If you are interested in adding your name and information to the Mentor List fill out the Mentor List form.
If you would like your name to remain on the Mentor List, but are currently in a mentor relationship and not available at this time please fill out the Mentor Match - Not Available form.
If you would like to have your name removed from the Mentor List please fill out the Mentor Match - Remove from List form.
Name: Barb Bergman
Position: Media Services Librarian
Office or Department: Library Services
Number of Years at MSU: 10
Contact Preference: Phone, Email, in person
Email: barb.bergman@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5945
Professional Interests: Media literacy, use of videos in the classroom, copyright issues, etc.
Personal Information: I'm a native Minnesotan who has also lived in Iowa (grad school at U of Iowa) and Texas (first professional position). Community involvement through Zonta International (service club for professional women).
Additional Comments: I have the experience with the tenure process from the perspective of non-teaching faculty.
Name: Maria Bevacqua
Position: Associate Professor and Chair
Office or Department: Women's Studies
Number of Years at MSU: 8.5
Contact Preference: Email
Email: bevacqua@mnsu.edu
Name: Emily Boyd
Position: Assistant Professor, Sociology
Office or Department: Sociology and Corrections
Number of Years at MSU: 3
Contact Preference:
Email: emily.boyd@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-1375
Professional Interests: I teach social pyschology (from a sociological, interactionist perspective) sociology of the family, qualitative methods, foundations of sociology, and I\\\'m currently developing a media and consumption course. My research interests surround the social body--I have worked on adolescent eating disorders, cosmetic surgery, media portrayals of the body and transgender issues.
Personal Information: I am originally from Richmond, VA and lived in Florida for 7 years before moving to MN. I am married with one dog and enjoy outdoor activities, day trips to the cities and spending time with friends and family.
Additional Comments: I would love to help others transition into the MSU and Mankato environments
Name: Julie Carlson
Position: Professor in Educational Leadership and Experiential Education
Office or Department: Educational Leadership
Number of Years at MSU: 8
Contact Preference: Phone, Email, in person
Email: julie.carlson@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5441
Professional Interests: I'm interested in a lot of topics, but the main areas are: leadership efficacy, mentor relationships, experience-based learning, women's job-related issues, work-life balance, outdoor/environmental education, qualitative research, life history research
Personal Information: I moved to North Mankato in 2002 with my family, after living and working in education in Texas for nearly 20 years, so I know what it's like to relocate from a long way away (where it's warm). I had my own share of challenges in adjusting to MSU, and am especially interested in helping others make a smooth transition into the culture and climate here.
Additional Comments: I'm here to help if I can!
Name: Colleen Clarke
Position: Director Law Enforcement Program
Office or Department: Department of Government
Number of Years at MSU: 9
Contact Preference:
Email: colleen.clarke@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507 389 1377
Professional Interests: Terrorism and police training. Police Education methods and philosophies, race and criminal justice issues.
Personal Information: I am interested in bicycling, running and swimming. My next plan is to buy a motorcycle and cruise the US. Enjoy socializing over a glass of wine every few weeks with other women at the university. Am in my late 50s so if you are worried about age you might want to find a younger match.
Additional Comments: Would like to meet more women on campus for networking and friendship.
Name: Kellian Clink
Position: Library Faculty, Assoc. Prof rank
Office or Department: Memorial Library
Number of Years at MSU: 20
Contact Preference: Phone, Email, in person
Email: kellian.clink@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5152
Professional Interests: My web shows some of the research and service things I'm interested in: http://lib.mnsu.edu/about/staff/clink/clink.html
Personal Information: I come from Wyoming, love to travel. Last big trip was the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (Spain walking trip: old pilgrimage trail) Next big trip is the North Downs Trail (a.k.a. the Canterbury trail). I read like a fiend. Mostly fiction, some history. I kayak in the summer, snowshoe in the winter. Favorite place in MN is Temperance River State Park. DFL. member ACLU, American Hiking Club, MPR.
Additional Comments: I've been a mentor in the CETL program as long as it's been going and really enjoy it. The university's a little complex, any way I can help make the path a little more clear is to the good
Name: Julie Dornack
Position: Secretary to the Dean
Office or Department: Library Services
Number of Years at MSU: 13
Contact Preference: Email
Email: julie.dornack@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: I serve as the Secretary to the Dean in Library Services. My day-to-day routine varies. I am highly organized and like to help others. I am a notary public.I currently am serving as the Secretary for AFSCME Local 638
Personal Information: I enjoy cooking, camping, and the outdoors. I have one daughter and two grandsons.
