son and helping people through her life coaching business.

Josh Williams is the coordinator for Veteran and Military Student Success. Josh has a Bachelor's in Integrated Studies, Math and Psychology, from °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û. He is an Army veteran and enjoys working with other veterans and their dependents to help them realize and achieve their goals and connect them with valuable resources. In his spare time, he enjoys playing video games with his kids, traveling, and volunteering in the community, most recently as pistol instructor for 4-H of Calloway County.

Colleen Anderson is the School Certifying Official (SCO) for °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û. As the SCO, she submits enrollment certification to the Department of Veteran Affairs for all students using Veteran Affairs benefits. Ms. Anderson received her B.S. in Physical Education (1986) and her M.S. in Human Development & Leadership (2017), both from °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û. Colleen is originally from Ridgway, Illinois and enjoys reading, playing games, watching movies, and working outside. 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!