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Peggy Whaley is the Director of Student Engagement and Success at Murray State University. 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 Murray State University 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 Murray State University, 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 Murray State University. 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 Murray State University. Jordan has previously worked in Career Services at Murray State University 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 Murray State University. 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 Murray State University. 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.

Marshall is a U.S. Army and Special Operations veteran. Following more than two decades in military and federal service he embarked on a new academic mission which resulted in the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in organizational management and a Master’s Degree in social work. Marshall’s end goal since leaving government service has been to continue serving the military and veteran communities. Marshall is a parent of four sons. Three of them are military-affiliated and continue a proud tradition of service to this fine nation. Marshall is married to an MSU alumnus, a local business owner, and a highly regarded artist.

Colleen Anderson is the School Certifying Official (SCO) for Murray State University. As the SCO, she submits enrollment certification to the Department of Veteran Affairs for all students using Veteran Affairs benefits. These benefits include: Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill), Chapter 30 (Active Duty GI Bill), MGIB Selected Reserve (1606), Chapter 35 (Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program) and Fry Scholarship. Ms. Anderson received her B.S. in Physical Education (1986) and her M.S. in Human Development & Leadership (2017), both from Murray State University. Colleen is originally from Ridgway, Illinois and enjoys reading, playing games, watching movies, and working outside. She is a widow with three children and three grandchildren. She was a Camp Director for 23 years before coming to Murray State University in 2009. Every October, she becomes someone different when she portrays different characters at Talon Falls Scream Park! Her favorite thing about the VMSS is the people and assisting with benefits and education! 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!