Additional Comments: This campus is a wonderful place to work and the people are a genuine asset to the institution!
Name: Kitty Foord
Position: Associate Professor
Office or Department: K-12 and Secondary Education Programs
Number of Years at MSU: 3.5
Contact Preference: Phone, Email, in person
Email: kathleen.foord@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-1607
Professional Interests: I am interested in effective teaching and learning, development of professional learning communities, systems approaches to effective professional development, and qualitative research. I teach graduate courses in the College of Education but also work in area school districts to assist teachers and leaders with their professional growth. I had 28 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in Minnesota public schools prior to my move to the university. The new systems were challenging at first but are becoming more familiar each day.
Personal Information: I have experience with being a commuter to campus because I live near the Twin Cities. I love to read and books on tape have saved me in the long commute. In addition to reading, my interests include playing with two golden retrievers and two grandchildren, playing piano, and finding opportunities for physical activity (exercise, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, yoga).
Additional Comments:
Name: Sara Granberg Rademacker
Position: Assistant Director, Academic Advising Services
Office or Department: First Year Experience
Number of Years at MSU: 7
Contact Preference:
Email: granbs@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: Academic advising, undecided students & the major realization process, women's issue in higher education
Personal Information: I am a parent to two young boys, which means I find myself both exhilarated and exhausted by the challenges the present. I thoroughly enjoy reading (both fiction and nonfiction), and enjoy cooking - particularly experimenting with new vegetarian options!
Additional Comments:
Name: Jennifer Guyer-Wood
Position: Director
Office or Department: Alumni Relations
Number of Years at MSU: 8
Contact Preference: E-mail
Email: jennifer.guyer-wood@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: Alumni Engagement, Student Affairs, Career Development, Leadership, Women as Leaders in Higher Education, Social Media
Name: Rachael Hanel
Position: Adjunct faculty
Office or Department: Mass Communications
Number of Years at MSU: 13
Contact Preference: Phone, Email
Email: rhanel@hickorytech.net
Phone: 507-340-4594
Professional Interests: Mass Communications; creative writing; history; the arts
Personal Information: I have lived in Mankato since 1994, so I feel I'm a good resource if you have questions about the community. I've been affiliated with the campus all that time as well. I have a B.A. in mass communications and history and an M.A. in history, all from MSU. In my spare time, I'm writing a memoir.
Additional Comments: My favorite thing about this community is that it's always changing and vibrant. The university plays a major role in creating this atmosphere. I love meeting new people and I have a great number of good friends I've met through MSU.
Name: Linda Hanson
Position: Director of Affirmative Action
Office or Department: Office of Affirmative Action
Number of Years at MSU: 1
Contact Preference: Phone, Email
Email: linda.hanson@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5080
Professional Interests: Equal employment opportunity/affirmative action issues; employment law;strategic planning; new project/program development
Personal Information: Until recently, I was on the Board of Directors of Kinship of Cumberland and Turtle Lake which is a mentoring program for children. I have worked for the State of Minnesota for 15 years and have also been an adjunct professor at Hamline University so I have years of perspective on working in the public sector and teaching in higher education. I was a single, non-traditional age parent during college and law school so I understand the challenge in achieving and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As a new employee at MSU, I know and appreciate the value of having a mentor to guide you through your first months on campus.
Additional Comments:
Name: Penny Herickhoff
Position: Professor
Office or Department: Accounting and Business Law
Number of Years at MSU: 20
Contact Preference: Email
Email: penny.herickhoff@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: Problem-based learning, team-based learning, restorative justice, conflict resolution and cross-cultural perspectives on reconciliation and technology applications in teaching and assessment are interests of mine.
Personal Information: I'm available for coffee and conversation if I can be of help.
Additional Comments:
Name: Jada Holland
Position: Office Manager
Office or Department: First Year Experience
Number of Years at MSU: 7
Contact Preference: Phone, Email, in person
Email: jada.holland@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5498
Professional Interests: Advocacy, higher education leadership, advising, technology, family-school-work-life balance, and workplace bullying.
Personal Information: I grew up in North Mankato. I really enjoy the opportunities Mankato/North Mankato has to offer, and yet small enough to still get around. I recieved my Bachelor degree from MSU so I've experienced what this university has to offer both as a student and as a professional. It is important to maintain a balance between family, work and recreation. I enjoy walking, skating, reading, sports, racing and spending time with my family and friends.
