Contact Project Strive
Jennifer Schaer
Director of Project Strive/TRIO
As a proud first-generation student from Gordon, NE, it is an honor to be the Director of Project Strive/TRIO. Raised on a farm/ranch operation, I graduated from Chadron State College with my undergraduate degree in Physical Education (K-12) in May 1997 and with my master's in education in May 2002. I spent 12 years on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation as a teacher, coach & athletic director. In June of 2012, I returned to Chadron State in the role I currently have. Strive/TRIO has seen many changes over the years, from relocating to the library, to watching hundreds of Strive students walk across the stage to get their diplomas. I love supporting, assisting, & serving students as they pursue their academic dreams. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, home improvement projects, and hanging out with my cats. Stop in any time; my door is always open.
Phone Number: (308) 432-6069
Email: jschaer@csc.edu
Office: Library Learning Commons 112
Mailing Address: 1000 Main St.
Sonja Dressel
Licensed Student Counselor
I am a licensed student counselor with 21 years of experience in the field; I am passionate about supporting students through their academic and personal journeys. I specialize in providing a safe and confidential space for students to explore and navigate various mental health challenges. My approach is client-centered, holistic, and collaborative, drawing from evidence-based practices, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. I am committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive campus community by offering individual counseling, workshops, and outreach programs aimed at promoting mental wellness and resilience. I understand the unique challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds and tailor therapeutic approaches to meet your needs. Whether you’re facing academic pressures, adjusting to college life, or seeking personal growth, I am here to help you thrive academically and personally.
Phone Number: (308) 432-6242
Email: sdressel@csc.edu
Office: Library Learning Commons 112
Mailing Address: 1000 Main St.
Elise Oetken
Student Navigator Specialist
Originally from Kansas City, I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in August 2022 with a degree in Biological Systems Engineering. I moved to Chadron in December 2023 to work at Chadron State College as the Student Activities Coordinator and found I love working in higher education. I appreciate the strong community in Chadron and the beauty of our part of Western Nebraska. I am excited to join the Project Strive/TRIO team and support our students through academic advising, professional development workshops, and fun activities. My approach is that you are a person first (take care of your mental health, do the things you love), a student next (prioritize your academics, earn your degree), and all other commitments like work, clubs, and sports are secondary to those. In my free time, you can find me in my hammock, watching the Chiefs or Huskers play football, golfing with my husband, or taking my cats on walks. I love making coffee, so please stop by and share in my caffeine addiction! My door is always open.
Phone Number: (308) 432-6033
Email: eoetken@csc.edu
Office: Library Learning Commons 112
Mailing Address: 1000 Main St.