By Caley Marten, director, Columbia College of Missouri-Freeport
My name is Caley Marten and as the new director of Columbia College-Freeport. I am extremely fortunate to be given this opportunity to contribute to the Columbia College tradition. CC integrates the highest standards in education while ensuring that each and every student has the opportunity to excel personally and educationally.
After attaining a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling, I pursued a career in disability services in the higher-education setting. My previous position was the disability services coordinator for our partner school, Highland Community College. I have also been working for Columbia College for the last six years as a test proctor. I have a passion for assisting students reach their educational and career goals, and I’m very excited to step into this new position.
As a Freeport native, I look forward to continuing to cultivate Columbia College’s presence in the community and overseeing the day-to day operations of the Freeport location. I look forward to working with students and assisting them with their higher education goals. I feel very grateful to be a part of such a wonderful organization that is progressive and student centered.
I encourage all students to remember that it is important to check your CougarMail and CougarTrack on a regular basis. I don’t want you to miss any important communication. Also, don’t forget that many students qualify for financial assistance or scholarships. If you haven’t done so, consider applying for financial assistance.
As we transition into the summer, I look forward to meeting staff and students and leaning into this new role. I’ll end with a quote that sits on my desk, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us,” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. We’ve collectively been through a lot of transitions these past few years, but with resilience we can accomplish anything.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Columbia College-Freeport staff if we can be of any assistance with your educational needs. Thank you!
