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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 serves as the Director of Career Services and the Center for Civic and Community Engagement at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU). Career Services offers comprehensive resources to support students and alumni in career development and employment, while the Center for Civic & Community Engagement connects academic programs with community needs for mutual benefit. A 2007 SMSU psychology alumna, Scholten earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Northwestern University and returns to SMSU after serving in leadership roles in Career Services at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She is passionate about helping students navigate a changing, technology-driven workforce through networking, strong résumés, and professional online presence.



Nathan Polfliet
 

Nathan Polfliet is a proud Southwest Minnesota State University alumnus, earning his undergraduate degree in 2000 and returning to complete his MBA in 2011. He spent more than 11 years with the South Dakota State University Foundation before launching his own consulting business, where he now works with nonprofit organizations across the country. Nathan met his wife, Angel, while attending SMSU, and together they have three children: Noah, Nicholas, and Alexis. With deep family roots in Marshall, Nathan values community and education, and is especially proud that his son Nicholas is continuing the family legacy at SMSU, pursuing a degree in Computer Science.
Sponsors

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