Open to opportunities

Chantel Merchen

@chantelmerchen

I an an experienced organizational leader that leads student success programs that improve retention, access, and academic support.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead student-success initiatives where I can build accessible support programs, develop teams, strengthen retention, and collaborate across campus or community partners to turn complex policy into meaningful outcomes.

At Chadron State College, I lead six units spanning Academic Advising, Career Services, TRIO/Strive, Disability Services, student leadership, tutoring, and the library to strengthen academic success and retention.

I've founded Emerging Eagle Leaders, created and assessed the First Year Experience course, launched the inaugural Eagle Success Summit, and teach academic recovery and student-success workshops. I partner with deans, the Registrar, and Institutional Research to streamline student-facing processes and translate policy into accessible support.

Before higher education leadership, I managed Title IV financial aid processes and Medicaid eligibility work, combining regulatory compliance, data-driven process improvement, and hands-on service to students, families, and communities.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Director-Office of Academic Success

Current

Chadron State College

May 2022 - Present (4 years 3 months)

Direct strategic leadership for six campus units supporting academic success and retention, including Academic Advising, Career Services, TRIO/Strive, Disability Services, Student Leadership Programs, the Learning Lab and Tutoring Center, and Reta King Library. Founded Emerging Eagle Leaders, a student leadership program, and proposed, created, and assessed the First Year Experience course.

Leadership Strategic Planning Student Success Academic Advising Career Services Program Development Assessments Workshop Facilitation Supervision Training Evaluation Peer Mentoring Retention Institutional Research Committee Leadership

Financial Aid Specialist

Chadron State College

Nov 2019 - May 2022 (2 years 6 months)

Processed financial aid awards in compliance with federal Title IV regulations.
Managed full FAFSA processing cycle.
Developed eForms and web-based selfservice tools to streamline student access to financial aid resources.
Collaborated cross-departmentally to improve new student onboarding processes.
Advised prospective and current students on financial aid and award
eligibility eligibility.

Excel Microsoft Office Peoplesoft PeopleTools

Social Services Worker (Medicaid Division)

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Sep 2014 - Sep 2019 (5 years)

Determined Medicaid eligibility for children, families, and state wards in accordance with federal and state regulations. Maintained a specialized caseload for youth in subsidized adoption and guardianship programs, requiring detailed knowledge of program-specific eligibility rules.

Medicaid Eligibility Case Management Policy Compliance Interviewing Peer Training Process Improvement Data Accuracy