Onward: An Interview with Katy Allers
MINOT, N.D. – Katy Allers takes center stage in many opportunities life has given her.
Allers has pursued a variety of passions. The Wasilla, Alaska native, has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in education and is currently working on a theatre minor. The POWER Center program director is passionate about her work on campus.
Minot State’s University Communications interviewed Allers to learn more about her experiences at MSU and what this lifelong learner is pursuing next.
Can you give me a little bit about your background?
KA: I was born and raised in Alaska. We moved a few times when I was a child because my dad was an Alaska State Trooper stationed in Fairbanks, Glennallen, and Wasilla, Alaska. I graduated from high school in Wasilla. My mom was raised in North Dakota and has a lot of family there. I attended basketball camps in North and South Dakota and would stay at my Great Aunt and Uncle's farm in Ryder, which had no running water. I loved it! I was accepted at a different university but later decided on Minot State. I injured my knee in a softball game and didn't register on time. When I finally registered and applied for housing, there were no dorm rooms available on campus, so I lived in the lounge area in Cook Hall with three other students.
Have you been heavily involved with anything at MSU?
KA: I have been involved in many different activities at MSU, but my greatest involvement has been in theatre. At one point, there was no theatre faculty, and some students who knew me from outside MSU approached me to help revive Campus Players. I agreed, and we started meeting regularly, eventually deciding to put on a show. I directed the students in ‘Suite Surrender,’ which turned out to be a hit. This production re-energized the students and the department. I was also fortunate to be part of the search committee for the new theatre faculty, Sarah Honerman. I'm thrilled that Sarah has accepted the position, as she is exactly what the theatre program needs.
Have you worked in other areas?
KA: I started working at MSU as an administrative assistant in the Humanities Department. I began my undergraduate degree in 1984 but didn't finish it as I met my now-husband. However, I finally graduated with my undergraduate degree in 2017. With the support of Robert Kibler and Bill Harbort, who were the chairs at that time, I pursued and completed my Master of Education. After that, I joined the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities, where I gained experience in grants and served on a grant review committee. In 2022, I took on the role of director in TRIO Student Support Services, where I currently work.
If you obtained your degree at Minot State, why did you choose to go to school here, and what made you come back to work at the same school?
KA: I chose Minot State University because I had family in the area. I did get accepted to the University of Montana in Dillon (formerly Western Montana College) to play basketball, but when I blew my knee out, I decided to go to Minot instead. I loved my time at Minot State when I was a student. After I got married, we bought a house not far from MSU, and I would drive past it every day, thinking about how great it would be to work there. In 2016, I saw a position had opened up and I applied. I am thrilled that the stars aligned for me!
You have had a variety of jobs in your life. How does your job as program director of the POWER Center compare?
KA: I've always wanted to work in education, and at one point, I came back to Minot State in my late 30s to explore getting my teaching degree. My job as the director now allows me to teach the POWER Up for College and help students along their college journey. I only regret that I didn't pursue a job at Minot State earlier. I might have had my Ph.D. by now.
What are some areas you enjoy the most about your position in the POWER Center?
KA: I enjoy collaborating with the dedicated team at the POWER Center. The camaraderie and shared enthusiasm among the staff make it a joy to work here. Interacting with the students and actively contributing to their personal and academic growth is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing the students I've supported graduate is a very meaningful experience.
Have there been any changes that you have helped implement since taking the role?
KA: I have involved the staff in completing and submitting the Annual Performance Report to the US Department of Education. The results of the report affect us all and help the staff understand why we have certain procedures in place. We have worked hard to create a comfortable space for students to study, hang out, or meet with their academic coaches. Thanks to the generous donors during Giving Day this year, we will be purchasing a full-size refrigerator for students who aren’t on the meal plan to have somewhere to store their lunch. We have also collaborated with Lutheran Campus Ministries to provide a second location for the food pantry. Many students have utilized the pantry since we installed it. Additionally, we have implemented a “meet the student where they are” program where our staff will be located at different locations on campus to make it easier for students to meet with us or learn about our program.
What are your favorite memories of Minot State from when you attended as a student and now as an employee?
KA: One of my favorite memories from Minot State University is when the Mandrell sisters came to perform in the Dome. I also loved watching Johnny Holmes perform in the quad by the fountain, which is unfortunately no longer there. Homecoming was always a blast! Meeting people who became lifelong friends is also a great memory. As an employee, I have particularly enjoyed emceeing the Employee Retirement and Recognition events in the last few years and coming up with ways to make the event more entertaining.
You seem to be very active within the theater arts; what have been some of your favorite projects you’ve been a part of, and why?
KA: Directing "Suite Surrender" will always be a favorite. The students were amazing during the process, which had us rehearsing in odd places late at night, putting the setup, and taking it down every night. The show was hilarious! Also, being cast in ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ and working with Sarah Honerman and Abbie Eads will go down as a favorite. Being on stage and surrounded by all the incredible talent was remarkable.
Are there other activities you’ve been involved in at Minot State recently?
KA: I am currently participating in a book club with Student Affairs. The book we're reading is "Culture by Design" by David J. Friedman. I find it very interesting and helpful for my position to be a part of this group of campus leaders. I have emceed the Employee Recognition and Retirement Program, as well as served on the Staff Senate in several roles, including senator, secretary/treasurer, vice president, and president. I enjoy being involved as much as I can. I love my job at Minot State University.
What do you like to do outside of work: family, hobbies, or other areas of interest?
KA: The boy I met 37 years ago, who is now my husband, and I will be celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary in June. We have two children: Amber, who is 30 years old and works as a special education teacher at Mandan High School, and Tyler, who is 28 years old and is an alumnus of Minot State University. He works at North Central Human Service Center. We also have three dogs: Bosco, Benny, and Piper. Piper comes to work with me every day. We are die-hard campers, and we camp an average of 23 weekends every summer. Rain, sleet, or snow, we camp.
What else are we missing when telling your story?
KA: I have been a lifelong learner, taking a class every semester while working here. I plan to continue doing so for as long as I am an employee. As an adult, I learned to figure skate and became the captain of the Magic City Extreme synchronized skating team. We competed at the Mid-Western Figure Skating Championships at the Englestad Arena in Grand Forks. I had the opportunity to do this alongside my daughter, who was on the Magic City Edges. Currently, I am learning to knit and crochet as a tribute to my mom, who passed away in 2022. I live by the mantra, "It's never too late."
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 06/20/24
