Meet the Staff
Candace Cegla
Principal Office and Administrative Specialist, Campus Visit Coordinator
Hometown/High School
- Glyndon, MN
- Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High School
Contact
- Office: Welcome Center 137
- Phone: 320-589-6129
Education/Interests
I graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a BA in Economics. After graduating, I came to Morris to follow my sweetheart. In my spare time you will find me enjoying life with my husband and two children. I have many hobbies but some of my favorites are boating, fishing, sitting by a bonfire, watching movies and scrapbooking.
Why Morris?
The University of Minnesota, Morris is a true asset to the Morris Community and to be able to work here is truly exciting. When you visit, not only will you find a beautiful campus, but you will be surrounded by friendly faces and warm hellos. The campus provides amazing educational opportunities for students and I am very excited to be a part of it.
Bobbi Charles
Executive Office and Administrative Specialist
Hometown/High School
- Morris, MN
- Albany Area High School
Contact
- Office: Welcome Center 137B
- Phone: 320-589-6044
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.
Meng Her
Admissions Counselor
Hometown/High School
- Saint Paul, MN
- John A. Johnson Senior High School
Contact
- Office: Welcome Center 131
- Phone: 320-589-6491
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, Admissions
Hometown/High School
- Belle Plaine, MN
- Belle Plaine High School
Contact
- Office: Welcome Center 138
- Phone: 320-589-6038
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.
Kelly Herzberg
Admissions Counselor
Hometown/High School
- Paynesville, MN
- Paynesville Area High School
Contact
- Office: Welcome Center 129
- Phone: 320-589-6045
Education/Interests
During my college years at Morris I was very involved with a number of activities including Dance Ensemble, Morris Healthy Eating Initiative, Students Today Leaders Forever, intramurals, dance team, and working in Residential Life. I entered college as a Liberal Arts for the Human Services major and added Sociology as a second major after being hooked by my first Sociology course!
Why Morris?
I chose UMM because I was looking for a public liberal arts school for a well rounded education, and this University clearly had so much to offer with an exceptional reputation. I knew Morris was a great fit for me with such friendly and truly helpful people. I love that when you walk down the sidewalk, you always receive a smile or "hello" whether you know that person or not.
Wendy Melberg
Office Support Assistant
Hometown/High School
- Chokio, MN
- Chokio-Alberta High School
Contact
- Office: Welcome Center 137
- Phone: 320-589-6035
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.
Cristina Montanez
Admissions Counselor
Hometown/High School
- El Paso, TX
- Horizon High School
Contact
- Office: Welcome Center
- Phone: 320-589-6043
Education/Interests
During my time at Morris I was able to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish and a minor in Gender, Women and Sexuality studies. I also worked at the Admissions Office where I discovered how much I enjoy working with students and my passion for higher education! Among all the madness of classes, work and student organizations, I was also able to somehow work sports into my schedule. I've run Cross Country and Track for about half of my life, so it was a great opportunity to be able to continue here. Some of my best friends to this day are those I met on the team or through sports in general. In my free time, I also love doing crafts, reading and especially cooking!
Why Morris?
Having grown up in the city, I always thought I would be a big city girl all my life. Little did I know my small town roots would get me where I needed to be! Before I even visited, I could tell Morris was a great fit for me. Everyone I had spoken to was very helpful and friendly. In my case, character and kindness truly went a long way! I had the best undergrad experience I could have ever asked for, and now, I am delighted to be a Morris staff member.
Robyn McBrady
Admissions Counselor
Hometown/High School
- Parkers Prairie, MN
- Parkers Prairie High School
Contact
- Office: Welcome Center
- Phone: 320-589-6128
Education/Interests
I graduated with a double major in Marketing Communications and Business Administration emphasizing in Marketing from Bemidji State University. My interests include spending time outdoors whether it's walking, running or just being on the lakes I really enjoy the variety of activities that Minnesota has to offer. I also like to spend my free time reading, traveling, cooking, trying new foods and of course spending time with my family and friends.
Why Morris?
Because the University of Minnesota, Morris has such a diverse and engaged population, students have the opportunity to benefit from a great variety of experiences in a rural setting. It is the best of both worlds! Morris offers endless opportunity for students to be involved, while also providing small class sizes where discussion is encouraged and students get to know their professors and classmates. Come give us a visit and see yourself at Morris!
