Samantha Tiemens-Anderson
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.

 

Laura Hammond
President-Elect

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.

 

Hailey Olson
Past-President

St. Cloud State University

Hailey Olson is the Assistant Director for Career Development at St. Cloud State University (SCSU), where she has worked since 2014. In her role, she advises students with career exploration and career readiness and also oversees the Peer Career Advisor program. Hailey also enjoys teaching the elective Career Planning course at SCSU every semester. She earned her M.S. in College Counseling and Student Development from St. Cloud State University and her B.A. in Sociology from the University of MN-Duluth. Hailey was an active member of the MCUCSA Diversity and Inclusion Committee prior to becoming President. In her free time she enjoys spending time and staying busy with her two young children, husband, and two dogs!

 
Headshot of smiling white man with dark brown hair

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.

 

Ben Hansen
Interim Secretary

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Ben Hansen is the Associate Director for Employer Relations for Career & Internship Services at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Ben works directly with employers acquiring new talent and is a passionate educator in career development enjoying teaching students whether it’s 1:1, through group workshops, or as an instructor. Ben earned his B.S. in Business Management and M.S. in College Counseling and Student Development from St. Cloud State University. Ben also happens to be an avid traveler and scuba diver.

 

Lorena Lane
Member-at-Large, Professional Development Committee Liaison

University of Minnesota - Duluth

Lorena Lane (she/her/ella) is the Employer Engagement Associate at the University of Minnesota Duluth Career Center. In her role, she builds relationships with employers from the local to national level to connect them with UMD students and alumni to further career exploration and meet recruitment needs. She is passionate about helping students find meaningful career experiences, ensuring students have equal access to opportunities, and creating inclusive working environments and recruiting practices. She earned her B.A. in Psychology & Organizational Behavior from the College of St. Scholastica in 2019 and is currently pursuing her MBA in Leadership & Change. She is a proud Latina who enjoys traveling, spending time with family, doing outdoor activities, and trying new activities and foods.

 

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.