Philip Gaines, PhD -- Director

Dr. Gaines has been the Director of University Studies since 2005, but has been an English professor at MSU since 1998.  He received a B.A. in English, an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language, an M.A. in Linguistics, and a PhD in English Language Study from the University of Washington.  His personal interests revolve mainly around the extraordinary Montana outside. A typical laundry list applies: skiing (both downhill and cross-country), mountain- and road-biking, rock- and mountain-climbing, and hiking. No fishing yet, although friends are pressuring him…

Diane Donnelly, MEd -- Associate Director, Director of Academic Advising Center, Liberal Studies Advisor

Diane is the Associate Director of University Studies and the Program Advisor for the Liberal Studies degree.  When it comes to cross-campus academic advising and curricular issues, Diane shines. As Program Advisor for Liberal Studies and Associate Director of the University Studies Program, Diane brings energy, knowledge, and expertise. She enjoys the continual contact with students and the variety of courses and faculty. Diane’s undergraduate degree is in English Literature, and she received her M.Ed. in Adult and Higher Education from MSU. 

Nora Smith, PhD -- Assistant Director for Curriculum and Instruction, First-Year Seminar Director

Nora is currently the Assistant Director for Curriculum and Instruction of University Studies. Originally a Bozeman kid, she has degrees in history (from Montana State), comparative religion (Harvard Divinity School) and education (University of Wisconsin-Madison). When Dr. Smith grows up, she wants to write for ESPN.

Patricia Lane, MEd -- Academic Advising Coordinator, American Studies Advisor

Pat Lane is currently the Academic Advising Coordinator for the Academic Advising Center at MSU.  She has a master's degree in Adult and Higher Education from Montana State University and a BS in Psychology & Sociology.  Pat has been an academic advisor at MSU since 1999.  Pat also teaches the First Year Seminar course for University Studies and assists in advising Pre-University Studies students.  Off campus she enjoys golfing, gardening and fly-fishing in her spare time.

Emily Edwards , MFA -- Assistant First-Year Seminar Director, American Studies Advisor

Emily Edwards is an academic advisor and the Assistant First Year Seminar Director in the University Studies department. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, she studied literature and film at Ohio University, and received her M.F.A in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona. In addition to administering and teaching the first year seminar, she frequently teaches with the education department.

Judi Beckendorf, MS -- Students-in-Transition Advisor

Judi is currently the Students-in-Transition Advisor in the Academic Advising Center at MSU. Originally from Plains, Montana, she received a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Counseling and Human Services from the University of Idaho before returning to her home state in 2004. She currently serves as Montana’s representative to the National Academic Advising Association. Judi also teaches the First Year Seminar course for University Studies. When she’s not exerting her high energy across campus, she enjoys hiking, camping, boating, and traveling.

Karen Steele, MEd -- Liberal Studies Advisor, National Student Exchange Coordinator

Karen is an academic advisor and the Coordinator of the National Student Exchange program. She received her B.S. in Civil Engineering and her M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction both from the University of Colorado. Karen also teaches in the University Studies and Mathematics departments. A little known fact about Karen is that she has lived in eight and traveled to most of the states, which explains her excitement and dedication to sending Montana State students all over the country. Her passion for the outdoors is apparent and she is always planning the next adventure for her husband and two energetic boys.

Rita Sand, MEd -- Advisor, Native American Student Center Advisor

Rita has been an academic advisor in University Studies for over 20 years. She has a B.S. in Film and Television and a M.Ed in Education, Guidance and Counseling, both from Montana State University. Rita travels the state recruiting Native American students and is the contact person for the seven Tribal colleges in Montana. She also advises in the Native American Studies student center.  Rita enjoys Montana and Native American history and is currently vice-president of the Headwaters Chapter- Lewis and Clark Heritage Foundation in Bozeman.

Joe Barr, MA -- Advisor, Adjunct Instructor

Joe has recently completed a two-year commitment with the Peace Corps in the Republic of Moldova teaching English at Moldova State University in the capital city, Chisinau. He is thrilled to have returned to Montana State University with new ideas and a fresh perspective. The prospect for him of working once again with students as an academic advisor (in what is now a campus-wide advising center!) and to begin anew as an adjunct professor at Montana State is invigorating. His past academic achievements include a BA in Modern Languages, French (photo at right is with Eva, daughter of French friends), from Montana State University and an MA in cultural anthropology from the University of Kansas. 

Mary Noll, MA -- Liberal Studies Advisor, Director Emerita

Mary began her career in University Studies in 1979 as an intern while completing her Master’s Degree. During the subsequent 26 years, she served as an academic advisor, taught the First Year Seminar for 12 years, chaired orientation and scholarships, and was the National Student Exchange Coordinator and Assistant Director for six years. Her final five years before retiring in June of 2005, she serviced as the Director of University Studies. Although Mary continues to stay involved with University Studies as an academic advisor on a part-time basis, she is enjoying retirement with her husband and two dogs hiking, skiing, camping, and visiting grandchildren.

Carrie Kintzler -- Administrative Assistant

Carrie has been the administrative assistant for University Studies since 2005. Carrie is usually the first person you will talk to or see when you call or come into the office. The best part of her job is the daily interaction she has with students and parents. It is important to her that students feel welcome in University Studies and on campus, so please feel free to call with any questions or concerns.

Scarlet Reierson, BA --Administrative Associate

Scarlet Reierson, from Rosebud, Montana, recently graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and minor in Communication Studies from Rocky Mountain College. She joined the staff at Montana State University in August 2006. She serves as the Administrative Associate for the American Studies degree, Liberal Studies degree and Undergraduate Scholars Program.