Kalee Nuest
Assistant Director of Admissions, Transfer Coordinator
Hometown/High School
- Becker, MN
- Becker High School
Contact
- Office: Welcome Center 125
- Phone: 320-589-6041
Education/Interests
I was a trackster in college, played piano and worked in admissions, and I also got involved in helping with orientation and acting as a PR person with alumni and friends of the college. I am a math nerd and I decided to pursue a degree that would allow me to learn more about the field and share my love with others, which led to me graduate from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2006 with a BA in Mathematics and Secondary Education. Today, I keep my mind sharp by doing Sudokus and crosswords and I stay busy outside of work with my husband, two kids, and chocolate lab!
Why Morris?
I've always loved working with students, and admissions provided me with the opportunity to do so in a way I hadn't considered. Morris is fantastic institution that opens doors to tons of opportunities while providing a personal, small-town atmosphere. I am in awe of our students... they do amazing things and I'm lucky enough to have a front row seat to their success!
Jean Rohloff
Guest Relations Specialist
Hometown/High School
- Morris, MN
- Morris Area High School
Contact
- Office: Welcome Center 102
- Phone: 320-589-6055
Education/Interests
I graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead and earned an AA degree in the Liberal Arts. After college I moved back to Morris and worked for a bank and utility company. I began working at UMM in the fall of 2003 and have had the privilege to work in various departments on campus. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two sons and attending their many activities. I love being a mom! I also enjoy exercising, cooking, baking, eating out and spending time with friends.
Why Morris?
I grew up in Morris and simply love Morris for many reasons. We are a small town with fantastic amenities. I love the fact that a grocery store and drugstore will deliver right to your door and the Morris transit service will get you to your desired destination in no time. We have fast food joints to Italian restaurant dining to our beloved Don's Cafe serving the best homemade bread/toast around. We can take in a movie, go bowling or head out to one of the many beautiful parks in town. I love working on campus because I have the opportunity to meet and interact with so many students, faculty and staff. I am amazed at the talent, dedication and work ethic surrounding me.
Brittany Rose
Admissions Counselor
Hometown/High School
- Alberta, MN
- Chokio-Alberta
Contact
- Office: Welcome Center 134
- Phone: 320-589-6047
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.
Danielle Schatschneider
Admissions Counselor
Hometown/High School
- Mahtomedi, MN and Shoreview, MN
- Mahtomedi High School
Contact
- Office: Welcome Center 130
- Phone: 320-589-6039
Education/Interests
I graduated from Morris in 2010 with a double major in Math and Computer Science and a minor in Statistics. Exciting, right? As a student, I enjoyed spending time in many campus activities, of which my favorites were: Orientation, Peer Health Educators, Big Friend Little Friend and tons of intramurals. Now, you can find me bike riding on Morris' beautiful trails during the summer and watching movies or snowboarding during those long cold winters.
Why Morris?
I went to another college for a year and found out it wasn't a great fit for me, but while visiting a friend at Morris, I discovered that my perfect school had been there all along-I just hadn't visited it yet. Morris hit me as the kind of unique place that everyone supports each other in whatever endeavor they take on. The people from the campus and the community are friendly and helpful and everyone is here to help you succeed. How could I turn it down? I came here the next year and haven't left since!
Kaiya Spilde
Admissions Counselor
Hometown/High School
- Bismarck, ND
- Century High School
Contact
- Office: Welcome Center
- Phone: 320-589-6392
Education/Interests
I graduated from Morris with a double major in Psychology and Liberal Arts for the Human Services and a minor in Sociology. During my time as a student, I was a Campus Ambassador, an Orientation Group Leader, and a member of Dance Ensemble. In my free time I enjoy running, listening to music, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Why Morris?
My mom mentioned UMM to me during the beginning of my senior year in high school. I had never
even heard of the school before, but my mom insisted that I visit (thanks mom!). After my first tour of
UMM, I fell in love with the campus. Everyone here was so friendly and I could tell that the faculty I met
with really cared about their students. I knew instantly that it was the place for me. Choosing UMM
was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Mike Vandenberg
Assistant Director of Admissions
Hometown/High School
- Mound, MN
- Mound Westonka High School
Contact
- Office: Welcome Center 139
- Phone: 320-589-6042
- Website
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.




