Laura Hammond
President

College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University

Laura Hammond is a Senior Associate Director and Career Coach in the XPD - Experience and Professional Development Office at the College of Saint Benedict and St. John's University (CSB/SJU). In her role, she manages the college's Academic Internship Program, leads a faculty liaison outreach model for career coaches, and provides career resources for students and faculty partners in Health and Social Services/Government Industries. Laura also enjoys teaching first-year students as an Instructor for the College Success at CSB/SJU course. Laura earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Sociology from CSB/SJU, as well as a Master of Social Work from St. Cloud State University. She has almost 20 years of professional experience in non-profit and higher education industries, including work in volunteer and grant management, experiential learning, external partner and alumni engagement, as well as career coaching. Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, riding the bike trails of MN, camping lakeside, and sharing punny jokes to the delight (and chagrin!) of friends, family and co-workers.

 

Melissa Scholten
President-Elect

Southwest Minnesota State University

Melissa Scholten serves as the Director of Career Services and the Center for Civic and Community Engagement at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from SMSU and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a focus on Career Development from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Melissa is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and a Certified Practitioner of the MBTI (Step I and Step II Instruments). With 15 years of experience in career services and higher education, she is deeply invested in the evolution of these fields and the broader world of work. Outside of her professional life, Melissa enjoys reading, biking, cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with her husband and two children.

 

Samantha Tiemens-Anderson
Past-President

University of Minnesota - College of Science and Engineering

Samantha Tiemens-Anderson is the Assistant Director of Employer Engagement for the College of Science & Engineering at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. In her role, she manages the employer engagement team within CSE Career Services and drives the strategy, development and expansion of full-time and internship opportunities for students. Samantha earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Samantha started her professional career at the University of Chicago and has over 10 years of experience in Career Services. Prior to being elected President, she chaired the MCUCSA Professional Development Committee and served as the Member-at-Large. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

 

Lucas Vetsch
Treasurer

College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University

Lucas Vetsch is an Assistant Director and Career Coach in the XPD - Experience and Professional Development Office at the College of Saint Benedict and St. John's University (CSB/SJU). In his role, he assists with department events, supports campus partners, and provides career resources for students and faculty partners in Environment and Data Analytics Industries. Lucas also enjoys teaching first-year students as an Instructor for the College Success at CSB/SJU course. Lucas earned his B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from CSB/SJU, as well as earned his M.S. in College Counseling and Student Development from St. Cloud State University. Outside of work, Lucas enjoys spending time with his partner and two cats, going on nature hikes, visiting breweries, and vacationing on the beach.

 

Rachel Nihart
Secretary

Metropolitan State University

Rachel Nihart (she/her) is a Career Counselor at Metro State University, focused on sustainable and equitable career management practices. Passionate about empowering individuals, she aims to bridge the gap between education and professional success. Rachel holds a B.S. in Human Resource Development from the University of Minnesota and an M.A. in Leadership in Student Affairs from the University of St. Thomas. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. at Winona State University. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, and figure skating.

 

Jessica Truong-Castellanos
Member-at-Large, Professional Development Committee Liaison

University of St. Thomas - Dougherty Family College

Jessica Truong-Castellanos is the Career & Academic Success Coach at Dougherty Family College, University of St. Thomas. In her role, she strategizes and delivers career-related initiatives to better assist underserved communities and is passionate about empowering individuals to build confidence and career success. Jessica also teaches the first-year experience course to all incoming freshmen, where she loves integrating career and professional development content. Jessica earned her B.A. in Spanish and her M.S. in Counseling and Student Personnel from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is a proud Latina educator who enjoys playing volleyball, running, spending time with family, engaging in outdoor activities, traveling, and trying new baking recipes.

 

Alexis Persons
Member-at-Large, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Liaison

Minnesota State University - Mankato

Alexis Persons is an Assistant Director at the Career Development Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She supports the career success of students and alumni through the management and provision of career-related activities and education for assigned academic areas (College of Allied Health and Nursing, College of Education, & College of Humanities and Social Sciences) and departments (Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion). Alexis is passionate about partnering with faculty and academic programs to integrate career readiness, implementing innovative programming intended to share career information with students in a space they are already at, and guiding her work with a commitment to equity to move toward dismantling barriers and fostering a more just and inclusive society. Outside of work, Alexis enjoys camping & taking pictures/videos of her plants and 2 dogs- Luna & Libby.