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: Rochelle Ament
Position: Parent Services Coordinator
Office or Department: Office of First Year Experience
Number of Years at MSU: 2.5
Professional interests: I enjoy working will all students and parents, particularly first year students and parents. I also find academic as well as student organization advising to be interesting and even assessment can be fun!
Personal Information: I moved to Mankato in 2005 and really enjoy the community, it’s big enough, yet cozy enough for me. I enjoy sports, being active, reading, and scrapbooking.
Name: Rebecca Bates
Position: Associate Professor
Office or Department: Computer Science
Number of Years at MSU: 5.5
Contact Preference: Email
Email: bates@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: I am interested in teaching and learning in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields as well as automatic speech recognition and understanding. I am involved with the MAX scholarship program which provides a mentored academic experience for CSET students. I am interested in how to best build communities and sense of belonging for our students and how to incorporate professional skill development alongside course content.
Personal Information: I enjoy ice skating, yoga and visiting friends and family in Montana, Seattle, Boston and Brazil.
Additional Comments:
Name: Barb Bergman
Position: Media Services Librarian
Office or Department: Library Services
Number of Years at MSU: 7
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). Single, two furry cat-children.
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: Cathryn Bailey
Position: Professor
Office or Department: Philosophy
Number of Years at MSU: 13
Contact Preference: Email
Email: bailey@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: Feminism, Animal Ethics, Eastern Thought, LGBT Issues
Personal Information:
Additional Comments:
Name: Anne Blackhurst
Position: Interim Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
Office or Department: Graduate Studies and Research
Number of Years at MSU: 14
Contact Preference: Phone, Email
Email: anne.blackhurst@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5203
Professional Interests: Prior to my current interim appointment, I served for 12 years as a graduate faculty member in the Counseling and Student Personnel Department, with an emphasis on preparing student affairs professionals. My research interests include undergraduate student development, student learning, the experiences of women in higher education administration, body image and eating problems among college students, children's career and educational aspirations, and graduate education.
Personal Information: I enjoy reading, photography, yoga, and travel. I have one son, who is a student at the University of Minnesota. I earned my doctoral degree while working full time. I was a single parent at the time and my son was very young, so I have experience with family-work-school-life management. Because I taught in a master's program in student affairs for 12 years, I have experience mentoring new student affairs professionals.
Additional Comments:
Name: Mary Bliesmer
Position: Professor and Chair
Office or Department: School of Nursing
Number of Years at MSU: 29
Contact Preference: Email
Email: mary.bliesmer@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: Family Nursing and Gerontological Research, Health Policy/Health Care Reform, Massage Therapy
Personal Information: Married, have one daughter and 3 grandchildren. Have lived in North Mankato for 11 years.
Additional Comments: SInce I have been at MSM for so long, it is my 'home away from home' and I feel comfortable here.
Name: Mandy Brettingen
Position: Associate Head Womens Soccer Coach
Office or Department: Athletics
Number of Years at MSU: 4.5
Contact Preference: Phone, Email, in person
Email: mandy.brettingen@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-381-7303
Professional Interests: Coaching, leadership development, sports administration, teaching, empowering women
Personal Information:
Additional Comments:
Name: Julie Carlson
Position: Associate Professor in Educational Leadership and Experiential Education
Office or Department: Educational Leadership
Number of Years at MSU: 5.5
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, 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's it's like to relocate from a long ways 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. I have a child in elementary school and can also identify with those of you who are trying to achieve work/life balance.
Additional Comments: I'm here to help if I can!
Name: Colleen Clarke
Position: Associate Professor
Office or Department: Political Science/Law Enforcement
Number of Years at MSU: 7
Contact Preference: Phone
Email: colleen.clarke@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507 389 1377
Professional Interests: Research relevant to police policy as well as the connection between terrorism and police. Teaching effectiveness
Personal Information: running, swimming, reading for pleasure
Additional Comments:
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: 10
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.
Personal Information: I have one daughter and one grandson (one more grandson due early February, 2008). I enjoy cooking, gardening, bowling, NASCAR, fishing, and camping.
