Professional Staff

dan sandberg

Dan Sandberg

Director

Dan began his role as Director of the Leadership Institute in April of 2024. His background is in leadership development, with a focus on outdoor leadership. He directed the MSU Outdoor Recreation Program for seven years previously.  Dan believes that Leadership Development is a life-changing process and is thrilled to be able to provide opportunities for all students to learn and practice leadership across the University and beyond.  

Kass Thompson Headshot

Kass Thompson

Interim Program Manager

Kass graduated in May of 2024 with a degree Cell Biology & Neuroscience with minors in Global Health and Hispanic Studies. Born and raised just outside of Denver, Colorado, she developed a love for the city and the outdoors. Kass's passion for leadership began with positions as Class President and Vice president in student government and head of an annual Relay For Life event in her home county; she is honored to lead the team of incredible students that work at the Leadership Institute.Kass also serves as co-founder and instructor of English Para Todos, and volunteers as a survivor advocate at the MSU Voice Center. If Kass isn't in the office she is probably somewhere reading a good book, enjoying a coffee shop, or partaking in one of the many outdoor activities Bozeman has to offer.

Student Staff

The MSU Leadership Institute offers both work-study and hourly employment positions to students who would like to promote leadership across Montana State University and the state of Montana. Join us if you crave the opportunity to be part of a dynamic environment that offers opportunities to build confidence with your work skills. Duties include: public relations and community outreach, facilitating leadership workshops, hosting guest speakers, facilitating the Leadership Film Series, maintaining the social media accounts, taking photos and videos at events, and more!

Ignacio Alonso Headshot

Ignacio Alonso 

Senior Associate
Ignacio is a transfer student from Buenos Aires pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business with a minor in Sociology. With an undergraduate degree in Physical Education, I decided to make a big change in my life when I discovered a passion for nature and the question of how we can produce food in a sustainable and profitable way. After traveling and working in different countries and industries, I have seen that the main predictor of a successful project is good communication and purpose. I have volunteered for non-profits building pre-built houses in rural and developing communities in Buenos Aires. When I am not studying, I spend a lot of time at the gym, practicing martial arts, skiing, and gardening. My main passion is engaging in conversations and listening to new ideas and different points of view that help nurture and deepen my understanding of the world.  
Amy May Headshot

Amy May

Senior Associate

Amy is from Boise, Idaho and pursuing a degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience. She has hopes of going to medical school to become a surgeon to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, regardless of their background. By adventuring through Idaho, Amy has grown to love the outdoors and finds Montana to be a great fit for her. With an open heart she embraces every opportunity to make new friendships and enjoys spending time with others. Outside of school she loves to be involved in her community, be outside or read a good book. Through the Leadership Institute she is hoping to venture beyond her comfort zone, create connections and contribute to the continuous improvement of MSU. 

Lindsey Frishmuth

Lindsey Frishmuth

Student Associate
Lindsey is a sophomore studying Kinesiology from Arvada, Colorado. Once Lindsey has her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend graduate school for her doctorate in physical therapy. This interest in human health has led to Lindsey being involved in health-related volunteer work and campus events. Being from Colorado has given Lindsey plenty of outdoor leadership opportunities, including working as a teacher at Outdoor Lab, an outdoor education facility for middle schoolers.  When not involved in the Leadership Institute or in class, Lindsey can usually be found on the ski hill or doing something outside.
Lily Savage

Lily Savage

Student Associate
Lily Savage is a senior from San Diego, California majoring in Sociology and receiving a minor in English writing. She is currently undecided about her plans upon graduation but has been back and forth between going to law school or culinary school to fulfil her passions. Lily is an outgoing individual that loves to travel with friends and push not only others but also herself as well to break out of their comfort zone and become a better version of themselves. If she is not on campus, Lily can often be found cooking, hiking, at a local coffee shop, or traveling to a nearby city to explore.  Her time in Montana has taught her to embrace change and use it to propel herself forward into the next adventure and she plans on doing the same with the leadership institute.
Daniel Lanske Headshot

Daniel Lanske

Student Associate
Daniel Lanske is a second-year student from Billings, Montana pursuing a degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with intentions of becoming a physician in the future. Daniel has a strong passion for helping his community by creating a better environment for everyone who lives there through volunteer work, tutoring, and aiding non-profits. He enjoys the challenges and new skills that arise from such opportunities and the positive effect it has on himself and others. Daniel is extremely excited to be working with the Leadership Institute this semester and looks forward to the experiences and skills that will stem from it! Growing up in Montana has led Daniel to have a great fascination and appreciation for the outdoors. When he is not studying, he can be seen outside hiking with his friends or climbing over at Spire.
Madison Craigie

Madison Craigie

Intern
Madison is a freshman from Coeur d’Alene, ID studying Environmental Design Architecture. In her free time, she enjoys working out, cooking, and playing piano. She is excited to work with the Leadership Institute at MSU and create a positive impact in the community.
Ella Morton

Ella Morton 

Intern
My name is Ella Morton and I am a freshman this year at MSU! My hometown is Albuquerque, New Mexico and I am so excited to get to explore Montana. I am majoring in business management and hope to also minor in psychology. I am super excited to be apart of the MSU Leadership Institute! 
Peyton collings

Peyton Collings

Intern
Peyton Collings is a first year student at Montana State where she is pursuing her undergraduate degree in the College of Letters and Science for Psychology. After completion of her courses at MSU she has intentions to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology. Born and raised in New Jersey, she is a fan of city life, however wants to establish her future home in the country. Growing up in a small town about twenty minutes outside of New York City, she realized that extraordinary leaders are what keep communities safe and committed to growth. Peyton is passionate about journeying within to become the best possible version of oneself and creating intimate communities. Outside of her studies you can find Peyton reading a novel, hiking or grabbing a bite to eat! She is excited to be working with the Leadership Institute this semester, where she can learn the necessary knowledge to be a leader in today’s society, as well as have the ability to stand up for other student’s voices.