Title III Program Director
Email: cartersu@nsula.edu
Office: (318) 357-4359
Watson Memorial Library, Suite112L
Natchitoches, LA 71497

Hello! I am Susan Carter, the Program Director for Elevate-U! I am a proud alumnus of NSU, having earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, two Master’s Degrees – one in School Counseling and one in Educational Technology Leadership – as well as the state certification for Educational Leadership.  My goal with Elevate-U is to develop programs that positively transform the undergraduate experience of NSU students.  I am excited about the opportunities Elevate-U provides for students to engage in Living Learning Communities and peer mentorship activities, as well as to earn certifications in the Rise to Leadership Program.  It is such an honor to be able to give back to NSU and the Natchitoches community in this leadership capacity.

Coordinator of Student Engagement
Email: melderch@nsula.edu
Office: (318) 357-4558
Watson Memorial Library, Office 215G
Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497

Hi! I am Charidy Melder, Coordinator of Student Engagement for the Elevate-U program. My husband and I are both graduates of NSU and our daughter is currently in her second year. We are in the process of relocating from Lake Charles, LA where I worked as a Professional High School Counselor for almost 20 years. I have a National Certification in Counseling and my passion is assisting and supporting students in any capacity necessary for them to be successful. I am proud to have an opportunity to return to the place where my career began and serve Northwestern State University and its students in this exciting new role.

Advising Services Program Manager
Email: martineze@nsula.edu
Office: (318) 357-6488
Watson Memorial Library, Office 112H
Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497

Hi! My name is Edgar Martinez, and I serve as the Advising Services Program Manager for the Elevate-U program. I am a proud graduate of the National University of Mexico, Missouri State University, and the University of Missouri. Before joining NSU, I worked as a Spanish instructor at LSU for five years and Southern University in Baton Rouge for one year. My passion for serving students brought me to NSU, and I am honored to be part of this initiative, which focuses on enhancing academic advising and support while improving first- and second-year experiences for students.