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. 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.
Marian Palaia, Program Coordinator, ALIVE and Online Program in Nonprofit Admin
243-2586
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 now coordinates the Academic Learning Integrated Volunteer Experience (ALIVE) program and the Online Program in Nonprofit Administration. She is all about warm weather and she and her dog Tupelo wait patiently each year for spring.
Ashley Widtfeldt, Campus Corps Team Leader
243-5531
ashley.widtfeldt@mso.umt.edu
Ashley is in her second year as a Campus Corps Team Leader, having spent last year as the Campus Corps Network Team Leader with the Montana Campus Compact. She is originally from Boston and has her B.A. in journalism and communication She loves the Missoula Community and is excited to be spending her second year as a Missoula resident. Ashley enjoys outdoor activities in all seasons, cooking and making jewelry.
Bob Springer, Montana Making Sense Program Director
243-6324
bob.springer@mso.umt.edu
Bob came to Montana Making $ense from Illinois and Washington, DC, where he served as a Director in the US Environmental Protection Agency. Now retired, he joined AmeriCorps after his federal government career, just as he had joined VISTA at the start of his federal service. Bob is actively involved in habitat restoration programs and biking. He and his wife are eager to explore this region of the country.
Erin Joronen, OCE VISTA
243-6324
erin.joronen@mso.umt.edu
Erin is starting her year-long term as an AmeriCorps VISTA for Montana Making $ense. She grew up in Livingston, MT and came to Missoula to attend the University of Montana. She graduated from the University of Montana in May with a B.A. in Anthropology and wasn't quite prepared to leave Missoula. Erin enjoys spending time outdoors, especially with her dog, reading and watching movies, baking and cooking, and taking in the fun events Missoula has to offer.
Anna Semple, Service Learning Team Leader
243-5531
anna.semple@mso.umt.edu
Anna is a graduate of University of Montana who returned to Missoula after serving with the Peace Corps in Paraguay. She has undergraduate degrees in Biology and Flute Performance and has spent her time since graduation travelling, teaching, studying biology and playing music across the US and Latin America. In her free time she can be found in the mountains or tracking down live music around Western Montana.
