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Meet the Staff
Annie Bigley
Admissions Counselor
Hometown/High School
Maple Grove, MN
Maple Grove Senior High School
Contact
Office: Behmler 138
E-mail
Education/Interests
I double majored in Anthropology and Women's Studies at U of M, Morris. While I was a student at Morris I was involved in the Dance Ensemble, the Honors Program, the on campus Blood Drive and the Anthropology/Sociology Club. Morris also helped foster my love of travel and subsequently my love for airports. I even trained to be a flight attendant once upon a time.
Why Morris?
I knew with in the first 5 minutes of my initial visit that this was the school for me. Everyone I met on campus including the staff, faculty and current students were simply excited to be here and I knew that was something I wanted to be part of. UMM was a place where I could explore my many interests and try things I never thought I would including modern dance!
Bobbi Charles
Executive Office and Administrative Specialist
Hometown/High School
Morris, MN
Albany Area High School
Contact
Office: Behmler 137
E-mail
Education/Interests
I love life and I love trying new things. The older I get the more I realize life is short so want to take advantage of opportunities that come my way. I love being out side, walking/jogging, boating and the smell of fresh air! My greatest joy is spending time with my family. Oh, and by the way, grandchildren are the best!
Why Morris?
It has been a wonderful working environment. I have had the privilege of working with and getting to know students on a personal level. They become like family and have taught me a lot. Each student brings a unique and special quality to me and to UMM. Some have shared, on more than one occasion, that UMM was definitely the right choice for them.
Jessie Hass
Admissions Counselor
Hometown/High School
Maple Grove, MN
Maple Grove High School
Contact
Office: Behmler 138
E-mail
Education/Interests
My major was Political Science, with an emphasis in International Relations and Comparative Foreign Policy. During my undergrad I was heavily involved in the Campus Ambassadors, Hall Government, the Morris Student Campus Association, while working for Residence Life. Today I enjoy spending my time outdoors, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Why Morris?
I fell in love with the tight knit campus community. Everyone I met on my tour was extremely friendly and incredibly positive about UMM and what it had to offer. Once I started school I was given numerous opportunities that I wouldn't have been afforded at a larger university.
Darla Hennen
Principal Office and Administrative Specialist
Hometown/High School
Morris, MN
Morris High School
Contact
Office: Behmler 139
E-mail
Education/Interests
I enjoy time with my family, reading, walking with my IPod and remodeling homes. I work with the campus visits and the Campus Ambassadors who volunteer to give tours. This has allowed me to meet many students and families and has been a very fulfilling experience.
Why Morris?
After growing up in Morris it was a wonderful opportunity to move back again. I have enjoyed becoming a part of a growing community and working at Morris has been an enriching experience. The faculty, staff, and students make the Morris campus an amazing place to be.
Meng Her
Admissions Counselor
Hometown/High School
Saint Paul, MN
John A. Johnson Senior High School
Contact
Office:
E-mail
Education/Interests
I graduated from Morris with a double major in Mathematics and Statistics. Along the way, I was a gateway mentor, the LSAMP lead tutor for math and statistics, and was involved with the Asian Student Association. On my spare time I love to play poker and I am a great cook.
Why Morris?
I love the small environment where we can get to know everyone on a personal level. The quality of education compared to the price is exceptional. I had a great experience as a student and am thrilled to be a Morris staff now.
Bryan Herrmann
Director
Hometown/High School
Belle Plaine, MN
Belle Plaine High School
Contact
Office: Behmler 105
E-mail
Education/Interests
I graduated from Morris with a double major in Economics and Management and completed my Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota. As a student at Morris, I was involved in student government, diversity peer educators, track and field, and worked as the Information Center coordinator. I really enjoy spending time with my family and working on construction projects.
Why Morris?
I chose UMM because it was a small college where I could grow and learn with great students and faculty. Also it was very affordable for the quality of education.
Brittany Kill
Admissions Counselor
Hometown/High School
Alberta, MN
Chokio-Alberta
Contact
Office:
E-mail
Education/Interests
I graduated from Morris with a double major in Sociology and Liberal Arts for the Human Services and also minors in Psychology and Women's Studies. I was also a member of the Cougar volleyball team, UMM Violence Prevention Program, Big Friend Little Friend, and intramurals galore! Nowadays I spend my free time hitting up the gym, playing recreational sports, watching Jim Carrey movies, and playing the role as 'Auntie B' to my four beautiful nieces.
