Dr. Scott J. and Michelle A. Mertes Always a Warrior Scholarship

In December 2021, the Dr. Scott J. and Michelle A. Mertes Always a Warrior Scholarship was established with the Winona State University Foundation. The scholarship will benefit and encourage students who participate in campus or community activities.

Criteria:
• Undergraduate junior or senior students enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits per semester
• Involved in campus or community activities or organizations
• G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher
• Financial need based on related essay question(s)

Background and Motivation
Dr. Mertes is originally from Geneva, Illinois, and currently serves as Vice President of Academic Affairs & Community Outreach at Mid Michigan College. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Winona State University (WSU) in 1994 in Psychology. He also earned his master’s degree from the University of Iowa, and his Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska. Dr. Mertes held adjunct faculty appointments at Walden University and Central Michigan University, and was a Peer Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. He is a frequent presenter at local, state, and national conferences and has published multiple journal articles on issues related to the retention of community college students. Additionally, he is active in his community, serving on a variety of Advisory Boards including Art Reach, Michigan Center for Student Success, the Alden B. Dow Museum, Epicenter, Isabella County 2020 Census, Clare Area Chamber of Commerce, the Midland District School Improvement Committee, and the Alumni Society Board of Directors for WSU.

Michelle Mertes is originally from Princeton, Minnesota. She earned her bachelor’s degree from WSU in 1995 in Legal Studies. Michelle currently works as a Manager in Litigation Finance & Operations at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan, her employer since 2002. Michelle currently serves on WSU’s Alumni Advisory Board. Michelle has held prior officer and district positions with local Toastmaster clubs, and has held a prior chair position with the PTO.

Scott and Michelle met in 1993 while enrolled at WSU and were married in 1996. They have a daughter named Emma and currently live in Midland, MI. They enjoy volunteering regularly in their community.

This scholarship was created because Scott and Michelle are passionate about WSU and they enjoy visiting and staying connected to the university. Completing their academic degrees at WSU was not only a big accomplishment, but it set them up for success right from the start. They know firsthand the value of education and understand the challenge of having to finance one’s own education.