Student Ambassadors
Meet the Bobcat Family
At Montana State University, we have countless opportunities for students to broaden their experiences and get involved on campus. Our office offers several unique opportunities to develop as individuals. Learn more about them and meet our students below!
Admissions Student Ambassadors
Our Admissions Student Ambassadors meet with prospective students and their families as part of their campus visit experience. They cover a broad range of topics, including student life, academic options, the application process, scholarships, and more. Our Student Ambassadors are trained by our Admissions Counselors, and many are active in leadership positions across campus.
Have questions about our Admissions Student Ambassadors? Email us!
Meet Our Admissions Student Ambassadors
Cody Johannes | Worden, MT
Admissions Student Ambassador
Major: Animal Science: Livestock Management
Year in School: Junior
Involvement:
Student Ambassador, Ag Ambassador, AGR Philanthropy Chair, ASMSU, FFA, 4-H, Young Farmers and Ranchers
Favorite class:
My favorite class was Animal Science and Beef System Management. Myfavorite thing about my major is the agriculture community I’ve surrounded myself with.
Favorite activity to do in Bozeman:
Working at the BART Farm or Redbluff research station.
Favorite campus activity or tradition:
My favorite activities are MSU Bobcat Football, MSU Debut events, and the
Undie Run. My favorite MSU Traditions are the Testy Fest, Lighting of Montana
Hall, and Catapalooza.
What was your first impression of MSU?
I knew this was home. Having alumni for parents, I knew my hunger for agriculture and a community would be satisfied at home.
Why I decided to attend MSU:
For many stereotypical “college” reasons. However, the driving force was due to the people I knew I could meet of like minds and involvement.
Words of wisdom:
Don’t let academia define you. Your success or failure is determined by you daily. You are who you surround yourself with: you want better to be better.
Ellen McLean | Helena, MT
Admissions Student Ambassador
Major: Kinesiology: Exercise Science
Year in School: Sophomore
Involvement:
Student Ambassador
Favorite thing about your major:
My favorite part of being an exercise science major would be learning about different ways to exercise and seeing progress in different aspects of life because of it.
Favorite activity to do in Bozeman:
My favorite activity in Bozeman would have to be going to spin classes at Zephyr cycling studio! Such a fun exercise!
Favorite campus activity or tradition:
My favorite campus activity would be the Gold Rush Football game! It is such a fun event to begin the school year.
What was your first impression of MSU?
My first impression of MSU was how at home the campus made me feel. Even though leaving home was hard, MSU welcomed me with open arms.
Why I decided to attend MSU:
I spent my first semester of school at a different university. I had a hard time adjusting to campus life there and considered transferring. After touring MSU, I knew it was the place for me.
Words of wisdom:
Don’t be afraid to switch your major! It’s totally normal to have your interests change throughout college.
Hunter Solheim | Billings, MT
Admissions Student Ambassador
Major: Kinesiology: Exercise Science
Year in School: Freshman
Involvement:
Student Ambassador, MSU Bookstore Employee
Favorite thing about your major:
My favorite thing about my major is learning about the human body and how to help others reach the goals they would like to achieve.
Favorite activity to do in Bozeman:
My favorite activities around Bozeman are mountain biking and fly fishing.
Favorite campus activity or tradition:
My favorite campus activity is going to Bobcat football games with friends.
What was your first impression of MSU?
My first impression was just beautiful. MSU’s campus is really pretty.
Why I decided to attend MSU:
I chose to attend MSU because of where it is located. It has everything I like to do around Bozeman, and the people here are great.
Words of wisdom:
While attending MSU, make sure to go out and try new things. It makes college way more fun. But make sure to manage your time with classes.
Katie Delker | Soldotna, AK
Admissions Student Ambassador
Major: Microbiology (Pre-Vet)
Year in School: Junior
Involvement:
Honors College, ASMSU Senator, Co-President of Nordic Ski Club,
Secretary of Country Dance Club, Student Ambassador, AdvoCat, Living Christ Ministry
(LCM) Member.
Favorite class:
Learning physics from Professor Greg Francis!
