Recent Program Features

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.

Director Dr. Brian Jones and his team in Admissions had the almost impossible task of rethinking the ways in which they operate and how to convey their message to incoming students in a world full of uncertainty.  

Jones shared that, “Students were more tuned into things that were so much more important than things they’ve ever had to be tuned into before. Everything from mental health, the importance of family, the challenges they were facing, life, death, the value of an education.” University Admissions pivoted with their messaging and support for prospective and admitted students to meet them where they were at. “The message we had to convey to students kept changing. It was nonstop trying to figure out what students needed to make the right decision about their future,” Jones states. 

Even with all the attention to supporting these admitted students, the decision to attend Minnesota State Mankato declined. “In the fall of 2021 we had the biggest decline in first year students that I have ever experienced in my 20 years here in admissions just from all of the uncertainty…there was an existential crisis that students were experiencing,” says Jones. Like any learning organization, lessons were learned, new ideas generated, and innovative approaches to sharing more about Minnesota State Mankato’s impact. Amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, Jones and his team were able to convey a message that ensured students safety and overall well-being at Minnesota State University, Mankato by emphasizing the topic of mental  health as a top priority. Since then, interest and new student enrollment has increased as Jones and his team continue to put their best efforts forward to navigate through these consistently changing times in higher education. Their efforts have been so successful that new first-year student enrollment increased by 9 percent for the fall of 2022.

You can learn more about our Undergraduate Admissions here: Admissions & Aid – Minnesota State University, Mankato

Annie Cuddie, a dedicated Middle School Art teacher for grades 6th through 8th at Mankato Area Public Schools, is currently advancing her expertise in the Educational Leadership Master's Program. 

Annie's decision to continue the Graduate Teaching Fellowship program stems from her initial year's positive impact and the desire to provide consistent mentorship to her students. She prides herself on creating an inclusive environment where both students and colleagues feel comfortable sharing and expressing themselves. Her classroom has become a sanctuary for open communication and emotional support.

Annie's advice to new fellows emphasizes the importance of engaging with mentors, advocating for oneself, and the necessity of asking questions to foster personal and professional growth. Her journey is a testament to the profound influence a dedicated educator can have on their educational community.  

Meet All our Teaching Fellows! 

Donovan Becker, a Social Studies Education graduate, currently teaches 9th Grade World History and 10th Grade American Studies at Mankato West. He is pursuing a Master's in Teaching and Learning with a History Specialization, drawn into the field by a lineage of educators in his family and a pivotal high school social studies teacher.

Donovan emphasizes the importance of communication and inquiry in his teaching journey, advising new educators to ask questions and seek guidance. He underscores the significance of building networks within the educational community, noting that relationships with fellow educators and staff greatly facilitate professional ease. 

For those considering a Graduate Teaching Fellowship, Donovan advocates for embracing the opportunity, highlighting the unparalleled support and career foundations it offers. His teaching philosophy centers on open dialogue and community integration, shaping his approach to education and mentorship. 

Meet all our teaching fellows!