SSS Staff

Shirleena Terrell, MA

Director
402.280.3468
ShirleenaTerrell@creighton.edu

Shirleena serves as the Director for Student Support Services. Shirleena received her Bachelor's degree from Hampton University in Hampton, VA, where she studied Business Marketing. Shirleena's passion for education led her to Kipp Houston, where she taught in K-12 for five years. Upon obtaining her Master of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Affairs, Shirleena transitioned from K-12 environments to Higher Education. Shirleena has a passion for working with minoritized, marginalized, and underrepresented populations. Her passion for social justice and working with underrepresented populations led her to the University of Iowa, where she worked in Multicultural Affairs. Shirleena feels blessed to be a part of Creighton's TRIO family and advocate for first-gen, low-income, and persons with disabilities. Shirleena loves singing, dancing, and all things musical. On any given Sunday, you can find her singing at church with the choir or dancing with the liturgical praise dancers.

Melena Russell

Assistant Director of Academic Support and Retention
402.280.2165

Melena Russell serves as the Assistant Director for Academic Success and Retention within Creighton’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program. She is not new to TRIO, as she is a proud Upward Bound alumna. Melena earned both her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and her Master of Business Administration from Bellevue University. During her tenure at Bellevue, she supported undergraduate students as a Student Coach. Melena is passionate about higher education and is dedicated to encouraging, supporting, and inspiring students throughout their academic journeys. As a lifelong learner, Melena strives to help individuals reach their full potential. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with students from underrepresented backgrounds, and her hope is to empower these students and help them shine. Melena takes great pride in being part of the SSS team, embracing each day as a new opportunity to make a positive impact on their educational experiences.

Marcella Dial

Senior Coordinator
402.280.3007

Marcella Dial is an experienced academic professional dedicated to empowering first-generation college students. As the Senior TRIO Senior Coordinator for Creighton’s Student Success Services (SSS), she applies her extensive background in academic libraries and educational instruction to provide comprehensive support. Having been a first-generation college student herself, Marcella understands the unique challenges faced by students from underrepresented backgrounds. She is committed to guiding students through the complexities of higher education, from academic advising to personal development. With more than two decades of experience working with college students, Marcella brings both expertise and empathy to her role, helping students build confidence and reach their full potential. Marcella holds a Bachelor’s degree in Black Studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Master’s degree in Ethnic Studies and Multiculturalism from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Her academic training, combined with her practical experience, enables her to deliver personalized guidance and support to students of all backgrounds.