Favorite activity to do in Bozeman:
Hiking and Swing Dancing!
Favorite campus activity or tradition:
Homecoming Week
What was your first impression of MSU?
I was not expecting MSU to have as many on-campus opportunities for involvement and employment, so my first impression was, “wow, how do I choose what to do this week?” I’ve never had a dull moment here at MSU!
Why I decided to attend MSU:
I had a meeting with an Honor’s College Ambassador that cemented my longing to pursue my education at MSU. They told me about the unique courses and outdoor opportunities Bozeman offered, and I knew MSU would be the perfect place to become my home away from home.
Words of wisdom:
Explore more! Don’t be afraid to come to school without a super clear idea of what you want to study, because the best way to discover your passions is to diversify your experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.
Sarah Hagengruber | Helena, MT
Admissions Student Ambassador
Major: Microbiology (Pre-Med)
Year in School: Junior
Involvement:
Honors College, Cadaver Lab Student Assistant, Backcountry Squatters, Cats for Canines, AdvoCat, Student Ambassador, Students Against Sexual Assault, Sleep research labs.
Favorite thing about your major:
I like meeting people from all over the country who are just as passionate about what they are studying as I am.
Favorite activity to do in Bozeman:
Hanging out and flyfishing on the Gallatin River. Finding the best mac & cheese in Bozeman restaurants (I am on a mission).
Favorite campus activity or tradition:
Lighting of Montana Hall and Brawl of the Wild
What was your first impression of MSU?
It seemed like a perfect mix of being a big and small campus at the same time. MSU offers all the same opportunities available at big schools, but small enough that you can participate in all that you want.
Why I decided to attend MSU:
The research opportunities and all the classes/major options available to students. Bozeman is also a great town for people who enjoy outdoor activities, so I like it a lot here.
Words of wisdom:
Reach out to faculty members in the program/department you are interested in! Many professors are passionate and happy to answer any questions.
Grace Gibson | Haxtun, CO
Admissions Student Ambassador
Major: Agricultural Education
Minor: Technology Education
Year in School: Freshman
Involvement:
Admissions Ambassador and Ag Ed Club.
Favorite thing about your major:
I love learning more about Agriculture in Montana as well as learning about what all goes into the Education field.
Favorite activity to do in Bozeman:
I enjoy going on hikes on a nice weekend.
Favorite campus activity or tradition:
GOLD RUSH! It's so much fun and the energy is so high.
What was your first impression of MSU?
You don't adapt to MSU, MSU adapts to you. There is so much to do for everyone! You really can be your own person.
Why I decided to attend MSU:
I wanted somthing different and unique. MSU had just that. The opportunities are endless here.
Words of wisdom:
Stay curious and open minded. Things can change so fast, and that is ok! The first semester of college is always intimidating, but be open to the opportunities that lie ahead of you. You've got this! Go Cats!
AdvoCat Tour Guides
The campus tour program at Montana State University serves thousands of visitors each year. Under the supervision of the program coordinators, Anders Groseth, our Campus Visit Coordinators, and two student coordinators, MSU AdvoCats promote and personalize the University to prospective students, their families and other guests to campus. Through guided walking tours of campus, MSU AdvoCats educate visitors about academics and campus life, as well as the history, traditions and achievements of the University. The position of an MSU AdvoCat is a volunteer student leadership position. Guided tours last approximately one hour and are offered Monday – Friday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. year-round.
Have questions about AdvoCats? Email us!
Orientation Leaders
We are very proud that the success of our Orientation program is due in large part to the quality, ability, and dedication of Student Orientation Leaders. Trained in such areas as communication skills, leadership and presentation of factual information, Orientation Leaders work closely with new freshmen, transfers, and parents. They are knowledgeable about campus activities, campus life and various services offered by the University, and develop close working relationships with MSU administrators and faculty while assisting with academic advising and the registration process.
Have questions about being an Orientation Leader? Email us!
Shannon Bangen
Associate Director of New Student Programs
shannon.bangen@montana.edu
Want more information about MSU? We're here to help.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! You can email our
staff at admissions@montana.edu, or call us Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm MT at 1-888-MSU-CATS.