Additional Comments:
Name: Ann Kuzma
Position: Professor and Chairperson
Office or Department: Marketing and International Business
Number of Years at MSU: 21
Contact Preference: Email
Email: ann.kuzma@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-2318
Professional Interests: Sports Marketing and Consumer Behavior, Corporate Sponsorship, Distribution Strategy and Logistics
Personal Information: I am originally from Ohio, moving to Mankato in 1989. My husband is also a faculty member in my department. We have two children - a 25 year-old son who is a PhD. student at Marquette University, and a daughter who is a student at Mankato West High School. I enjoy reading and long-distance running.
Additional Comments:
Name: Lee Ann Larson
Position: Library Technician
Office or Department: Memorial Library
Number of Years at MSU: 30
Contact Preference: Phone, in person
Email: lalarson@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-1964
Professional Interests: I have always enjoyed working at the University and have served on various campus wide committees such as: Parking, Graduation, Disability Awareness, and Safety. I am very active with disaster preparedness at work, home, and in our community.
Personal Information: I was born and raised in Mankato, married with two children, and five grandson's five years old and under. Life is busy and that is good! It is important to me to find time to exercise, and strive to eat healthy. Everyday is a new challenge. I especially enjoy helping others and being a friend.
Additional Comments: This sounds like a great mentoring program and would appreciate the opportunity to try my very best to help as needed.
Name: Karla Lassonde
Position: Assistant Professor
Office or Department: Psychology
Number of Years at MSU: 3
Contact Preference: Phone, Email
Email: karla.lassonde@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5827
Professional Interests: I teach in the area of cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychology provides an integrative link for the fields of teaching and learning. I enjoy teaching students and find that they can really appreciate how learning about mental processes can be applied to their own learning and behavior. My research interests include studying aspects of memory through the reading process. In my most current research, I am studying stereotypical knowledge that becomes activated during reading.
Personal Information: I have lived in Mankato now for just over a year! Before teaching at MSU, I was living in New Hampshire and attending the University of New Hampshire. While I do miss the ocean and mountains of the east coast, the corn fields of Southern Minnesota are quite familiar as I grew up in Ohio. I enjoy running and yoga as a way to keep fit and de-stress! Driving around the state to find "things to do" and visit new towns is a favorite past time for me and my husband Matt.
Additional Comments: I would be a great match for a young professional trying to figure out life in Mankato. As a newcomer to MSU and the state, perhaps we could learn together!
Name: Peg Lawrence
Position: Systems Librarian
Office or Department: Library Services
Number of Years at MSU: 9
Contact Preference: Email
Email: peg.lawrence@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: My professional goal is to make technology easy to use especially for people using it to access information sources from the library. I love new gadgets and all kinds of technology.
Personal Information: I have been at MSU for almost nine years. I came in as an information technology specialist and after recently completing my MLIS, I am the Systems Librarian for Memorial Library. I enjoy walking, biking, yoga, and traveling.
Additional Comments: My MSU perspective is both from a classified and faculty viewpoint
Name: Judith K. Luebke
Position: Professor Health Science Faculty Fellow Extended Learning
Office or Department: Health Science and Extended Learning
Number of Years at MSU: 22
Contact Preference: Phone, Email, in person
Email: judith.luebke@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5938
Professional Interests: Rather diverse & broad--social dimensions of health;professional preparation; technology; social justice & equality; qualitative research; global perspectives.
Personal Information: Although I never expected to be at MSU,M for 22 years, it has been an enjoyable "journey". I look forward to providing whatever support, confirmation, or insight to "new to MSU,M" faculty.
Additional Comments:
Name: Cita Guna Maignes
Position: International Retentional and Recruitment Specialist Friendship Family Coordinator
Office or Department: International Students and Schoalrs Services
Number of Years at MSU: 11
Contact Preference:
Email: cita.maignes@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-779-2980
Professional Interests: Counseling and Assisting international students and all MSU students
Personal Information: Graduated 1999- BS Food & Nutrition Masters Program 2006-Counseling & Student Personnel-Student Affairs
Additional Comments: My schedule is full but I like to be involved to make a difference in my surrounding. All my three boys have graduated at MSU, Mankato and on thier own. My life is dedicated to serve and give back to the community.
Name: Missy Manderfeld
Position: Administrative Assistant
Office or Department: Urban and Regional Studies Institute
Number of Years at MSU: 5
Contact Preference: Email, in person
Email: elizabeth.manderfeld@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-1714
Professional Interests: Diversity and Community Involvement
Personal Information: I also work part time for VINE Faith in Action. I enjoy reading, theater, golf, yoga, traveling and time with friends and family.