Why Morris?
I was asking the big 'why' questions in high school because I wanted to know more about why the world around me worked the way it did. I knew that UMM would provide the avenue and encouragement for me to dive into those and even broader questions. I wanted to belong to a campus where I could feel like I was a large part of making a positive change to the community and world around me. Additionally, I also knew I wanted to feel the safety and security that Morris offers. Fortunately for me in particular, it was six miles down the road at Morris.
Lori Kurpiers
Data and Operations Coordinator
Hometown/High School
Fairmont, MN
Fairmont high School
Contact
Office:
E-mail
Education/Interests
In high school I was very involved with the speech team and theatre productions, and in college I participated in the communication and swing clubs, and taught English through a study abroad program. I earned a major in Speech Communication and a minor in Studio Art here at Morris. In my free time you'll find me bookmaking, knitting, quilting, and volunteering through the art gallery/cultural center in downtown Morris
Why Morris?
I was becoming discouraged while looking for colleges, until a family friend and Morris alumna recommended Morris. I remember feeling so welcome the instant I stepped on campus! I love being a part of this quirky, friendly, and learning-centered place. Have you ever been in a class and thought, "How does this relate to the real world?" Studying at a liberal arts college finally helped me find the answers.
Wendy Melberg
Office Support Assistant
Hometown/High School
Chokio, MN
Chokio-Alberta High School
Contact
Office: Behmler 137
E-mail
Education/Interests
I attended Chokio-Alberta High School and Pine Technical College and I most enjoyed the foods and computer classes. In addition to being a bit of a computer nerd, I am also a sports fan!
Why Morris?
UMM is full of loving and friendly people that care.
Mike Vandenberg
Senior Admissions Counselor
Hometown/High School
Mound, MN
Mound Westonka High School
Contact
Office: Behmler 105
E-mail
Personal Web Site
Education/Interests
I graduated from Morris with a music major along with a secondary education licensure. While a student here I was very active in the music ensembles which included, concert band, jazz ensembles and jazz combos. In addition to that, I enjoyed playing left bench on the intramural softball team. Currently, I'm what some might call a railfan. Yes, that means I like to watch trains. Don't be alarmed if you see me near the tracks with my camera, I know it's a bit weird.
Why Morris?
I really had never even heard about UMM, that is until my high school teachers all kept telling me about it, and how good of a school it was. So I decided to come up for a campus tour (my last one of the year) and really liked the campus. I couldn't have asked for a better college experience than the one I had here.
Tara Winchester
Senior Admissions Counselor, Coordinator of International Recruitment
Hometown/High School
Baxter, MN
Brainerd High School
Contact
Office: Behmler 128
E-mail
Education/Interests
I chose to major in Political Science with a minor in History. I was involved in undergraduate research, studying abroad, coaching, swimming and diving and jazz band. Currently, I spend my free time reading, listening to public radio, cooking, traveling and hanging out with my husband and two cats.
Why Morris?
I love the small town. It has everything that I need, is easy to get around, and has a strong sense of community!
Jennifer Zych
Associate Director, Transfer Coordinator
Hometown/High School
Graceville, MN
Clinton-Graceville High School
Contact
Office:
E-mail
Education/Interests
I am a proud Morris alum, graduating with majors in Vocal and Instrumental Music and a K-12 teaching licensure. Since completing my degree at Morris I have also earned a Master of Arts degree in Educational Policy and Administration and am currently working on my Ph.D. in the same field. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work for my alma mater, helping students to make important decisions that shape their future success. I like to travel, read, work on projects around my house, and spend time with family and friends.
Why Morris?
I truly love UMM! You will never find such a unique college filled with such awesome students, faculty, and staff. As a student I met my lifelong friends, learned more about myself and my abilities, and found some wonderful professors to mentor me (they still do today!). I came into UMM with lots of options and interests and left with even more. I want you to have the same chance to experience college life to the fullest!
