First-Generation Advocates Directory
More than 17 percent of MSU undergraduates are first-generation students, and many of our graduate and professional students are trailblazers in their families as well. Our First-Gen Bobcat Advocate program trains faculty and staff to better connect with and support this important student population.
Below is a directory of all faculty and staff who have committed to serving and supporting First-Generation College Students at Montana State University! The list is in alphabetical order by last name.

Charly Allmer
First-Gen Bobcat
Admissions Counselor
Office of Admissions

Julian Collins, M.Ed.
Advocate
Director
TRIO SSS

Alisha Downs
First-Gen Bobcat
Space Planner
Planning Design & Construction

Joe Hicks, Ed.D.
First-Gen Bobcat
Associate TeachingProfessor
Education

Meredith Knowles
Advocate
Retention Specialist
TRIO SSS

Josh Meyer, Ph.D.
Advocate
Director
McNair Scholars
Honors Faculty
Honors College
Dan Sandberg
Advocate
Director
Leadership Institute

Mackenzie Spence, M.Ed.
First-Gen Bobcat
Program Coordinator
TRIO SSS
Business Operations Manager
McNair Scholars

Desiree Taylor
Advocate
Faculty
Jabs College of Business & Math Department
desiree.taylor1@montana.edu

Christina Trunnell
Advocate
Assistant Dean
Library

Sky Wernik
First-Gen Bobcat
Assistant to theDean
College of Education, Health & Human Development