Additional Comments: I enjoy a variety of volunteer activities and the opportunity to meet people.
Name: Kelly Meier
Position: Director of Diversity Institute and Development
Office or Department: Institutional Diversity
Number of Years at MSU: 18
Contact Preference: Email
Email: kelly.meier@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507.389.5268
Professional Interests: Diversity, Training, Student Development, Management, Higher Education Administration
Personal Information: I enjoy knitting, sports, and spending time with family
Additional Comments:
Name: Jennifer Myers
Position: Fitness and Wellness Program Coordinator
Office or Department: Campus Recreation Department
Number of Years at MSU: 5
Contact Preference: Email
Email: jennifer.myers@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: Helping students, faculty and staff succeed in creating and maintaining healthy lifestyles. I enjoy my working environment and want to share all of the resources we as employees have with new employees to make sure they are getting the most out of their place of work.
Personal Information: I received my Masters degree from MSU so I've experienced what this university has to offer both as a student and as a professional. It is important to maintain a balance between work and recreation; my job is the perfect fit!
Additional Comments:
Name: Kate Olson
Position: Graduate Assistant
Office or Department: Department of Government
Number of Years at MSU: 2
Contact Preference: Email, in person
Email:
kate.olson@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests
: Working on a Masters in Public Administration here at MSU,M and have a Masters in Cultures and Development Studies from a university in Belgium. Currently teaching a diversity class to Law Enforcement students this semester. Other interests: social justice, immigration/migration, \"development\".
Personal Information:I enjoy walking, reading when time, learning, languages, travelling, being active in the community (through work with the YWCA and Greater Mankato Diversity Council at the moment) and I enjoy meeting new people and discussing many different things
Additional Comments: I think this is a great opportunity for people to find mentors. We all need someone to talk to and brainstorm with in whichever area of life.
Name: Jennifer Pepperell
Position: Assistant Professor
Office or Department: Counseling and Student Personnel
Number of Years at MSU: 1.5
Contact Preference: Email
Email: jennifer.pepperell@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: Social and emotional development of girls, feminism in counseling, qualitative research.
Personal Information: I am from the west coast so this move was huge. I am married and have two young girls.
Additional Comments:
Name: Lisa Perez
Position: Associate Professor
Office or Department: Psychology
Number of Years at MSU: 6.5
Contact Preference: Email
Email: lisa.perez@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: My degree is in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and I teach in the Masters in I-O Psychology program at MSU. My research interests are related to stress and health in the workplace, employee attitudes and behavior, and workplace conflict/incivility.
Personal Information:
Additional Comments:
Name: Melissa Purdue
Position: Assistant Professor
Office or Department: English
Number of Years at MSU: 3
Contact Preference: Email
Email: melissa.purdue@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: My research focuses on 19th-century British literature, particularly women's literature and literature of the fin de siecle. These interests resulted in the journal I co-edit: Nineteenth-Century Gender Studies. I teach undergraduate and graduate courses and I will be the English Department's new Director of Graduate Studies beginning this May.
Personal Information: I grew up in Wisconsin and lived in Lexington, Kentucky for seven years before moving to MN. I enjoy summer outdoor activities and spending time with friends and family.
Additional Comments:
Name: Leah Rogne
Position: Associate Professor
Office or Department: Sociology & Corrections
Number of Years at MSU: 9
Contact Preference: Phone, Email, in person
Email: leah.rogne@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5610
Professional Interests: I am an applied sociologist, coordinating the applied sociology option in Sociology and also teaching in the Gerontology program and the Nonprofit Leadership program. I'm interested in social movements, community organizing, aging and long-term care, and active learning. I've been teaching online for about six years, and I'm always glad to share my experiences with this.
Personal Information: I'm a second-wave feminist and was a founding member of NOW in Fargo, ND and North Dakota NARAL in the 1970s I am a community organizer and have been active in social movements such as the environmental, civil rights, farmworkers, anti-poverty, and peace and justice movements. I was a social worker and program developer in long-term care for 10 years and I ran a transitional housing program for homeless women on Minnesota's Iron Range. I've been active in the Mankato community and was a part of Mankato's Envision 2020 strategic planning process. I supervise internships for the Sociology program and nonprofit leadership, so I have lots of contact with various community agencies. I am a musician and writer and am currently working on memoir about growing up Norwegian-American in North Dakota.
Additional Comments: I'm happy to help others transition to MSU and this community.
