Student Ambassadors
Meet the Bobcat Family
At Montana State University, we have countless opportunities for students to broaden their experiences and get involved on campus. Our office offers several unique opportunities to develop as individuals. Learn more about them and meet our students below!
Admissions Student Ambassadors
Our Admissions Student Ambassadors meet with prospective students and their families as part of their campus visit experience. They cover a broad range of topics, including student life, academic options, the application process, scholarships, and more. Our Student Ambassadors are trained by our Admissions Counselors, and many are active in leadership positions across campus.
Have questions about our Admissions Student Ambassadors? Email us!
Meet Our Admissions Student Ambassadors
Ellen McLean | Helena, MT
Admissions Student Ambassador
Major: Kinesiology: Exercise Science
Year in School: Junior
Involvement:
Student Ambassador, Exercise Science Club
Favorite thing about your major:
My favorite thing about Kinesiology is learning about all of the different career paths I could take once I graduate!
Favorite activity to do in Bozeman:
My favorite activity in Bozeman is to get dinner/ice cream in downtown Bozeman, and pop into the little shops on Main Street.
Favorite campus activity or tradition:
My favorite campus activity would be the Gold Rush Football game! It is our first football game of the year and the whole stadium is packed in gold. It is always a good time!
What was your first impression of MSU?
My first impression of MSU was how much I loved the campus! There is always something exciting happening on campus which gives MSU a very vibrant feel.
Why I decided to attend MSU:
I decided to go to MSU because I felt supported here! Whether I was in the classroom, meeting new friends, or trying new activities everyone welcomed me with open arms!
Words of wisdom:
My best advice for new students is to get involved in different activities! It's a really great way to make new friends!
Hunter Solheim | Billings, MT
Admissions Student Ambassador
Major: Kinesiology: Exercise Science
Year in School: Sophomore
Involvement:
Student Ambassador, MSU Bookstore Employee
Favorite thing about your major:
My favorite thing about my major is learning about the human body and how to help others reach the goals they would like to achieve.
Favorite activity to do in Bozeman:
My favorite activities around Bozeman are mountain biking, hiking, and fly fishing.
Favorite campus activity or tradition:
My favorite campus activity is going to Bobcat football games and the rodeo with friends.
What was your first impression of MSU?
My first impression of MSU is that as a student you aren't lost and it is easy to become involved in different things around campus.
Why I decided to attend MSU:
I chose to attend MSU because of where it is located as well as how much research you can/will be involved with.
Words of wisdom:
Make sure you get out and do things! It's the best way to make friends, meet new people, and experience new things.
Grace Gibson | Haxtun, CO
Admissions Student Ambassador
Major: Agricultural Education
Minor: Technology Education
Year in School: Sophomore
Involvement:
Admissions Ambassador, Ag Ed Club, AdvoCat Tour Guide, Admissions Specialist, Stockgrowers, Collegiate 4-H.
Favorite thing about your major:
My favorite thing about my major is working with like-minded individuals and the research we get to do around the community.
Favorite activity to do in Bozeman:
I enjoy hiking the trails around Bozeman!
Favorite campus activity or tradition:
GOLD RUSH! Or homecoming football games.
What was your first impression of MSU?
I really loved that when I toured, everyone was super nice and helpful.
Why I decided to attend MSU:
I chose MSU because I knew there were a lot of opportunities I could do once I got here and because I loved the atmosphere.
Words of wisdom:
Keep your mind open and don't be afraid to branch out and try new things/places.
Josh Fairbanks | Roscommon, MI

Admissions Student Ambassador
Major: Finance
Second Major: Accounting
Year in School: Junior
Involvement:
Finance Club, Accounting Club, Orientation Leader, AdvoCat Tour Guide, Volunteer for Bounty of the Bridgers Food Pantry.
Favorite thing about your major:
Anything involving Excel. I love all things spreadsheets.
Favorite activity to do in Bozeman:
During the winter, I love skiing. During the summer, I enjoy hiking or backpacking with my dog.
Favorite campus activity or tradition:
Rail Jam!
What was your first impression of MSU?
I come from a small town in Northern Michigan so large campuses were a little intimidating for me. MSU has the perfect size: large amentities with a small campus feel.
Why I decided to attend MSU:
I chose MSU for the outdoor opportunities offered both on-campus and in the Bozeman area.
Words of wisdom:
Get involved! I've never regretted trying something new.
Regan Hanson | Livingston,MT
Admissions Student Ambassador
Major: Cell Biology & Neuroscience
Minor: Biochemistry
Year in School: Junior
Involvement:
Honors College, AndvoCat Tour Guide, Student Ambassador for Admissions, Cancer Support Community University (CSCU) Club Officer.
Favorite thing about your major:
Some of my favorite things about my major is how hands-on some of the classes are. There are so many opportunities to be in a lab and learn new things.
Favorite activity to do in Bozeman:
My favorite activity to do in Bozeman is attending all the different concerts offered!
Favorite campus activity or tradition:
My favorite campus activity and tradition is Gold Rush! It's the first home football game of the season and is always the most packed game.
What was your first impression of MSU?
My first impression of MSU was that it felt like home. I love the sense of community there is on campus and how easily it is to make friends and fit it.
Why I decided to attend MSU:
I chose to attend MSU because it was close to home and the pre-medical path is great!
Words of wisdom:
Make sure you have a good balance between studying and personal life. Enjoy the journey!
AdvoCat Tour Guides
The campus tour program at Montana State University serves thousands of visitors each year. Under the supervision of the program coordinators, Anders Groseth, our Campus Visit Coordinators, and two student coordinators, MSU AdvoCats promote and personalize the University to prospective students, their families and other guests to campus. Through guided walking tours of campus, MSU AdvoCats educate visitors about academics and campus life, as well as the history, traditions and achievements of the University. The position of an MSU AdvoCat is a volunteer student leadership position. Guided tours last approximately one hour and are offered Monday – Friday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. year-round.
Have questions about AdvoCats? Email us!
Orientation Leaders
We are very proud that the success of our Orientation program is due in large part to the quality, ability, and dedication of Student Orientation Leaders. Trained in such areas as communication skills, leadership and presentation of factual information, Orientation Leaders work closely with new freshmen, transfers, and parents. They are knowledgeable about campus activities, campus life and various services offered by the University, and develop close working relationships with MSU administrators and faculty while assisting with academic advising and the registration process.
Have questions about being an Orientation Leader? Email us!

Shannon Bangen
Associate Director of New Student Programs
shannon.bangen@montana.edu
Want more information about MSU? We're here to help.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! You can email our
staff at admissions@montana.edu, or call us Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm MT at 1-888-MSU-CATS.