Graduate Student Services Staff

Amy Luitjens
Director of Recruiting and Admissions
luitjens@umn.edu
280 Humphrey Center
612-624-3800

Amy Luitjens is the Director of Recruiting and Admissions for the Humphrey School's five graduate programs, and three certificates. Amy has worked in higher education for nearly nine years, most recently serving as the Assistant Director of Admissions at Hamline University School of Law. In addition, she has worked in policy development related to health reform with the Minnesota Department of Health. Amy is committed to giving back in the local community, having served two terms on the Board of Directors for the Junior League of Saint Paul. Amy possesses a BA in Political Science and Spanish from Cornell College and a MPA from Hamline University.

 

Kari Kopf
Recruitment Coordinator
kopfx007@umn.edu
280 Humphrey Center
612-626-7229

As the Recruitment Coordinator, I have the pleasure telling perspective students about everything the Humphrey School of Public Affairs has to offer. I also work with the student and alumni ambassadors, and coordinate group and individual visits. So, if you have any questions about attending the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, let me know! I'd love to chat with you.  

As an undergraduate student in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota (B.A. Communication Studies and Sociology), I had experience with the working for the Assistant Dean of CLA and with the CLA Student Ambassadors program. I began to feel very passionate about Higher Ed when I studied abroad in Northern Ireland. It was that experience that sparked my interest in pursuing a career this field, thus leading me to this position. Outside of the office walls, I pursue hobbies in swing dancing, watching the Green Bay Packers and Twins play, serving on the Women's Leadership Team at a local church in downtown Minneapolis, and travelling as much as possible.

 

David Spence
Graduate Student Services Specialist
spenc217@umn.edu
280 Humphrey Center
612-626-0267

I'm here to help. As the Graduate Student Services Specialist I work with the various databases the Humphrey School of Public Affairs utilizes to track prospective and current student status through all stages of education. I also supervise the hard-working and friendly staff of student workers we have in the Humphrey Student Services office. I love to learn myself and am willing to go the extra mile to make a student's experience at the Humphrey School smooth and meaningful.

I graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a BA in Philosophy, focusing on ethical theory. Music is my passion and I enjoy spending my free time playing saxophone, piano, and guitar. I am also an automotive enthusiast and enjoy getting my hands dirty while maintaining my own vehicles. At UMD I worked as a Teaching Assistant, Grounds Crew Lead, and Mechanic's Assistant. Learning is a lifelong commitment and I aspire to learn something new each day, whether that be a new song on piano, an upcoming technology in medicine or electronics, or learning about a new culture through travel. It is because of this passion for learning that I feel at home at the University of Minnesota. From Duluth to the Twin Cities, I bleed maroon and gold!

 

Katherine Murphy
Student Services Officer and
Senior Academic Advisor
k-murphy@umn.edu
280 Humphrey Center
612-624-5288

If you are a student, ask me anything!  My main purpose is to support you in getting your degree, helping you address any personal or academic challenges that come your way.  I can problem-solve just about anything, as well as answer questions about what, when, where, who, and how.  I work with faculty when students are having difficulties of any kind.  In addition to working directly with students, I work on projects such as orientation, Graduate School transition, and revision of policies, procedures, forms, and databases.  

My undergrad degree is in Music Ed, and I spent eight years teaching K-12 choir, band, and general music.  After getting my master's degree in counseling, I served as an advisor in student activities before I became an academic advisor at the University of Minnesota in 1991.  I have worked in undergraduate, professional, and graduate admissions, current student services, and career services as an advisor and supervisor in the College of Education and Human Development, the School of Public Health, and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.  I am also trained and have served as a "Cancer Guide," working with people making choices about integrative care in cancer treatment.  I am committed to healthy living, enjoy hiking, love the North Shore, strive for excellence as a pianist and vocalist, and hope to someday have my 1913 So. Mpls bungalow fully restored.

Alicia George
Student Services Officer and
Assistant Academic Advisor
albe0138@umn.edu
280 Humphrey Center
612-624-3800

My primary role within Graduate Student Services is as academic advisor for all Master of Public Policy students.  I am here to guide and support each student in completing their degree, getting the most out of their graduate experience, and navigating any challenges they may encounter along their journey.  If you have questions, concerns, or aren't sure where else to go, come see me and we'll figure it out. In addition to my role as academic advisor, I also serve as liaison to PASA and assist with admissions and recruitment.

As an undergraduate  psychology major at the University of Minnesota Duluth, I had a wonderful experience volunteering for our First Year Experience office that ignited my passion for working in higher education.  This passion led me to attend Minnesota State University, Mankato for graduate school where I earned a Master of Science in Counseling and Student Personnel with an emphasis in College Student Affairs. Since graduation I have served in various roles focusing on advising, orientation, student activities, and admissions. I loved college and higher education so much that I decided I never wanted to leave. 

Joel Mixon
Student Services Officer and
Associate Academic Advisor
mixon005@umn.edu
280 Humphrey Center
612-626-9896

I advise MDP, MS-STEP, and MURP students as well as providing support in the recruitment and admission functions in GSS.  I also serve on the Humphrey School's Diversity Committee and chairs the recruitment and retention working group.

I have spent great part of my life dedicated to Higher
Education. As an undergraduate student I attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, with a double major in Political Science and Public Administration.  I completed a graduate degree in College Student Development at Appalachian State in Boone, NC. My professional work experiences in Residence Life, Student Activities, and Orientation have led me to Academic Advising where I enjoy helping students define their academic plans and engage in activities to help them meet their goals. I am currently enrolled as a doctoral student in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.  When I am not working I enjoy exploring the Midwest and meeting new people. I love independent and foreign films and will often spend time at any one of the Landmark Theaters in the area. Travel is another area of interest for me l as I enjoys new cultures and cuisine whenever I get the chance.