Graduate Student Services Staff

Julie Harrold
Director of Graduate Student Services
jharrold@umn.edu
225 Humphrey Center
612-626-9749

I direct the Graduate Student Services office (GSS), providing leadership and strategic direction for recruitment, admissions and student services functions.  I work to develop policies and programs to help the Institute recruit and support a talented and diverse student body.  I hire and support our wonderful GSS staff, manage our budgets, and represent the Institute on committees, boards, and organizations within the University of Minnesota and nationally. 

I am a HHH alum and worked in a number of international affairs and development positions in Washington, DC and overseas before returning to Minnesota.  I am a former Peace Corps Volunteer (Costa Rica), and my most amazing job prior to returning to HHH was helping start a new Peace Corps Program in Mozambique.  I enjoy traveling and have lived, worked or traveled in Latin America, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe (where my family is from - I'm a first generation American of Polish heritage).

 

Katherine Murphy
Student Services Officer and
Senior Academic Advisor
k-murphy@umn.edu
225 Humphrey Center
612-624-5288

If you are a student, ask me anything!  My main purpose is to support you in getting your degree, helping you address any personal or academic challenges that come your way.  I can problem-solve just about anything, as well as answer questions about what, when, where, who, and how.  I work with faculty when students are having difficulties of any kind.  In addition to working directly with students, I work on projects such as orientation, Graduate School transition, and revision of policies, procedures, forms, and databases.  

My undergrad degree is in Music Ed, and I spent eight years teaching K-12 choir, band, and general music.  After getting my master's degree in counseling, I served as an advisor in student activities before I became an academic advisor at the University of Minnesota in 1991.  I have worked in undergraduate, professional, and graduate admissions, current student services, and career services as an advisor and supervisor in the College of Education and Human Development, the School of Public Health, and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.  I am also trained and have served as a "Cancer Guide," working with people making choices about integrative care in cancer treatment.  I am committed to healthy living, enjoy hiking, love the North Shore, strive for excellence as a pianist and vocalist, and hope to someday have my 1913 So. Mpls bungalow fully restored.

Alicia George
Student Services Officer and
Assistant Academic Advisor
albe0138@umn.edu
225 Humphrey Center
612-624-3800

My primary role within Graduate Student Services is as academic advisor for all Master of Public Policy students.  I am here to guide and support each student in completing their degree, getting the most out of their graduate experience, and navigating any challenges they may encounter along their journey.  If you have questions, concerns, or aren't sure where else to go, come see me and we'll figure it out. In addition to my role as academic advisor, I also serve as liaison to PASA and assist with admissions and recruitment.

As an undergraduate  psychology major at the University of Minnesota Duluth, I had a wonderful experience volunteering for our First Year Experience office that ignited my passion for working in higher education.  This passion led me to attend Minnesota State University, Mankato for graduate school where I earned a Master of Science in Counseling and Student Personnel with an emphasis in College Student Affairs. Since graduation I have served in various roles focusing on adivising, orientation, student activities, and admissions. I loved college and higher education so much that I decided I never wanted to leave. 

Joel Mixon
Student Services Officer and
Associate Academic Advisor
mixon005@umn.edu
225 Humphrey Center
612-626-9896

I advise MDP, MS-STEP, and MURP students as well as providing support in the recruitment and admission functions in GSS.  I also serve on the Humphrey School's Diversity Committee and chairs the recruitment and retention working group.

I have spent great part of my life dedicated to Higher
Education. As an undergraduate student I attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, with a double major in Political Science and Public Administration.  I completed a graduate degree in College Student Development at Appalachian State in Boone, NC. My professional work experiences in Residence Life, Student Activities, and Orientation have led me to Academic Advising where I enjoy helping students define their academic plans and engage in activities to help them meet their goals. I am currently enrolled as a doctoral student in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.  When I am not working I enjoy exploring the Midwest and meeting new people. I love independent and foreign films and will often spend time at any one of the Landmark Theaters in the area. Travel is another area of interest for me l as I enjoys new cultures and cuisine whenever I get the chance.