Meet the Team

Education

B.A. Religious Studies - Calumet College of St. Joseph
B.S. Psychology - Calumet College of St. Joseph
M.S.Ed. Higher Education Administration - University of Dayton

Professional Interests

Luke found his passion for higher education via Student Goverment when studying at Calumet College of St. Joseph. While at the University of Dayton, Luke fosters his professional interests in learning theory, student transitions, mentorship, assessment, and meme-ology.

Personal Interests

Luke enjoys grilling and smoking on his alley-found Weber kettle, exploring new areas, and playing board games with friends. He collects all things Luke Skywalker and will debate anyone on Star Wars controversies. Luke is also a dog dad to Bison Matulewicz, a tricolor corgi with a name that fits his personality--not his size. Luke is also an active volunteer in the Science Olympiad community. Lastly, Luke makes incredible chili and is the reigning champion of the AAC Chili Cookoff.

While in College...

Knowing that graduate school was in his future, Luke lived at home while attending college. Luke found community through the St. Gasper's Honors Learning Community and the director, Prof. Kirk Robinson, has become a lifelong mentor. During his last two years, Luke was also elected as the Student Government President. Luke always took a full course load (15 to 18 hours) to take as many classes as he could even if it was not part of his degree path (ceramics, painting, writing, and many other courses).

Education

B.B.A Marketing and Management - Washburn University
M.S. Counseling and Student Development - Kansas State University

Professional Interests

Creating authentic and welcoming environments that empowers people to engage in decision making, active learning, and intentional questioning to uncover their potential for success. Research interests include learning theory, student development, data analytics, and assessment.

Personal Interests

• Books, Movies, and Podcast (I am always look for recommendations)
• Traveling (My goal is to go to every National Park before 2050)
• Board Games (Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Doomlings are my current favorites)
• Puzzles (You can never have to many)

While in College

Lauren was a first-generation and a transfer student. In her first year of college Lauren struggled to navigate college life, make connections, and find belonging in her campus community. After her first year, she decided to be closer to home and transfer to college in her hometown. Transferring to a new college is hard and it feels like you are starting back at the beginning while your peers have gained valuable institutional knowledge and experience that at times only happens in the first year. However, when talking with peers she learned that if she wanted to find community, she was going to have push herself out of her comfort zone, try new things, and engage with students that she did not know. In that first year as a transfer student, Lauren joined Greek Life, started on campus job, became involved with Campus Activities Board, and studied abroad. Through these experiences she learned that you get out of your college experience it what you put in.

Lauren notes two things as pivotal moments as a student – working on campus in multiple offices (admission, campus activities, student orientation, and the library) help connect her more with the campus community and she developed a passion on helping other students and her study abroad experiences pushed her to be more independent, problem solve, and to be able to navigate unfamiliar cultures and spaces.

Education

B.A. English Literature - Mount Marty University
B.S. Military Science - University of South Dakota
M.S.Ed. Education and Curriculum - Kansas State University
Civil Affairs Qual Course - John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School

Professional Interests

Helping people achieve their goals through education and practical life experiences

Personal Interests

• Running (The goal is an Ultra-Marathon…I’m looking at you Western States 100!)
• Camping (sometimes just staring at a fire is good enough for me)
• Board Games
• Traveling the world and eating foods you can’t easily find!

While in College

While I was in college: In undergrad I refused to accept help, I hardly went to class, and I spent too much time socializing. In Grad school I learned to ask for help, I was given grace by my professors (when I asked for it), and I was pushed to be a better student and human being.