Welcoming New Faculty and Staff to the Dragon Community
Happy New Year!
Looking back on Fall 2025, we see that many Dragon employees joined us last semester!
The stories (below) about new faculty and staff came about through interviews with students. We invite you to read these fun Q&A’s and see photos to recognize new teammates and welcome them, albeit belatedly, to the Dragon Community.
- Michelle Abshire, assistant professor of geosciences, College of Science, Health & the Environment
- Jessica Brooks, student success specialist, Academic Success Center
- Ryan Dingman, public safety sergeant, Public Safety
- Hillary Ehlen, head dance team coach, Athletics
- Chris Franz, associate director of experiential learning and assessment, Career Development Center
- Karissa Kjos, assistant director for student organizations and engagement, Student Activities and Organizations
- Matthew Lee, information technology helpdesk coordinator, Information Technology
- Allana Cristina Martins, assistant professor of organic chemistry, College of Science, Health & the Environment
- Emma Mattson, student success specialist, Academic Success Center
- Jennifer Pederson, assistant professor of nursing, College of Science, Health & the Environment
- Franci Rogers, student success specialist, Academic Success Center
- Sean Suchomel, assistant men’s basketball coach, Athletics
- Bobby Valdez, general maintenance worker, Facilities & Grounds
The list above does not include all new employees that joined Moorhead in the last quarter, but rather the ones that responded to requests for interviews. Stories are shared as they are completed. In addition, some stories about 2025 arrivals are being finalized and will be shared in the next Dragon Community news post.
See photos and descriptions of ALL new employees at:
MSUM Facebook album
MSUM HR Twitter/X
MSUM Stories
If you are a new employee that has not participated in a Welcome to the Dragon Community story but would like to, let us know by emailing marketingteam@mnstate.edu. We’re sorry we missed you!