Susan Metz Chilcott, died on Christmas morning 2023, in Falls Church, VA, at the age of 80, ending a life characterized by professional achievement, volunteer service and devoted relationships with family members and friends. She lived in Alexandria, VA, where she and her husband, Ron (deceased August 2023), and moved in 2000 when she became Vice President for Communications at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), from which she retired in 2018.

Susan earned a BA from Midland Lutheran College (now Midland University) in Fremont, NE, followed by a MA in Communications from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Susan and Ron met while she lived in Fremont.

Susan pursued her commitment to equal access to higher education through several positions, most notably at the University of Northern Iowa for 22 years where she was Director of Public Relations for 13 years moving to the national platform of AASCU.

The advancement of women also was a long-term focus Susan pursued through mentoring others and leadership posts in such organizations as Women in Communications, Inc. (WICI) where she served as a national Board member for six years, including two as President of the then 12,000 member organization.

Susan's achievements were lauded by numerous groups, including 19 consecutive years of recognition for excellence by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), which also honored her with its Distinguished Service Award; two WICI Distinguished Service Awards; the Governor's Volunteer of Iowa Award; two Iowa Main Street Volunteer of the Year Awards; and appointment to the prestigious Higher Education Roundtable.

Susan was born Susan Ann Metz, April 13, 1943, in Sioux City, IA, to parents Norma Francis Andersen and Lucien D. Metz, who separated during her childhood. She remained with her mother, who died in 1961, when Susan was a senior in high school.

Over the years Susan and Ron shared their homes with a succession of beloved cats. She enjoyed traveling for both work and pleasure and adored all things Christmas.

Susan is survived by her cousins, Richard Kai and JoAnn Cox, their families and many devoted friends. A CELEBRATION OF LIFE is being planned.

Donations in Susan's honor may be made to Best Friends Animal Society, Ms. Foundation for Women or Midland University.

Published by Omaha World-Herald on Feb. 8, 2024.