Admissions staff eager to meet prospective students

A group of adults posing outside
91ÇÑ×Ó State College Admissions employees, July 2025. From left: Kennie Gable, Erin Orn, Sandra Arlt, Jack Leuenberger, Sam McKinley, Carlie Collier, Courtney Bremer, and Gabriela Perez-Patterson. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/91ÇÑ×Ó State College)

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CHADRON – With new leadership and realigned responsibilities, 91ÇÑ×Ó 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 91ÇÑ×Ó is a great place to begin a new journey.”

Among the counselors focused on high school students is Carlie McPeak of Dunning, Nebraska, a 91ÇÑ×Ó alum with a degree in sports and recreation management. Raised on a ranch with a graduating class of only six, McPeak said she values 91ÇÑ×Ó’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 91ÇÑ×Ó graduate, majored in rangeland management with an option in livestock management. While on campus, he helped launch three student clubs and said he appreciates 91ÇÑ×Ó’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 91ÇÑ×Ó cheerleader, she said she sees the campus as more than a place to earn a degree.

“We strive to make 91ÇÑ×Ó 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 91ÇÑ×Ó 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 91ÇÑ×Ó,” 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 91ÇÑ×Ó alum who will focus on graduate students and helping students interested in RHOP, RLOP and RBLI. He is a former 91ÇÑ×Ó 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 91ÇÑ×Ó 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 91ÇÑ×Ó are welcoming and friendly,” she said.

Perez-Patterson encourages students to visit campus, either in person or virtually, to see what 91ÇÑ×Ó offers.

Courtney Bremer is returning in her role as Campus Visit Coordinator.

The 2025-26 admissions team reflects a strong 91ÇÑ×Ó alumni presence, regional roots, and commitment to personal connections. These are values Ebert said will remain at the center of 91ÇÑ×Ó’s recruiting efforts. Students interested in planning a campus visit or applying for admission, should visit the Admissions page at csc.edu/admissions.

-Tena L. Cook

Category: Campus News