Meet the Success Advisors

Chip is thrilled to be at MSU and back in Higher Education after 20 years in the tech sector. He manages the Early Alert Program in which faculty refer students for academic support services. Chip, along with other Success Advisors, meet with referred students to assess their needs and provide individualized support. Chip believes the entire campus is a classroom, offering the opportunity to learn how you like to work, play, and socialize. 

When not in the office, Chip can be found hanging out with his wife and daughter, singing with the Bozeman Symphony Choir, or banking as many turns as possible at Bridger Bowl. He also cherishes his visits to Minnesota, where his son is attending college.

Chip earned his Bachelor’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology with a minor in Vocal Music Performance from San Jose State University and his Master’s in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University. He has special insight into Residence Life, Study Abroad, and the international student experience, having lived and worked outside the United States.

Bill has over 30 years of student affairs, enrollment management, and academic experience at all levels in education, in both the proprietary and non-profit environments. Before going into semi-retirement he was an Asst. Professor and Department Head of Physical Education at a small Iowa University and a member of the State of Iowa’s K-12 Physical Education curriculum redesign team. Currently, he holds an IRB / Jeanne Cleary Act Compliance Certification and Montana Teaching Credentials for K-12 Health Enhancement. He has an Ed.D. from Montana State University – Bozeman, MA in Teaching from Whitworth College, and a BA from Tabor College.

Not unlike the other success advisors, Noelle loves to be outside and is thankful to live in a beautiful valley home to rivers and majestic mountains.  Noelle came to Bozeman over 20 years ago to attend MSU, ski, and be closer to family.  After graduating, she spent a couple years near the Yellowstone River learning to fly-fish before moving to Missoula to attend law school in 2007.  Not long after earning her Juris Doctor, Noelle had the opportunity to work with the founders of a film licensing and technology company called Nimia, in Seattle.  After starting a family, Noelle returned to Bozeman and is happy to be back on campus at MSU with the opportunity to help students manifest their dreams.  Her goal is to teach students from all backgrounds and walks of life how to generate success in their academic lives as well as help them obtain a college experience that continues to inspire for years to come. 

Whether teaching math and science at public schools on the Kitsap Peninsula of Washington, instructing mathematics at Gallatin College or even teaching preschoolers their letters and numbers, Sonja relishes the joy of students understanding something new. She joined the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success in the fall of 2021. After growing up in California, Sonja began her Montana adventure, earning her Bachelor of Science degree at Rocky Mountain College (emphasis in Mathematics and a Minor in Art) and her teaching certificate from MSU Billings. Sonja moved to Bozeman after meeting and marrying her husband, Doug, and perhaps most of her experience advising and teaching is with her own four children, who attended Bozeman Public Schools, the University of Montana, and the University of Utah.  These combined experiences have cemented her passion for helping students succeed and knowing that the factors for success are widely varied.  In her spare time, Sonja loves to travel, hike, work on a building project or two and spend time visiting with family and friends.  She is energetic and optimistic that all students can be successful and education is a beneficial element toward that goal.

Toots retired from Montana State University in 2017, as an Environmental Health Specialist/ Health Inspector. Her love of being a part of MSU’s mission as a land grant university and engaging with students led to her to return to MSU.

In addition to working as a Student Success Advisor in the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success (AYCSS), she has a Food Safety consulting business. Toots received her B.S. and M.S. degrees from MSU and has worked with students, staff, and faculty on the MSU campus for 17 years.

Before retiring from MSU, Toots worked with various departments on campus such as Auxiliary Services, Safety & Risk, Facilities Services, Office of Sustainability, and the Dean of Students. Connecting with a culturally diverse student population, she provided support to many student-led campus events which included the International Food Bazaar, Catapalooza, “Bug Buffet,” and the American Indian Council Pow Wow.

Toots is passionate about helping students develop strong life skills, build confidence in their capabilities, and form relationships for the goal of advancing and receiving full benefit of their education.

Toots enjoys spending time with her 2 dogs and 4 cats, floral designing, painting, gardening, reading, and spending time on her family farm in Wyoming.

Becca is excited to be part of the AYCSS team after recently relocating to Montana. She manages programming for students on suspension and academic warning but is always happy to work with any student that wants support. She enjoys helping students reflect, problem solve, and create habits that will help them succeed in college and for years to come.

Becca has spent time living in Germany and Ghana and is passionate about travel, culture, and language. She also loves cooking, yoga, hiking, and a good Love is Blind marathon. In 2021 she received her Master of Public Policy in Berlin, Germany and prior to that was working in refugee resettlement in Missoula, MT. Both Becca’s professional and personal life are guided by the values of connection, curiosity, and community. These values drive her to continually seek new ways of supporting students on their journey at MSU.