Minnesota State Mankato at Work!

MEL CRANE, JR. is a General Maintenance Worker in the Student Union. Mel has been with Minnesota State Mankato since January 1980 and has witnessed several changes to the Student Union. There is no typical day because his job requires flexibility with all the different activities and involvement. In turn, this creates variety and a fun environment in which to work. He enjoys the low stress mentally and being surrounded by young, vibrant students. He takes pleasure in riding his Harley-Electraglide that he received from his wife for his 50th birthday and watching comedy or high-action videos. Mel is married and has three musically talented daughters.

JAN MARBLE, Director of Student Financial Services started at Minnesota State Mankato since April 1990. In the past, she worked in Business Affairs-Accounting for 14 years and in Student Financial Services the past five years. A typical day includes planning and coordinating upcoming activities for the unit by connecting with others on campus via meetings, e-mails, and phone calls. Her passion is to have all financial processes work smoothly for both students & staff, so she is very proactive in MnSCU-level initiatives in hopes of significant improvements. She comes from a big family and enjoys getting everyone togehter to celebrate special occasions. Spending time with family and friends really tops the list, and she believes if you can throw in some pizza and a game of Cribbage, Scrabble or Tripoley in the mix, that is just about a perfect day! She also likes reading a good, “light” mystery from time to time, and cheering on the Minnesota Twins (she just wishes Pat Neshek could pitch again soon)!

JENNIFER MEYERS is a Program Coordinator for Fitness & Wellness in the Campus Recreation Department. In August 2003, she was awarded a graduate assistantship. After receiving her degree, she applied for the brand new position of Fitness Coordinator and has been professionally working for Minnesota State Mankato for four years. A typical day includes conducting fitness assessments, developing exercise plans, supervising fitness incentive programs, planning special events (i.e. the annual triathlon), leading a personal training or group exercise class, giving tours of our facilities, and answering student questions. In her free time, she enjoys taking pictures, attending sporting events, working in her garden, cooking, and exercising. In July Jennifer will be riding her bike across the state of Minnesota (300 miles)!

KYLE SNAY is a Customer Relationship Management & Training Administrator and has worked in the PALS Development Department since December 2003. He oversees the administration of the OneStop knowledgebase for the campus website. He likes staying in shape and begins his day at 6:30AM in Otto for a workout and then it is off to his desk where he oversees some web-based applications. During his lunch break, he plays racquetball, badminton, and squash; but if the weather is nice, he heads outside for some fresh air. He also serves on the Wellness Committee. Outside of work he enjoys participating in Martial Arts classes with his son, weight training, playing cards, health/fitness consulting, disc golfing, hanging out with friends/family, and ice cream. In addition, he continues to fight a losing battle of trying to stay ahead of his two children and dog (who “thinks” she is the first-born).

BETH TEIGEN has been the Administrative Assistant Specialist for Master’s and Doctoral Nursing Programs for the School of Nursing since August 2006. Her position offers a variety of responsibilities such as answering questions about the basic nursing program to assisting master’s and doctoral students applying for graduation. She has been with Minnesota State Mankato for three years. Outside of work, she likes reading, camping, playing with her two girls, going for walks with her husband, Andy, and a night out with girlfriends. It is an exciting time for Beth as she is preparing for her own graduation this spring 2009 with a B.S. in Human Resource Management.

DR. TRENT VORLICEK, Associate Professor of Chemistry, better known as, “Dr. Vee” to students. There is no typical day for him since he joined the Department of Chemistry and Geology at Minnesota State Mankato in August 2002; however, currently he teaches General Chemistry I and Instrumental Analysis and associated lab. In addition, he may be found teaching Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry. He is a mentor for the undergraduate research students on their lab and field-based environmental chemistry research projects. He is the advisor for MSU’s chapter of the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates (i.e., Chemistry Club). He is in his last year serving as a co-chair of the Undergraduate Research Center Steering Committee. If you do not see him at work, you will find him fishing, curling, reading current events, gardening, and/or hanging out with his family. His most memorable event is being reconnected to a wonderful girl he knew in high school and married her in January 2009.

Previously Featured Employees