December 11, 2024
Bender selected as inaugural director of student retention and persistence
After a national search, Shana Bender has been named the inaugural director of student retention and persistence, effective Jan. 5, 2025. With 18 years of experience in student success across K-12 and higher education, Bender brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of fostering inclusive and effective support systems for students.
"We are thrilled to welcome Shana to this new role where she is poised to leverage both her experience and enthusiasm in collaboration with campus partners to help K-State reach our next-gen retention and graduation goals," said Bill Watts, associate vice president for academic and career engagement.
Bender most recently served as the assistant director of the Academic Success Center in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering at Kansas State University. Prior to her tenure in the college, Bender served as an academic coach in the Academic Achievement Center. Prior to K-State, Bender worked as a special education educator in USD 383 and Chicago Public Schools, where she designed and evaluated instructional plans, supervised paraprofessionals and provided differentiated instruction to students with diverse needs. Her comprehensive approach to student development aligns with K-State's mission of fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
"I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve K-State students, faculty and staff in this role. So many of us working at K-State feel deeply passionate about getting students to the finish line," said Bender. "I look forward to bringing these partners together and working intentionally to reduce barriers and strengthen students' commitments to their learning and successes."
As the director of student retention and persistence, Bender will collaborate with leaders across the Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs, academic colleges, and campus partners to enhance support for at-promise students, utilize actionable data to inform targeted support and outreach strategies, and continue to build a cohesive, cross-functional team dedicated to student success and retention.
Bender's appointment underscores the university's commitment to innovative student success initiatives and a supportive campus culture.