Name: Terry Salerno
Position: Associate Professor
Office or Department: Chemistry and Geology
Number of Years at MSU: 21
Contact Preference: Email
Email: theresa.salerno@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: I am a biochemist. I joined this university community because I am very committed to teaching and undergraduate research. My other professional interests include the development of laboratory experiments and exercises which promote critical thinking. I also develop hands-on activities for elementary and middle school students and enjoy being involved in these outreach opportunities when I can find time.
Personal Information: I am married and we have two children. We have experience with some of the musical programs which exist in town like MAYSO and Lancers.
Additional Comments: I have been the FA unit rep for our college for over 3 years and also served on the Commission for the Status of Women for a couple of years. I am originally from the Boston area and coming here was a bit of an adjustment. If you are feeling like you have no time for family life, I can relate to that.
Name: Carol Stallkamp
Position: Assistant to the President
Office or Department: Office of the President
Number of Years at MSU: 32
Contact Preference: Email
Email: carol.stallkamp@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: I have many interests -- a few are: strategic planning; leadership; governmental relations
Personal Information: I came to Minnesota State University 32 years ago and have worked in a variety of positions and units.
Additional Comments: This is an exciting program. Thank you, Commission members, for organizing
Name: Denise Thompson
Position: Assistant to the Dean
Office or Department: College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Number of Years at MSU: 8
Contact Preference: Email
Email: denise.thompson@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: I am currently working on a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Administration. I am interested in higher education leadership, professional development, technology, and first generation student issues.
Personal Information: I entered 8 in "Number of Years at MSU" because I started in my current position in 1999, but I actually came to Mankato as a freshman in 1976. I have been on and off campus for 31 years, earning 3 degrees and at various times serving as a graduate assistant, a teaching assistant, and an adjunct faculty member.
Additional Comments: Welcome to Minnesota State University, Mankato!
Name: Pam Weller-Dengel
Position: Director
Office or Department: Career Development Center
Number of Years at MSU: 15
Contact Preference: Phone, Email
Email: pamela.weller-dengel@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-6061
Professional Interests: Career counseling/exploration, experiential education, post-graduation planning; college student development; technology; program and staff coordination and management; life balance.
Personal Information: Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UW-Stout & Master's degree in Counseling & Student Personnel from MN State Mankato: College Student Affairs. Originally for the Mankato area. Married with one daughter who is currently a junior at MSU.
Additional Comments: In addition to my role in the Career Devlelpment Center, I also teach a graduate level course here at MSU for the Department of Counseling and Student Personnel, serve as a member of the Executive Board for the MSU Alumni Association, and am an active member of several professional organizations.
Name: Gina Wenger
Position: Associate Professer of Art
Office or Department: Department of Art
Number of Years at MSU: 6
Contact Preference: Phone, Email, in person
Email: gina.wenger@mnsu.edu
Phone: (507) 389-5484
Professional Interests: Curriculum Development, Feminist Pedagogy and Critical Theory, Japanese American Interment Camps - Art under duress, and the Undergraduate Research Center
Personal Information:
Additional Comments:
Name: Karen Wright
Position: Operations Director
Office or Department: KMSU 89.7 FM radio
Number of Years at MSU: 10
Contact Preference: Email
Email: karen.wright@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5105
Professional Interests: journalism, media relations, public relations, television and radio broadcasting, crisis communications, experiential education, public speaking
Personal Information: Married with two sons ages 10 months and 3 years, have worked at MSU since 1998, previously in healthcare PR, and before that was a TV news anchor/reporter. Enjoy travel, being outdoors, inline skating, biking, singing (in a couple bands), gardening, animals, and playing with our boys.
Additional Comments: I've mentored many studentsand colleagues over the years and enjoy seeing individuals grow to their full potential!
Name: Dorothy Wrigley
Position: Professor
Office or Department: Biology
Number of Years at MSU: 24
Contact Preference: Email
Email: dorothy.wrigley@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5738
Professional Interests: Microbiology and Food Science, research in Food microbiology and immunology
Personal Information: I am still learning, especially to assess what is important, what is necessary . The most important recommendation for survival is to have a clear demarkation between work and social life. I don't know that I'd be considered well balanced but I love research and love designing experiments and carrying them out. Seeing students develop that same joy is wonderful.
Additional Comments: Define success and good days by some criteria that is not affected by others outside your control. Getting up each morning and watching the sun rise makes a great day.
Name: Youwen Xu
Position: Professor
Office or Department: Physics and Astronomy
Number of Years at MSU: 14
Contact Preference: Email
Email: youwen.xu@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests:
Personal Information:
Additional Comments:
