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Brian Studebaker

  • Director of Admissions
  • M.S., Silver Lake College (WI)
  • B.B.A., Saint Joseph College (IN)

Brian Studebaker

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Hometown/HighSchool

  • Gurnee, IL
  • Warren Township High School

Education/Interests

I was probably destined to work in admissions since my freshman year in college, working in the admissions office at my alma mater, giving campus tours and helping to recruit new students. Even though I was a Business Administration major in college, I actually enjoyed my Psychology minor the most. While most of my high school friends chose to attend the larger state schools, I found that getting involved at a smaller school was even easier and more enjoyable. Beyond being a student-worker in admissions, I was also on the college radio station, student government, and a few other groups. I also went on to get my Masters of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior while I was living in Wisconsin. Now, as a new resident of Morris, I'm enjoying getting to know the campus and town, as well as the staff and students. If I'm not here, I'm probably visiting my parents in Florida, or spoiling my awesome niece and nephew in North Carolina.

Why Morris?

As a product of a small, liberal arts college, I am well-aware of the opportunities that a school like Morris can provide. Plus, having the benefit of being part of the University of Minnesota system, we can offer a wide variety of programs and experiences at a very affordable price. I truly enjoy the environment that we have, where you are a name, not a number. It is very rare to find a place like Morris.


Harry Ballantyne

  • Admissions Counselor
  • M.S.A., Upper Iowa University
  • B.S., Crown College, St. Bonifacius, MN

Harrison Ballantyne

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Hometown/HighSchool

  • Lakeville, MN
  • Lakeville South High School

Education/Interests

A native of Lakeville, Minnesota, Ballantyne attended Lakeville South High School before graduating from Crown in 2017 with degrees in Sports Management and theology. Following his time at Crown, he served as a graduate assistant baseball coach at Iowa Lakes Community College, while he obtained a master's degree in sports administration with an emphasis in coach and leadership education from Upper Iowa University.

Some of my interests include being an avid Minnesota sports fan, fitness, and coaching. I also enjoy watching movies and going out to different places to eat.

Why Morris?

During my college search throughout my senior year of high school, I ended up visiting the University of Minnesota Morris and considered it as being a potential spot for time in college. Although I did not ultimately choose the University of Minnesota Morris, I had the opportunity later on in my life to accept a position as the assistant baseball coach in January of 2020. As I have spent time here and gotten to know the area on a more personal level, what's not to like about it. Community is inviting, the people that are involved and work at the University of Minnesota Morris is what makes this place special!


Brandon King

  • Admissions Counselor
  • B.A., University of Minnesota Morris

Brandon King

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Hometown/HighSchool

  • Albuquerque, NM
  • John F. Kennedy High School

Education/Interests

I graduated with my B.A. degree in Psychology in 2022. Throughout my college career I worked with students as a mentor to help them figure out their goals and what they had to do to reach those goals. I am happy I have this opportunity to be able to do the same with incoming students.
In my free time, I like to go on hikes with my dog Shadow, play board games and video games, and lastly I like to travel to different places to explore and learn new things.

Why Morris?

As a first generation college student, I had no clue what to look for in college and I had no one to help me. When I came for my campus visit before applying to Morris, I already felt like I was not just another number but someone the community cared about. I am excited to be able to help incoming students the same way.


Abby Bangasser

  • Assistant Director of Admissions - CRM
  • B.A., University of Minnesota, Morris

Abby Bangasser

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Hometown/HighSchool

  • Slayton, MN
  • Murray County Central

Education/Interests

I graduated from Morris in 2017 with B.A. degrees in Psychology and Liberal Arts for the Human Services and a minor in Biology. As a student I really enjoyed being involved on campus in various clubs (Dance Ensemble was my favorite) and working as a telecounselor in the Admissions Office. I was also involved in the community working various jobs and volunteering at the Steven's Community Humane Society. My passions include travel, animals, science, human rights, and helping people. I fill my free time hanging out with my friends, cuddling with my cat, going to the lake, baking, or the occasional netflix binge.

Why Morris?

I figured out in high school that if I was going to succeed in college I was going to need a place that offered personal attention and professors that cared about their students. Morris offered the perfect combination of small school feel with big school perks. Those aspects combined with the kindness of everyone I met made UMM a perfect fit. To this day, it is a place that fosters a sense of community for everyone and that's what I love about being here and why I've stuck around.


Brendan Goler

  • Admissions Counselor
  • M.Ed., University of Minnesota Duluth
  • B.A., Benedictine University, Lisle

Brendan Goler

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Education/Interests

I graduated from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois in 2014 with a B.A. in Bilingual Journalism as well as minors in Spanish and Communications. I was a member of the men’s soccer team while at Benedictine as well as the football team as a kicker. I was an active member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee(SAAC) as well. I am an avid Chicago sports fan and I also love traveling with my wife, Allison and the opportunity to use my foreign language skills in different countries. Some of my other hobbies and interests include coaching, skiing, golfing and reading.

