October 10, 2012 

 

Contacts:
Dan Carter, University Relations, 657-2269

 

Sarah Brockel begins work as Director of Alumni Relations on Oct. 17

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — A Huntley Project native who earned her bachelor and master’s degrees at Montana State University Billings has been selected as the university’s new Director of Alumni Relations.

 

Sarah Brockel

Sarah Brockel, who had been serving as enrollment services coordinator at MSU Billings since 2009, said she will use her knowledge of and passion for the university in new ways to link alumni with faculty, staff and current students.

 

“I really want to build on the foundation that has already been established here and connect our alumni with the campus community,” said Brockel, who officially starts her job on Oct. 17. “Our alumni know MSUB is a great place and it wouldn’t be what it is without the faculty and staff.”

 

Brockel replaces Julie Seedhouse, who took a new job at Rocky Mountain College this past summer.

 

Brockel earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Organizational Communications in 2002 and her Master of Public Administration in 2009. She has been working in various capacities at the university since 2004. She has also been involved with the Alumni Association at various capacities and has been on the alumni advisory board since 2010.

 

She said she has found her memorable experience as a student — especially her connections to faculty — are similar to other alumni and she wants to build on those memories to make the alumni association stronger and a more vital part of the university in the future. A part of that, she says, will be making strong connections with current students and recent graduates. 

 

“I really want to focus on young alumni and keep them as a part of this community as much as possible,” she said.

 

There are about 20,000 MSU Billings and Eastern Montana College alumni around the country, with about half within driving distance of Billings. Events, programs and activities to keep alumni in touch with the university will also be a focus for Brockel.  Whether it is through a very active advisory board or in involving a service learning project, there are many ways for alumni to get involved with the university, she said.

 

Dr. Stacy Klippenstein, vice chancellor for student affairs at MSU Billings who oversees the alumni relations director, said Brockel’s background is an asset to the job.

 

“Sarah will bring a great deal of MSU Billings experience, both as an alumna and employee of the institution, to the director of alumni relations position,” Klippenstein said. “She has been an active member of the Alumni Board for many years and bleeds blue and gold.  I believe she will be able to expand on all the great work Julie Seedhouse did for this institution and will make MSU Billings alumni proud of being part of the ‘Yellowjacket Nation.’ ”

 

Brockel’s office is located on Normal Avenue just to the west of the University Campus. She can be contacted starting Oct. 17 at 247-5781.