Recent Program Features

We are proud to celebrate the success of our faculty, students and programs. We welcome you to learn more about our college through reading our recent features!

Chief of Staff

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Sheri Sargent serves as the Chief of Staff and Vice President of Administrative Services and member of the President’s Cabinet. Sheri provides leadership to the Administrative Services Unit, which includes the office of the president, government relations, human resources, equal opportunity and title IX, and university scheduling and conference services. She also serves as the University’s data practices compliance official. Sheri has been with the president’s office since 2017.

Background

Prior to serving in the president’s office, Sheri served for five years in various leadership positions in the office of human resources, including as the Assistant Director, Associate Director, and Acting Director. Before coming to Minnesota State University, Mankato, she was the Regional Human Resources Manager for Oldcastle Materials Group – Midwest Division.

Sheri is a two-time alumna of Minnesota State Mankato with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Human Resources emphasis and a Minor in Business Administration. She is a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach and holds an inactive SPHR certification. Sheri is also a 2023 graduate of The Academy for Leadership and Development (locally known as MinnState Luoma Leadership Program).

Activities

Sheri is an active member of the National Association for Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE) and is engaged in the Chiefs of Staff arm of the organization. She serves on the NAPAHE Professional Development Committee and the 2024 Conference Planning Committee. She also serves as the President’s Liaison to the President’s Commission on the Status of Women, University Budget Sub-Meet, University Meet and Confer Administrative Team, Campus Space Utilization Work Group, and other ad-hoc committees.

Sheri and her husband, Josh, have four children, and they both regularly volunteer in their community, school and youth sporting programs and their church youth group. Sheri also enjoys working out – mostly lifting weights or running – and has run two full marathons, a handful of half marathons, and too many 5ks to count.

MAcc Testimonials

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"I was a non-traditional applicant for the MAcc program; I graduated 8 years prior with a degree in open studies. I was able to work with the accounting department professors to personalize my journey in the MAcc with the proper undergrad prerequisites to ensure I was fully prepared for the program. I am very happy how hands-on the professors were in ensuring my classes worked with my work/internship schedules. The MAcc program was vital in ensuring I had the proper number of credits to sit for my CPA. The MAcc classes, in my opinion, better prepared me for the "real-life" experiences in the professional accounting world than the accounting undergraduate alone."

Ross G.

"I made the decision to change career paths after 20 years as a healthcare professional. The pre-MAcc program gave me an opportunity to quickly create and build an accounting foundation. Even though I started with limited accounting knowledge, I always felt that I had adequate materials and resources available to understand and complete my coursework. Even while working part-time, I completed the MAcc program within 1.5 years and felt prepared and confident to enter the accounting field. The professors are extremely knowledgeable, great communicators, and they want to see you succeed. I highly recommend this program to anyone thinking about making that career change!"

Amy M.

"I decided to go back to school soon after I obtained my bachelor's degree due to the lack of well-paying jobs available at the time. My bachelor's degree was in business administration and, therefore, I completed the Pre-MAcc route. I decided that I wanted to enroll in the MAcc program because I knew that going into the accounting profession would provide me with job security and a better-paying career path. Throughout my time in the Pre-MAcc and the MAcc program, I have built my professional network by getting to know professors and by meeting firms through many other opportunities provided through MNSU. Building this professional network helped me secure an internship while I was completing the Pre-MAcc coursework. If you are looking for a launching point into a well-paying career outside of your original major, I recommend going the Pre-MAcc route."

Forrest C.

"After working in the industry, I decided to return to school and change my career path from economics to accounting. I soon realized that my opportunities would be much greater with a master's degree in accounting, including job security and guaranteed financial independence. The application process was easy, and I always had support from University staff members. In addition, I was not required to take GMAT; the only requirement was to pass all the prerequisite classes with an average B. Not to mention, the MAcc program at Minnesota State University is one of the most affordable in the Midwest."

Anna H

2022 Winners

Omar Elkenawy posing with his Big Ideas Challenge award

USIL

Omar Elkenawy – Computer Engineering

After two years of a fully virtual Big Ideas Challenge, the event was back in person in 2022, the eighth year for this event. Rather than pre-recorded pitches, the five finalists once again presented in front of a live audience.

View the other 2022 winners View Less