Savannah Geaghan of Burke, S.D., is a senior majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education.
Savannah Geaghan of Burke, S.D., has been named Wayne State College’s TRIO Student of the Month for November.
Geaghan is a senior majoring in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Special Education at Wayne State.
“I chose to attend Wayne State College because I wanted to experience college and have some independence while still being close enough to home,” said Geaghan. “Wayne State was far enough away that I could grow on my own, but close enough that I could still visit family when I wanted. I also liked the smaller campus and close-knit community, along with the Elementary Education program. Looking back, I am thankful for all the opportunities, friendships, and experiences Wayne State has given me.”
Geaghan is involved with Wayne State’s TRIO Student Support Services Program, which she says has helped her tremendously with her college experience.
“Wayne State’s TRIO program has had a huge impact on my college experience,” said Geaghan. “It helped me get started and navigate college as a first-generation student when I didn't always know where to turn or what questions to ask. Over the years, I have built close relationships with the TRIO staff, and they have become people I can go to for support, advice, and encouragement.”
“TRIO also allowed me to grow as a leader through my time as a Peer Mentor, where I was able to help other students going through similar experiences,” added Geaghan. “TRIO has made college feel less overwhelming, and it has helped me feel like I have a place and people in my corner.”
Geaghan’s work and commitment haven’t gone unnoticed.
“Savannah is so deserving of being our November TRIO Student of the Month,” said Dr. Nalee Moua, a learning skills specialist with the TRIO Program. “She has earned a place on the Dean’s List every semester, a reflection of her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to her education. But what makes Savannah special goes beyond her academic achievements. As a former TRIO Peer Mentor, she played an important role in supporting other students and helping create the welcoming, encouraging community that TRIO is all about.”
“While TRIO has been fortunate to support Savannah along the way, she has given just as much back through her involvement, encouragement of others, and the connections she has built within our program,” continued Moua. “Savannah represents so much of what TRIO is about – recognizing potential, overcoming obstacles, persevering through challenges, and helping students realize what they can achieve. I am incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of her journey.”
Geaghan, who is scheduled to graduate in May 2027, intends to teach for a few years after graduation and then pursue a master’s degree. She is the daughter of Bryan and Nancy Geaghan.
“My biggest influences have been my family, especially my grandma, and the teachers I have had throughout my life,” said Geaghan. “My grandma was an educator, and seeing the impact she had on students helped inspire my own interest in teaching. I have also had several teachers who made a lasting impression on me and showed me what it means to be a caring, supportive educator.”
“My parents have also been a huge influence by always supporting and encouraging me throughout college, even when they didn't necessarily know what the college experience looked like themselves,” continued Geaghan. “They have always believed in me and pushed me to keep going. All these people have helped shape the person I’ve become and the kind of teacher I hope to become.”
Geaghan is also a member of the Theta Eta Sigma (TES) TRIO Scholars Honor Society at Wayne State. It was established for Wayne State students participating in the TRIO Student Support Services Program. Its purpose is to recognize academic excellence, to promote continued academic achievement, and to provide service to the campus and community.
At Wayne State, Geaghan is active in the Christian Student Fellowship campus ministry, women’s rugby, and the Philomathean President’s Honor Society – a group that consists of Wayne State's most distinguished students to be the trusted keepers of tradition, instigators of thought, catalysts of student camaraderie, and strong supporters of the intellectual enterprise of Wayne State.
Wayne State College, a leading, public four-year college in Northeast Nebraska, is a proud member of the Nebraska State College System.
About TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services is a federally funded outreach and student services program administered by the U.S. Department of Education to help first-generation college students, students who meet income guidelines, and individuals with disabilities progress through their academic journeys. It was originally created through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and the Higher Education Act of 1965.
At Wayne State College, TRIO Student Support Services works with 225 students and has a robust waiting list. Led by Dr. Liesel Mrsny, the TRIO Program offers academic coaching, community building, intensive advising, peer mentoring and much more. TRIO provides these services to students free of charge through a five-year federal grant. TRIO plays a vital role in increasing retention and graduation rates for students facing socioeconomic barriers.