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 worked as the OCE Director for eleven years. She holds a B.A. as well as an M.A. in Sociology, and most recently earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from UM in which she concentrated on student affairs and higher education. Andrea serves on the Board of Directors for the Montana Nonprofit Association and the United Way of Missoula County. Other volunteer experiences include: the PTO and the YMCA Fundraising Committee. Her hobbies include soccer, camping, water skiing, snow skiing, hiking, traveling, quilting, reading, and hanging out with her kids, Avery and Ollie.
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. Colleen has recently relocated to Missoula from Bellingham, WA and is new to the OCE. When she’s not at her desk, 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
A member of OCE for eight years running, Laura Fellin originally hails from Hawaii and Virginia. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from UM in 1995 and serves as OCE’s Operations Manager. Her volunteer activities include the Missoula Jaycees, neighborhood association, and church. She has newborn twin boys so all her hobbies now tend to revolve around eating, sleeping, and changing diapers. However, she also loves catching a good movie and taking the whole family, including the two dogs and one feisty cat, out for walks.
Jill Beauchesne, Program Coordinator
243-2586
jill.beauchesne@mso.umt.edu
Jill received an MFA in Creative Writing and an MA in Literature from the University of Montana in 2006. In addition to her work at the OCE, she is also a yoga instructor and enjoys writing, running, hiking, cooking, and playing with her dog, Abe.
Lauren Amato, Campus Corps Team Leader
243-5531
lauren.amato@mso.umt.edu
Lauren is the 2007-2008 Campus Corps Team Leader and has been with the OCE since August. Originally from Wethersfield, CT, she graduated from Fordham University in the Bronx, NY in May 2006 with a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology & Urban Studies. After working for a year in the Bronx, she decided it was time to see what the rest of the country had to offer, and ended up in Missoula. Lauren’s passions include gardening, hiking, skiing, cooking, and yoga.
Marian Palaia, Montana Making Sense Program Director
243-6324
marian.palaia@mso.umt.edu
Marian has worked with the OCE since August 2005, first teaching Nonprofit Administration classes, and then as Program Director for Tech Corps and Montana Making Sense. She is all about warm weather and she and her dog Tupelo wait patiently each year for spring.
