Abby Maresh
Associate Director of Admissions
Territory:
Hawaii
Personal Information:
Hometown: Central City, Nebraska
High school: Central City High School
College: University of South Dakota (B.A.) / Creighton University MBA '21 / Creighton University EdD - in progress
Major: Communication Studies, minor Mathematics
Hobbies: Running, hiking and walking my three dogs.
Fun fact about yourself: I participated in a semester-long exchange program in Hawaii.
Why do you think Creighton is special? Creighton fosters a unique and welcoming sense of community. With over 75% of our students coming from out of state, there’s a strong sense of investment in building connections and supporting one another. Our students are high-achieving and driven, yet collaborative—they’re pursuing ambitious goals like research, competitive internships and professional school, all of which are accessible right here on campus and within walking distance in Omaha.
Despite offering more than 140 academic programs, Creighton remains personal and student-focused. Faculty members truly care about getting to know their students, and you’ll feel that commitment to cura personalis—care for the whole person—throughout your experience.
Our location in Omaha adds even more value, with abundant internship opportunities, including four Fortune 500 companies headquartered within two miles of campus.
Do you have any special advice or tips for applicants? Don’t be afraid to ask questions - that’s what we’re here for! Our admissions team is excited to meet with you in-person or via Zoom throughout the year. Building a relationship with your admissions counselor early on makes the process feel more personal and less overwhelming. We can help you navigate everything from application deadlines to scholarship opportunities and even give insight into campus life. The more we get to know you, the better we can support you on your journey to Creighton!
What do you like about Omaha and what are your favorite secret spots? Omaha is an awesome place to live! With over a million people in the metro area, it has the energy and amenities of a big city, but it’s still easy to get around. Creighton’s location puts you right in the heart of it all—just a short walk from CHI Health Center, where you can catch Creighton basketball games, professional volleyball and concerts from artists like Olivia Rodrigo, the Jonas Brothers and Tate McRae.
One of my favorite spots in the city is the RiverFront, a beautifully revitalized area that includes Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing. It’s perfect for a walk or run, and there’s always something fun happening—think hammocks, fire pits, giant slides, food trucks and more.
And let’s talk about the food—Omaha does not disappoint! Ika has amazing ramen, Block 16 serves up unforgettable burgers and Coneflower Creamery is a must for ice cream lovers.
And while it might be the worst-kept secret, the Henry Doorly Zoo really is as incredible as people say—it’s ranked the #1 zoo in the country for a reason.