Access Success Scholar Programs
Inspired by Montana’s Land Grant Institution’s mission to make higher education accessible
to all the individuals and communities of Montana, Access Success Scholar Programs
support a
wide variety of students motivated to become tomorrow’s leaders and problem solvers.
Employing a variety of supports and resources such as unlimited free Smarty Cats Tutoring, unlimited meetings with Career and Financial Coaches, scholarship funds, networking and social opportunities, and workshops and other events created just for them, Scholars are given opportunities to thrive, not just in their academic studies, but as members of their many chosen communities.
Who are Access Success Scholars?
Access Success is comprised of three programs – Montana’s Own Scholars, 1893 Scholars, and Return to Learn Scholars. These students share similar characteristics and goals. Many are:
- adult learners or non-traditional students
- first-generation students
- from Montana’s rural communities
- returning to college after time away, sometimes decades
- want to give back to their communities and people throughout the nation and the world
- are looking for purpose and meaning in their future careers
Are you ready to be tomorrow's leader and problem solver?
Click on each image below to explore the three Access Success Programs.
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Want to learn even more? Contact an Access Success team member today.
MSU students are the problem solvers and leaders of tomorrow, and it is Deb Albin’s privilege to help prepare them for these roles. Having previously spent over a decade working as an educator for the MSU Extension Service, being a native Montanan, a first-generation college student, and a proud two-time alum of MSU (Sociology ’09, Public Relations ’16), Deb knows first-hand the importance of investing time and resources in Montanans and supporting students from communities throughout the state.
In her role overseeing the Montana’s Own Scholars, 1893 Scholars, and Return-to-Learn Scholars programs, Deb identifies promising MSU upperclassmen, returning students, and adult learners and works with them to shape their life and career goals and complete their undergraduate studies feeling strong and confident. Utilizing one-on-one meetings, group workshops, social and networking events, and personalized action plans, scholars in these programs augment their time at MSU examining their personal interests, strengths, and skills. Combined with their academic knowledge, these scholars are fully prepared to embark on lives and careers of meaning and purpose.
177 Strand Union Building
406-994-2981
deborah.albin@montana.edu
Monica supports Montana’s Own and 1893 Scholars in fulfilling their dreams of obtaining a degree from Montana State University. She enjoys meeting students one-on-one to help them navigate their educational and collegiate experience through thoughtful listening and questioning to learn their interests, perspectives, and aspirations.
As a first-generation college student with a Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Monica knows a university degree offers countless benefits and can transforms lives and communities. As a scientist, she has mentored over a dozen students during her research adventures before joining the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success. She brings broad life experience having served as an Intelligence Analyst in the U.S. Army, a business entrepreneur in the family home remodeling business and has worked multiple roles in food service. She is currently attaining her Business Management Certificate from Gallatin College.
Monica believes mentoring is wildly essential. She thrives on connecting her scholars with the people and resources they need to develop life-skills and strategies to be successful both at MSU and beyond. She is deeply committed to helping Montana's Own and 1893 Scholars complete their studies fully prepared for lives of meaning and purpose.
177 Strand Union Building
(406) 994-4389
monica.hall@montana.edu
Jennifer joined AYCSS in 2019 and Return-to-Learn in 2021. Working with returning students is a fantastic opportunity and it is always exciting to learn someone’s story and find out their goals as they work to complete their degree. She enjoys helping students navigate campus resources, build a plan for a successful school/life combination, and develop the college experience they desire. With a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Maine, Orono and a M.A. in Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program, Jennifer’s previous work experience is in museum education and collections. She moved to Bozeman with her family to enjoy the beautiful outdoor lifestyle. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, horseback riding, and exploring.
177 Strand Union Building
406-994-4316
jennifer.whitedobbs@montana.edu
After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelors of Sociology, Zak found himself drawn to Bozeman’s beautiful outdoor recreational opportunities and tight knit community in 2018. Since arriving in Bozeman, he has spent the last four years involved in several local nonprofit organizations focusing on efforts to alleviate housing insecurity in the valley. Zak was drawn to the position as a Success Advisor with the Hilleman Scholars program after spending three years working with a college ministry program through the Methodist Church. During that time, he came to admire the dynamism and energy college students brought to the table, especially in times of difficulty.
Outside of his work and pursuing his Master of Public Administration, Zak can be found enjoying hiking in the backcountry, cross country skiing or participating in trivia nights.