Why Morris?

Growing up in the Chicagoland area, I really enjoyed the different culture that comes with the smaller, rural towns. I also was impressed by the diversity and inclusivity of the campus. I also serve as the Associate Head Softball Coach so I am very fortunate to be able to work with our high achieving student-athletes as well. The faculty and staff, students and community members were instantly so welcoming and helpful which is one of the main reasons that I have so thoroughly enjoyed my time in Morris!


Addy Lutchen

  • Regional Recruiter
  • International Admissions
  • M.A., University of Nebraska at Kearney
  • B.A., University of Minnesota Morris

Addison Lutchen

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Hometown/HighSchool

  • Monticello, MN
  • Monticello High School

Education/Interests

I graduated from Morris in 2017 with degrees in Spanish and Secondary Education as well as a minor in Communications, Media, and Rhetoric. In my final year at Morris, I was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English in Spain immediately after graduation. I love giving back to my community, and as a student, Morris allowed me to do just that. I taught ESL classes through the Office of Community Engagement, I worked as a peer tutor with the Office of Academic Success, I volunteered for the movie theater in town, and I even spent my spring breaks volunteering all across the country with fellow cougars through one of our many student orgs.

In my free time, I love to cook and try new foods, hike, play board games, spend time with friends, and speak Spanish whenever I can.

Why Morris?

I love the support Morris offers its students, be it academically, professionally, or personally. Morris's small size is its strength, and allowed me to have strong relationships with professors, deep ties to the community, and find my own lifelong circle of friends. I even found my husband here!

If students are looking for a place that will allow them to be themselves, or just support them as they figure out who they want to be, Morris is the place!


Jordyn Meyer

  • Admissions Counselor
  • B.A., University of Minnesota Morris

Jordyn Meyer

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Hometown/HighSchool

  • Osakis, MN
  • Osakis High School

Education/Interests

I graduated from Morris in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Human Services with a subplan in Human development. Along with my two majors, I graduated with honors and am now a part of the McNair scholars family, with hopes to one day return to graduate school and obtain a PhD. As a student, I was active in campus life and followed my passion in music by playing flute in Morris’s large wind ensemble Symphonic Winds, helped plan the annual Yule Ball, a Harry Potter themed winter formal, and cheered my fellow peers in athletics and other activities such as Dance Ensemble.

During my time in Morris, I was able to find my passion for learning and research with the help of amazing faculty and mentors (thank you McNair!). I have now studied abroad twice in both Italy and Cuba and presented my research on aspects of America’s Foster Care system at two academic conferences. My time at Morris allowed me to build my previous life experiences and knowledge as well help me grow into a person who continues to strive to create a more equitable and sustainable world.

Why Morris?

From my first visit, I knew I found a place I could call home. Before moving to Minnesota in 2017 and graduating from Osakis in 2018, I moved multiple times across the Midwest and parts of the South. I hadn’t had the chance to stay in one place for very long, and I knew college would be a wonderful opportunity to continue to make Minnesota my new home. Morris only exceeded my expectations. The small campus allowed me to get to know both my peers and faculty on a personal level, and I have now met lifelong friends turned family as well as amazing faculty who have helped me reach personal, academic and professional goals. Morris has truly given me so many experiences to be grateful for (including my first time on an airplane and experience with ear infections and doctors in other countries!) and I am looking forward to continuing to grow and help others discover the “Morris Magic” as an admissions staff.


TseChi "Chad" Yen

  • Associate Director of Admissions
  • B.A., Fort Lewis College

Contact


Hometown/HighSchool

  • Taipei, Taiwan & Highland Heights, OH
  • Mayfield High School, Mayfield Heights, OH

Education/Interests

I emigrated from the nation of Taiwan and after three years of attending the Ohio State University, I worked as a sales professional for several years. Eventually discovering my passion for psychology and human rights causes, I transferred and completed my bachelor's degree in psychology at Fort Lewis College in 2016. I enjoy traveling (having lived in Ohio, Kentucky, New Mexico, Colorado, & South Dakota), listening to the news, podcasts, audiobooks, watching movies, and connecting with new friends from around the globe.

Why Morris?

During my years at Fort Lewis College, I encountered relatives from scores of Native American and Indigenous nations across the country. This experience sparked an immense interest in diverse heritage, languages, and traditional practices of Indigenous cultures. The moment I learned about the University of Minnesota Morris and the American Indian Tuition Waiver Program, my curiosity about this institution was piqued. I believe the presence of students from 70+ Indigenous nations, 30+ states, and two dozen countries makes our campus enriching, unique, and easy to fall in love with!