2024-25 Student Fellowship Group at the 2025 Conference

What have past Fellows said about the program? 
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"I learned how to be a more thoughtful and collaborative leader. The program helped me reflect on my goals and focus on solutions that truly support people and the planet."

"Connecting with students from across the Upper Midwest and learning with them was good soul food, especially in times like this that can make our work feel so isolating!"

"All the leadership lessons were really helpful. Learning to be a better leader in sustainability has helped a lot not only at my internship job, but also in my classes and beyond."

"I thought the program was great. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone, all layout and frequency of the events, and the topics of them."

"I really enjoyed my time here at UMACS. The lessons, [reflections} and checking in with like minded people every month was fantastic, and I am very glad I was accepted and participated in the UMACS program."

"I'd just like to say that this program has really helped me on a professional level and in my personal life. I strongly believe that there would be a HUGE value in continuing to do it."
Welcome to our 2025-26 Sustainability Fellows Cohort!

Abigail Schunk - College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University
Alanna Bailey - University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Annabelle Olmstead - University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Bailey Keller - Black Hills State University
Carly Setter - University of St. Thomas
Charlotte Broker - Central Community College-Columbus
Cole Becker - University of Minnesota-Rochester
Erin Loeschmann - Michigan Technological University
Farren Groom - Carleton College
Hope Skelter - University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Leah Thums - University of Wisconsin-Stevents Point
Lili Ruiz-Hernandez - University of St. Thomas
Matt Simon - Northeast Iowa Community College and UW-Stevens Point
Selah Slag - University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Taryn Anderson - Northern Michigan University
Talli Frame - Taylor University 
Program Overview
The UMACS Sustainability Fellows Program is a leadership development program for undergraduate and graduate students from November 2025-June 2026. Students selected for the Fellowship program will: 
  • Participate in monthly virtual 90 minute meetings that will include interactive leadership and professional development training (including campus outreach, project management, intercultural competence), an opportunity to meet with a variety of sustainability professionals and receive​ career advising, and have time to share ideas and connect meaningfully with the other Sustainability Fellows. ​
  • Develop a Fellowship project that will help multiple UMACS campuses advance sustainability. Examples of past Fellowship projects include developing a Instagram post to help people learn about the value of native plants, hosting a UMACS "coffee chat" on digital sustainability badging, and presenting on carbon campus carbon counting at the annual conference. Fellows are supported in designing projects that align with their skills and interests
  • Receive leadership coaching and mentoring from the UMACS Executive Director.​
  • Students will also be encouraged to attend the 2026 UMACS Annual Conference for an in-person reunion. ​


Questions
Any questions should be directed to Megan Voorhees, Executive Director, [email protected]