Melissa Scholten
President

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.

 

Ben Hansen
President-Elect

University of Minnesota

Ben Hansen serves as the Associate Director for Employer Relations supporting CCAPS, CDes, and CFANS within Career & Internship Services at the University of Minnesota. With over 16 years of experience in career development, Ben brings deep expertise in both career counseling and employer engagement. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Science in College Counseling and Student Development from St. Cloud State University. Outside of work, Ben enjoys traveling with his family and has been to 36 countries and 29 states so far.

 

Laura Hammond
Past-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.

 

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.

 

Chrissy Jensen
Secretary

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, College of Science and Engineering

Chrissy Jensen (she/her) is the Assistant Director of Career Counseling at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, College of Science and Engineering. Chrissy holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Outside of work, Chrissy enjoys exploring the Twin Cities, hanging out with her daughter and participating in community events.

 

Carolyn Catir
Member-at-Large, Professional Development Committee Liaison

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, College of Science and Engineering

Carolyn Catir (she/her) is a Career Counselor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, College of Science and Engineering. Carolyn holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and an M.S. in College Student Personnel from Miami University. Outside of work, Carolyn loves exploring the Twin Cities area through a mix of outdoor activities, discovering new music, and indulging in the local food scene.

 

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.