About Us
Mission Statement
The Office for Civic Engagement (OCE) is The University of Montana’s primary agent of community activism and civic responsibility. Our mission is to challenge and improve lives with an ethic of service and investment in community.
Building, Empowering, Enhancing
- We build partnerships that strengthen both the university community and a variety of nonprofit interests.
- We empower individuals and organizations to enhance capacity for strategic growth, program exposure, skill development, and collaboration.
- We enhance professional, academic, and personal experiences through volunteerism and service learning.
Meet the Staff
Andrea Vernon, Director
243-5159
andrea.vernon@mso.umt.edu
Andrea has served as director of the Office for Civic Engagement since 1997. She feels very fortunate to work with UM students who have a high level of commitment and motivation to get involved and make a positive difference in their community through volunteerism, service learning, national service, and nonprofit leadership. Andrea has worked in the service learning and volunteerism field for the past eighteen years. She received her undergraduate degree in sociology from California State University Long Beach, her master’s degree in sociology and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership (both from UM). Her doctoral studies focused on student affairs and higher education administration.
Colleen Kane, Student Programs Manager
243-5128
colleen.kane@mso.umt.edu
Originally from Michigan, Colleen earned her undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University and a graduate degree in Continuing and College Education from Western Washington University. When she’s not at her desk managing OCE's student volunteer programs, you’ll probably find her playing outside, seeing live music, going to the theater, or seeking out interesting places to eat.
Laura Fellin, Operations Manager
243-2586
laura.fellin@mso.umt.edu
Laura joined the OCE in 2000 to serve as Program Director for the Montana Technology Corps AmeriCorps program, which assisted Montana communities through 2007. Prior to joining the OCE, she was accredited the position as the Founding Program Manager for the Montana Campus Compact VISTA program while also sustaining Service Learning and AmeriCorps initiatives to colleges and universities across the state.
Since 2007, Laura has been appointed as the OCE Operations Manager, coordinating the integrated operational infrastructure of this multifaceted service department of the University. She participates in the development of, and oversees implementation and administration of, department policies, systems, and procedures.
When not at work, Laura enjoys spending time in her household keeping up with her husband, twin boys, and two dogs. When there is time to spare Laura is also volunteering in the community and baking deserts for her friends and family.