Additional Comments: This program is going to be very helpful. 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: Susan Freeman
Position: Assistant Professor
Office or Department: Women's Studies
Number of Years at MSU: 4.5
Contact Preference: Email
Email: freeman@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5024
Professional Interests: My research and teaching interests include women's history and lesbian and gay studies.
Personal Information: I enjoy cooking, hiking, biking, yoga, and both cats and dogs. I'm originally from South Carolina and I lived in Ohio and Florida before moving to Minnesota in 2003.
Additional Comments:
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: Scheduling Coordinator
Office or Department: Event & Meeting Services
Number of Years at MSU: 4
Contact Preference: Phone, Email, in person
Email: jada.holland@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5208
Professional Interests: I have many interests, to name a few: advocacy, higher education leadership, psychology, support, 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 am also a full-time student here at MSU so I am very familiar with family-school-work-life balance. I enjoy walking, skating, reading, sports, racing and spending time with my family and friends.
Additional Comments: This is an excellent opportunity and I am excited to be a part of this. Thank you to the Commission members for making this possible!
Name: Ockjean Kim
Position: Assistant Professor
Office or Department: Special Education
Number of Years at MSU: 3
Contact Preference: Phone, Email
Email: Ockjean.kim@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: Special education, mental retardation, autism, special education teacher training, small N research design (non-parametric or single subject design), literacy and comprehension in students with significant disabilties, multicultural competency in teacher candidates
Personal Information: I am 'relatively' new to MSU and still remember how tough the first year was. One of the things that helped me tremenously during the first year was meeting and talking to several woman faculty as informal 'mentors.' I hope I can be of similar assistance to others.
Additional Comments:
Name: Ann Kuzma
Position: Associate Professor
Office or Department: Marketing and International Business
Number of Years at MSU: 19
Contact Preference: Email
Email: ann.kuzma@mnsu.edu
Phone:
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 which gives me a somewhat unique experience in dealing with work/family issues. We have two children - a 22 year-old son who is a student at the University of Minnesota, and a 13 year-old daughter in the 8th grade at Dakota Meadows Middle School. I enjoy reading and running.
Additional Comments:
Name: Lori Lamb
Position: Director of Human Resources
Office or Department: Human Resources
Number of Years at MSU: 5
Contact Preference: Email
Email: lori.lamb@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: Human resources, law, teaching, leadership development, higher education administration.
Personal Information:
Additional Comments: I would very much enjoy being a mentor in this program. Thank you for the opportunity.
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 worked 30 years on campus and served on parking, graduation, and disability awareness committees. Currently serving on the Safety Comittee. I am very active with disaster prepareness at work, home, and in our community.
Personal Information: I was born and raised in Mankato, married with two children, and four grandson's under the age of three. God 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.
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: Linda Leech
Position: Academic Advisor
Office or Department: Student Support Services
Number of Years at MSU: 7
Contact Preference: Email
Email: linda.leech@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: I love my job! My goal is to provide good advice and care about my students! I'm involved with PREPARE Christian Ministry and Disability Awareness and Advocacy Groups on campus.
Personal Information: I am a Health Minister with Hallelujah Acres and actively promote a healthy lifestyle including a mostly raw food vegan diet. I love to sing, travel, and I'm a young grandma. My 3 kids are in their 20's. My baby just got an internship with the David Letterman show (Jan-May 2008). Life is good!
Additional Comments: Live life to the fullest with integrity and without regrets.
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: 507-720-0565
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: Office Manager Administrative Assistant
Office or Department: Anthropology and Social Work Departments
Number of Years at MSU: 3
Contact Preference: Phone, Email, in person
Email: elizabeth.manderfeld@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-6504
Professional Interests: I am part of the YWCA Womens Leadership Program and would like to share some of the information learned to help other women.
Personal Information: I also work part time for VINE Faith in Action. I enjoy reading, theater, yoga, traveling and time with friends and family (which includes a beautiful Granddaughter).
Additional Comments: I wish there had been someone to turn to for help when I started working at MSU. I would like to make things easier for others that are new.
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: 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: Lauren Pilnick
Position: Sexual Violence Education Coordinator
Office or Department: Women's Center
Number of Years at MSU: 1
Contact Preference: Phone, Email, in person
Email: pilnick@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-5127
Professional Interests: My passion lies with violence against women - sexual violence, sexual harassment, intimate partner violence, stalking.
