Student Ambassadors

2025 - 2026 College of Letters & Science Student Ambassadors with Dean Thomas
Program Overview
The mission of the Student Ambassadors is to recruit and retain students in Montana State University's College of Letters and Science (CLS), while fostering a sense of community and belonging among the diverse student body within CLS. The purpose of the CLS Student Ambassadors is to:
- Assist with coordinating events for the current CLS student population with a focus on college/professional success
- Engage with and promote the college to prospective students and their families
- Provide a voice for students in the college
- Strengthen connections between CLS students, faculty, and alumni
A few items that the CLS Student Ambassadors have assisted with include attending multiple prospective student events, networking with the CLS Advisory Board, designing college t-shirts (modeled in the above picture), and the publication of our monthly college newsletter, the CLS Roundup.
Interested in Becoming a CLS Student Ambassador?
Applications for the 2027-2028 academic year will be available in Spring 2027.
Meet Our 2026-2027 College of Letters & Science Student Ambassadors

Katy Bitney
Hello! My name is Katy Bitney, and I am a junior at MSU majoring in biochemistry. I am originally from Kalispell, Montana, and I have loved being able to continue my education close to home while getting involved on campus.
I am currently involved in undergraduate research in Garrett Moraski's lab, where I study and synthesize novel antibacterial agents. I also tutor organic chemistry, which I love! In addition, I am a member of the Undergraduate Chemistry Society and serve as the founder and Co-President of the Pre-Optometry Club. These experiences have allowed me to explore my interests in science and healthcare while working toward my goal of attending optometry school after graduation.
Outside of school, I enjoy playing tennis, doing a little retail therapy, and indulging in more candy than I probably should. I am excited for the opportunity to serve the CLS community as an ambassador and look forward to connecting with everyone!

Kate Hicks
Hi, there! My name is Kate and I am a junior at Montana State University studying English Literature. I am originally from Athens, Georgia and moved to Bozeman in the fall of 2024. I am a part of the Accelerated Masters of Arts in English program, and am currently completing my Masters degree concurrently with my Bachelors. I plan to get my PhD in literature and to become a professor.
Prior to becoming an ambassador, I worked as a tutor at the Writing Center on campus and I am passionate about working with students to enable their voices to be heard in their writing. Outside of school, I enjoy researching, binge watching reality television, spending time with my friends at Wild Joes, and baking. I hope to learn how to ski this year, even though I am still getting used to living somewhere so cold. I look forward to serving our community in the College of Letters and Science, and it is an honor to be able to represent such a passionate group of students and educators.

Cadence Murcray
Hello! My name is Cadence Murcray, and I am a senior at MSU majoring in Mathematics and Data Sciences. Although I am originally from Morgan Hill, California, my family moved to Bigfork, MT, in 2020, which I now associate with home.
In addition to being a tutor at the Math and Stats Center on campus, I am also the President and Co-Founder of the club Women in Mathematics and Statistics. Outside of school, I love to read, do hot pilates/yoga, and play pickleball. I look forward to serving the CLS community as an ambassador!

Liv Oberst
Hey, Bobcats! My name is Liv Oberst, and I am from Hillsboro, Oregon! I'm a senior studying Fish and Wildlife Management, and I am one of the student ambassadors in CLS! I'm passionate about Ecology and loved taking the classes associated with my major, such as Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, General Ecology, and Intro to Fish & Wildlife! I hope that all incoming Fish & Wildlife majors enjoy them as much as I did.
You can usually find me in the Renne Library, either working at the front desk, studying for classes, or socializing with friends. On the weekends, I love to explore Bozeman or hike on sunny days!
My experience at MSU has been nothing but positive; all of the faculty and staff provide such a great environment to help students succeed in all their classes! The amount of school spirit during football games is infectious, and it's hard not to feel the energy in the stadium. It's easily one of my favorite parts of the fall semester! The rodeo in the spring is also amazing, and I highly recommend that students go at least once!
I look forward to serving our community! And as always, go Cats!
Cedar Stellon O'Donnell
Hello! My name is Cedar Stellon O'Donnell, and I am a senior majoring in Biochemistry on a pre-med track. I'm from Fairbanks, Alaska, and I chose Montana State University because of how at home the Montana State community made me feel when I visited.
I'm excited to be a part of the CLS Student Ambassador program and to have the opportunity to represent and support my fellow CLS students. My hope is to provide a bridge between the CLS student population and the great resources and events that our college provides.
I'm fairly involved on campus as a member of the Pre-Med Club, Cancer Support Community-University, MSU Fashion Club, and several other student organizations! When I'm not studying, sprinting to a club meeting, or hanging around the library, I enjoy running and fashion design.
Former CLS Student Ambassadors

Lukas Kosel
Bachelor of Arts in English and History, 2026
Minor in English Literature and Asian Studies
Africana Studies Certificate

Bailey Mainolfi
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, 2026

Carmen Roman
Bachelor of Science in Anthropology, 2025
Leadership Fellows Certificate

Finley Shepard
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies: Quaternity, 2025

Gavin Thorson
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, 2026
Minors in Economics, Global Studies, and German
Contact
Judi Haskins
Assistant Dean for Student Success and Outreach
College of Letters & Science
