CHADRON – Chadron State College student Mekenna Fisher of Hershey, Nebraska, placed in the top 10 in two categories at the national Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) conference May 31-June 2 in Dallas. She placed second in Impromptu Speaking and eighth in Job Interview.

Abigail Russell of Hay Springs, Nebraska, competed in Principles of Finance but experienced computer issues and did not finish in the top 10.

Dr. Nic Fisher, an assistant business professor and adviser for FBLA, said he was impressed with the CSC students.

Mekenna Fisher, no relation to Nic Fisher, will graduate in May 2026. She said it was an honor to compete alongside so many other talented college students.

“I'm very thankful for the experience and for the feedback that will let me improve the skills I'll need in a professional setting,” she said.

She plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to earn a master's in animal science and would like to continue public speaking and advocating for the agriculture industry.

Nic Fisher said he and Dr. Gary Dusek, who are chapter advisers, plan for the students to focus on service and fundraising during the 2025-26 year. Fisher said CSC students have had a lot of success at the national level in the past few years, and he hopes several will qualify for nationals again next year.

Merchen selected for AASCU's Emerging Leader Program

WASHINGTON – Chantel Merchen, Director of the Office of Academic Success at Chadron State College, has been selected by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) for its 2025-26 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). This year’s cohort of 37 academic and administrative professionals is the largest in the program’s 10-year history.

According to a press release from AASCU, ELP has helped talented higher education professionals gain the skill set and mindset needed to advance to higher-level administrative positions in academe. ELP combines in-person and virtual programming that cultivates a comprehensive understanding of important issues, including effective communication, project management, navigating and leading change, and defining a leadership philosophy.

Merchen said she is honored to be selected for the opportunity.

“I’ve heard such positive things about the AASCU leadership programs, and to be chosen as one of this year’s participants is truly humbling. It’s an experience I’ve looked forward to, and I’m thrilled to represent CSC in this capacity,” Merchen said.

The intensive, in-person component of ELP will take place in Washington, D.C., June 24–26. Throughout the year, participants will participate in interactive online sessions. In addition, cohort members will lead a project or initiative at their home campuses under the guidance of a mentor and with support from a project advisor from the AASCU community.

Merchen said she hopes to connect with professionals in similar student success roles at other colleges and universities, learn from their successes, and bring innovative ideas back to CSC.

“I plan to focus intentionally on strategies that support student success—both inside and outside the classroom—and look forward to building a strong network of peers who share the same mission,” she said.

ELP also encourages peer-to-peer learning. Participants are provided formal and informal ways to build intentional connections with each other, as well as with their advisors, mentors, ELP faculty, and the AASCU community at large.

Merchen said being selected for the program has already energized her with new ideas and confidence regarding what’s possible for CSC students.

“I’m especially passionate about helping others grow into leadership roles, and I see this as a chance to learn how to better support my colleagues at CSC who are also committed to student success. Ultimately, I want to use this experience to uplift both our students and the team members who serve them,” Merchen said.

Kristin G. Esterberg, chancellor of the University of Washington Bothell and ELP executive sponsor, said ELP is more than a leadership development opportunity.

“It’s an investment in the future of higher education. We are proud to support our emerging leaders as they grow their skills, expand their networks, and prepare to shape the future of student success and institutional excellence,” Esterberg said.