Staff Member of the Year 2013


06/20/2013

Staff Member of the Year Matt Hansen will begin his 15th year at St. Ambrose this fall.

"Matt is an exceptional leader, professor and staff member," said one student. "He engages students and pushes them to be the best they can be ... is someone with whom students can laugh-and also learn from. I hope one day to have the kind of positive impact on others that Matt has had on me."

During his tenure, Hansen was a member of the team providing oversight for the renovation of Rohlman Hall and the construction of Hagen, Bechtel, Franklin, McCarthy and North residence halls, as well as the Rogalski Center.

Hansen helped create and expand "Destination: Leadership," an annual student leadership conference, and has co-chaired the Welcome Week Planning Committee; served on the university Strategic Planning Committee; and taught public speaking each semester including a section in the leadership learning community each fall. Hansen earned his bachelor's degree in speech communication from Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn., and a master's in student development in higher education from the University of Maine, Orono.

"This is a significant honor given that my fellow nominees are some of the finest examples of servant leadership at SAU," said Hansen. "It is all about the relationships and assisting young adults grow into leaders. I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to witness countless Ambrosians develop into who they are meant to be."

The Full Scoop:
Who were the other nominees?

David Baker, Communication- KALA Radio
Pam Fox, SODEXO
Andy Milton, Campus Recreation
Matt Hansen, Residence Life/Communications
Calvin Cooper, Security
Maggie Avon, Records and Registration
Ann Austin, Independent/SSC
Andrew Gates, Veteran Resources

What are some additional things Matt had to say?
"I felt welcomed here as soon as I started and am excited to begin my 15th year as part of the Ambrose family. I work with my staff to ensure each new resident student becomes a member of the community here. While my duties and staff size have continued to grow, I continue to enjoy the challenges of my job and the opportunity to work with great students and staff, creating lasting relationships with numerous Resident Advisors and Hall Directors on the team throughout the years."

What about Matt, the guy?

Grew up in Rhinelander, Wisc.
He and his wife, Jayme, have two children, Hannah (age 15) and Jacob (age 11), who have themselves "grown up on the beautiful SAU campus," said Hansen.
BIG Green Bay Packers fan
A gardener who has a Vermicompost bin in the house (yes, this involves worms!)

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