Hometown: Antioch, Illinois
Major: Criminology & Criminal Justice
Future Plans: Continue working with military and veteran personnel

Chantel Gsell says she enjoys how much the University of Illinois of Springfield cares about military-connected students. She served in the U.S. Navy as an interior communications electrician from 2014-2018. “Being a veteran and moving a lot I have been to four different colleges. UIS is the only university that has hosted events to honor military and veteran students. UIS has its own office dedicated to helping military-connected students along with having a club where they can have a sense of belonging,” she said. Gsell serves as the president of the UIS Military and Veterans Club and works for the UIS Military and Veteran Student Services Office through the Veteran Affairs Work Study Program. When asked why she chose UIS she said, “(UIS has a) great reputation for diversity and being a first-generation American, I felt like UIS would be a great fit for me.” Following graduation from UIS, she plans to continue working with military and veteran personnel.

Leadership is lived at UIS. Every Day.