Southeast Community College

Admissions

TRiO Programs - UB

Meet the TRiO Upward Bound Staff

	Rebecca Czaja-Stevens, Director of TRIO Programs rstevens@southeast.edu 402)-228-3468x1361 or 1-800-233-5027x1361 Welcome to TRIO Programs! My endeavors with the TRIO program began when I was a freshman at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I joined the Student Support Services program there and I have been hooked on TRIO ever since. The TRIO program helped me in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in social work and inspired me to pursuer a Masters degree as well. In my spare time I enjoy running, biking, reading and spending time with my husband, Paul. The following quote sums up my appreciation of TRIO: “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” – Booker T. Washington

	Jill Rice, Upward Bound Assistant Director jrice@southeast.edu (402)-228-3468x1405 or 1-800-233-5027x1405 Hello! I am the Assistant Director for the Upward Bound program. I have been with Upward Bound since November of 2003. This program and the students have a special place in my heart because I, and my parents, could have qualified for the program and benefited from the multiple services Upward Bound offers. I grew up in a small town in southeast Nebraska, graduated from college with a BA in Psychology, and obtained my MA in Counseling. I feel everyone deserves equal opportunities to pursue their future dreams. My goal is to help all participants make their dreams a reality! One of my favorite personal quotes is: "Make each day your masterpiece." - John Wooden. The quote I love to share with others in this program is: "The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are." - J. Pierpont Morgan. I wish all the desire and determination to pursue their dreams! Upward Bound is a great place to get started in doing just that!

	Melissa Decker, Educational Specialist mdecker@southeast.edu (402)-228-3468x1406 or 1-800-233-5027x1406 Hi, I am the Educational Specialist for Upward Bound. I have been working with Upward Bound since February 2004. I received a degree in Business Education from Peru State College and have slowly been working on a Masters Degree. I have been working with high school students for 14 years and have enjoyed every minute. I have found this age group is incredibly enlightening and have so much to offer. I am a tried and true Soccer Mom; enjoying all of my children’s activities. also enjoy scrap booking, decorating and shopping.

	Kandice Jurgens, TRIO Programs Office Assistant kjurgens@southeast.edu (402)-228-3468x1362 or 1-800-233-5027x1362 I am the TRIO Programs Office Assistant based on the Beatrice Campus, but my duties don’t stop there. I assist staff on all three campuses with the various mailings you receive and general office work. I am very familiar with what a community college has to offer, I graduated with an Associates Degree from ACCC in Iola, KS and then transferred to Northwest Missouri State. My husband and I live on a farm southwest of Odell with our two children, who I am very proud of. My life revolves around my children, you will usually find me chauffeuring my kids to dance, gymnastics, wrestling and the many-many other activities they are involved in. As you get to know me you will find I am a huge Husker fan. In my spare time (which is very seldom) I enjoy playing volleyball, gardening, scrapbooking, coaching my kids, and attending Husker games. I hope all of you enjoy your experience with TRIO!

For more information contact our TRiO Upward Bound representatives:

TRIO/SSS Beatrice:
Rebecca Czaja-Stevens, MSW, Director rstevens@southeast.edu
Jill Rice, LMHP Assistant Director jrice@southeast.edu
Melissa Decker, Educational Specialist mdecker@southeast.edu
Kandice Jurgens, Office Assistant kjurgens@southeast.edu

Hoover Hall West Wing
4771 West Scott Rd, Beatrice NE 68310
1-800-233-5027 Ext. 1361, 1228 or 1362