Personal Information: Writing is a passion of mine as well. I find ways to merge my writing with issues of violence. I am currently writing a book and am about to have a chapter published in "Beyond Burning Bras: Feminist Activism for Everyone." I moved here in December and although I've been here a little under a year, I feel that MSU is a network of people who care and want to help. I'd love to show you around! I live with my cat, Wesley and my hairless dog, Henry.
Additional Comments: I'd love to meet you!
Name: Leah Rogne
Phone Number: 507-389-5610
Email: leah.rogne@mnsu.edu
Additional Comments:
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: 29
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 29 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: Susan Taylor
Position: Director of Development, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Office or Department: Development
Number of Years at MSU: 8
Contact Preference: Phone, Email, In Person
Email: susan.taylor@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-1006
Professional Interests: workplace environment, workplace bullying, women's issues, American Indian issues, professional development, strategic planning, core values,supervisory issues, higher ed policy,
Personal Information: ABD doctoral candidate at the U of M
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: Kate Voight
Position: Administrative Assistant
Office or Department: Department of English
Number of Years at MSU: 29
Contact Preference: Phone, Email, in person
Email: kate.voight@mnsu.edu
Phone: 507-389-2117
Professional Interests: MavQuilters, Boy Scouts, 4H Junior Olympics (Shooting sports)
Personal Information: I have been employed with English now for 7 years and 22 years prior with the MSU Security Office. I am a Mankato native! I enjoy challenges!
Additional Comments:
Name: Linda Welch
Position: Assistant Professor
Office or Department: School of Nursing
Number of Years at MSU: 6
Contact Preference: Email, in person
Email: Linda.welch@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: Many, women's health issues, education
Personal Information: Married for 32 years, two sons, love to gourmet cook and read
Additional Comments:
Name: Pam Weller-Dengel
Position: Director
Office or Department: Career Development Center
Number of Years at MSU: 14
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 & Master's degree in Counseling & Student Personnel: College Student Affairs. Originally for the Mankato area.
Additional Comments:
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 Conference
Personal Information:
Additional Comments:
Name: Leah White
Position: Assistant Professor and Director of Forensics
Office or Department: Speech Communication
Number of Years at MSU: 5
Contact Preference: Email
Email: Leah.White@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: My area of emphasis within speech communication is performance studies. I am especially interested in performance for social change and performance of identity. I also do some work with rhetorical criticism, primarily using feminist theory. I am comfortable conducting qualitative research projects as well. In addition to my teaching duties, I am also the Director of the Speech and Debate team at MSU, Mankato.
Personal Information: I am the mother of two young children, and very willing to openly discuss the difficulties of balancing an academic career and motherhood. I spent my first three years at MSU, Mankato commuting from the Twin Cities, but now happily live 2 miles from campus. Prior to children I had hobbies. Those included reading books without pictures and seeing films without cartoon characters. I still like to talk about these things, but my example base is about 4 years old. Although I was away for about a decade, I am from Minnesota and enjoy telling new arrivals about the advantages of living in this state. I'm busy, but do enjoy sneaking away to the union for coffee or lunch.
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:
Name: Margot Zelenz
Position: Associate Vice President for University Advancement
Office or Department: University Advancement
Number of Years at MSU: 2.25
Contact Preference: Email
Email: marguerite.zelenz@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: I have been in fundraising my entire career, working at private colleges, a non-profit scholarship agency, and now Minnesota State Mankato. In addition to fundraising, my professional interests include team building and leadership.
Personal Information: I live in St. Peter with my husband and daughter, who is a senior in high school. I enjoy reading, walking, gardening, yoga, and tennis.
Additional Comments: This is a great idea - thanks for setting it up!
Name: Judie Ziemke
Position: Writer and Admin Assistant
Office or Department: College of Education, Dean's Office
Number of Years at MSU: 3
Contact Preference: Email
Email: judith.ziemke@mnsu.edu
Phone:
Professional Interests: Leadership, educational issues
Personal Information: I've lived in Mankato for 18 years, and have worked in the nonprofit sector and been a stay-at-home mom.
Additional Comments: Thanks for providing this opportunity - I think it is a great idea and hope I can help.
