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Join Us for the February Young Professionals Event!

Tuesday, February 17th | 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Join us for a special panel featuring leaders from across Southwest Minnesota State University as they share insights from their diverse roles on campus. This event offers a behind-the-scenes look at what they do, how they’ve navigated difficult situations, and the ways their work supports the growth and success of SMSU. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear their stories, learn from their experiences, and celebrate the impact they make on our Mustang community.

 

Hannah Abel

Hannah Abel serves as the Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach at Southwest Minnesota State University, leading efforts to engage more than 24,000 alumni through meaningful programs, events, communications, and partnerships. She coordinates alumni socials, Homecoming activities, and marketing initiatives while collaborating with the Alumni Association Board and University Advancement. Hannah also strengthens outreach to students and the wider community to support SMSU’s mission. A Montevideo native and two-time SMSU graduate (’18, ’21), she is excited to give back to the university she loves. She lives in Marshall with her husband, Seth—also an alum—and their Labradors, Max and Stanley.


 
Ross Wastvedt 
Dr. Ross Wastvedt serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, acting as the University’s Senior Academic Officer. He provides leadership and support for all academic programs, working closely with deans, faculty, and staff to guide strategic planning, set academic priorities, oversee curriculum, and administer academic policies. The Provost also oversees faculty and staff development, academic support services, and compliance with system, state, and federal requirements, including accreditation. Reporting directly to the President and serving on the President’s Cabinet, the Provost supervises the academic deans, registrar, and director of student success.

 
 
 Travis Whipple
Travis Whipple has been named Vice President of Athletics at Southwest Minnesota State University, bringing nearly two decades of experience across NCAA Divisions I, II, III, and the high school level. He joined SMSU after three impactful years at Fort Lewis College, where he led significant fundraising gains, facility planning, and strong academic and community engagement efforts. A Minnesota native and former two-time national champion basketball player at Winona State, Whipple has held leadership roles at multiple institutions. He looks forward to enhancing the student-athlete experience and helping advance Mustang Athletics.

 Melissa Scholten
 Melissa Scholten has returned to SMSU as the Director of Career Services, completing her journey from student to staff member. A 2007 SMSU psychology alumna, she earned a master’s in counseling psychology from Northwestern University. Scholten joins SMSU from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where she held leadership roles in Career Services, including manager and coordinator of undergraduate career advising. She is excited to return to the Marshall area and help students navigate a changing workforce shaped by technology and project-based roles. Scholten emphasizes the importance of professional networking, strong résumés, and maintaining a polished online presence, helping students prepare effectively for career opportunities.
 

Sponsors

Thank you to our 2025-2026 Marshall Area Young Professionals Sponsors!
Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU)