Work with a Career Coach

Eric comes to Montana State University as a higher education career development professional with extensive experience in helping college students define and pursue meaningful academic and professional pathways. Having served as primary liaison to STEM, Health Sciences, and Business students and alumni at both public and private institutions, he offers his experiences in supporting career and professional development activities that promote experiential, culturally responsive learning environments that drive student excellence. Across these roles, Eric has developed a passion for career education as an advocate for individuals seeking career direction and clarity. 

He holds an MBA from The Citadel Graduate College, a BA in Communication Studies from UNC Chapel Hill, and is currently working toward a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership at Texas Christian University. Outside of work, Eric enjoys running, reading, attending live music concerts, and exploring all that the Mountain West has to offer. He is especially excited for the opportunity to contribute his leadership to Montana State while becoming an active member of the campus and Bozeman communities. 

As a career coach in Career Services at MSU, Kristen helps students gain career confidence by delivering personalized, student-focused coaching. Her education and background in public health are supporting factors in her success in this role as she is passionate about helping people and making a difference.

Growing up on a ranch in rural Oregon, Kristen was introduced to hard work early in life. She enjoyed the lifestyle and learning that came along with ranching alongside her family. She attended Oregon State University and received her bachelor’s degree in public health before earning her master’s degree in public health (MPH) from George Washington University. In 2019, Kristen and her husband and three children moved to Bozeman to pursue career opportunities and enjoy the amazing Southwestern Montana lifestyle.

Kristen has been described by others that work with her as a supportive, welcoming, and a genuinely caring person. She finds that most situations can be gracefully navigated if you lead with kindness and curiosity. These values are woven into her work and everyday life. 

Outside of work, Kristen stays busy with her family. They enjoy hiking, skiing, camping, and generally being outdoors in every season. She also enjoys fitness, reading, volunteering for important causes, and cheering on her kids at sporting events (watching biathlon has become a new favorite). 

Donovan comes to Montana State University after a career with the Federal Emergency Management Agency – 10 years at the agency headquarters in Washington DC and 22 years with the FEMA regional office in Denver.

Two of Donovan’s passions align perfectly with his work as an MSU Career Education Coach:  a deep love for the state of Montana (he married into a big Montana family), and an abiding interest in helping others to find the right fit in their work lives.  He completed certification as a Clifton Strengths Performance Coach in 2010, and then established a mentoring and coaching program within his FEMA regional organization.  He hopes to bring this same commitment to helping MSU students as a career coach.

Donovan has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in organizational management from George Washington University in Washington DC.  His military experience includes three years as a paratrooper with the 82^nd Airborne Division.