Professional Staff
Dan Sandberg
Director
Dan began his role as Director of the Leadership Institute in April of 2024. His background
is in leadership development, with a focus on outdoor leadership. He directed the
MSU Outdoor Recreation Program for seven years previously. Dan believes that Leadership
Development is a life-changing process and is thrilled to be able to provide opportunities
for all students to learn and practice leadership across the University and beyond.
Kass Thompson
Interim Program Manager
Kass graduated in May of 2024 with a degree Cell Biology & Neuroscience with minors
in Global Health and Hispanic Studies. Born and raised just outside of Denver, Colorado,
she developed a love for the city and the outdoors. Kass's passion for leadership
began with positions as Class President and Vice president in student government and
head of an annual Relay For Life event in her home county; she is honored to lead
the team of incredible students that work at the Leadership Institute.Kass also serves as co-founder and instructor of English Para Todos, and volunteers
as a survivor advocate at the MSU Voice Center. If Kass isn't in the office she is
probably somewhere reading a good book, enjoying a coffee shop, or partaking in one
of the many outdoor activities Bozeman has to offer.
Student Staff
The MSU Leadership Institute offers both work-study and hourly employment positions
to students who would like to promote leadership across Montana State University and
the state of Montana. Join us if you crave the opportunity to be part of a dynamic
environment that offers opportunities to build confidence with your work skills. Duties
include: public relations and community outreach, facilitating leadership workshops,
hosting guest speakers, facilitating the Leadership Film Series, maintaining the social
media accounts, taking photos and videos at events, and more!
Ignacio Alonso
Senior Associate
Ignacio is a transfer student from Buenos Aires pursuing a degree in Agricultural
Business with a minor in Sociology. With an undergraduate degree in Physical Education,
I decided to make a big change in my life when I discovered a passion for nature and
the question of how we can produce food in a sustainable and profitable way. After
traveling and working in different countries and industries, I have seen that the
main predictor of a successful project is good communication and purpose. I have volunteered
for non-profits building pre-built houses in rural and developing communities in Buenos
Aires. When I am not studying, I spend a lot of time at the gym, practicing martial
arts, skiing, and gardening. My main passion is engaging in conversations and listening
to new ideas and different points of view that help nurture and deepen my understanding
of the world.
Amy May
Senior Associate
Amy is from Boise, Idaho and pursuing a degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience. She
has hopes of going to medical school to become a surgeon to make a meaningful difference
in people's lives, regardless of their background. By adventuring through Idaho, Amy
has grown to love the outdoors and finds Montana to be a great fit for her. With an
open heart she embraces every opportunity to make new friendships and enjoys spending
time with others. Outside of school she loves to be involved in her community, be
outside or read a good book. Through the Leadership Institute she is hoping to venture
beyond her comfort zone, create connections and contribute to the continuous improvement
of MSU.
Lindsey Frishmuth
Student Associate
Lindsey is a sophomore studying Kinesiology from Arvada, Colorado. Once Lindsey has
her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend graduate school for her doctorate in
physical therapy. This interest in human health has led to Lindsey being involved
in health-related volunteer work and campus events. Being from Colorado has given
Lindsey plenty of outdoor leadership opportunities, including working as a teacher
at Outdoor Lab, an outdoor education facility for middle schoolers. When not involved
in the Leadership Institute or in class, Lindsey can usually be found on the ski hill
or doing something outside.
Lily Savage
Student Associate
Lily Savage is a senior from San Diego, California majoring in Sociology and receiving a
minor in English writing. She is currently undecided about her plans upon graduation
but has been back and forth between going to law school or culinary school to fulfil her
passions. Lily is an outgoing individual that loves to travel with friends and push
not only others but also herself as well to break out of their comfort zone and become
a better version of themselves. If she is not on campus, Lily can often be found cooking,
hiking, at a local coffee shop, or traveling to a nearby city to explore. Her time
in Montana has taught her to embrace change and use it to propel herself forward into
the next adventure and she plans on doing the same with the leadership institute.
Daniel Lanske
Student Associate
Daniel Lanske is a second-year student from Billings, Montana pursuing a degree in
Cell Biology and Neuroscience with intentions of becoming a physician in the future.
Daniel has a strong passion for helping his community by creating a better environment
for everyone who lives there through volunteer work, tutoring, and aiding non-profits.
He enjoys the challenges and new skills that arise from such opportunities and the
positive effect it has on himself and others. Daniel is extremely excited to be working
with the Leadership Institute this semester and looks forward to the experiences and
skills that will stem from it! Growing up in Montana has led Daniel to have a great
fascination and appreciation for the outdoors. When he is not studying, he can be
seen outside hiking with his friends or climbing over at Spire.
Madison Craigie
Intern
Madison is a freshman from Coeur d’Alene, ID studying Environmental Design Architecture.
In her free time, she enjoys working out, cooking, and playing piano. She is excited
to work with the Leadership Institute at MSU and create a positive impact in the community.
Ella Morton
Intern
My name is Ella Morton and I am a freshman this year at MSU! My hometown is Albuquerque,
New Mexico and I am so excited to get to explore Montana. I am majoring in business
management and hope to also minor in psychology. I am super excited to be apart of
the MSU Leadership Institute!
Peyton Collings
Intern
Peyton Collings is a first year student at Montana State where she is pursuing her
undergraduate degree in the College of Letters and Science for Psychology. After completion
of her courses at MSU she has intentions to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology.
Born and raised in New Jersey, she is a fan of city life, however wants to establish
her future home in the country. Growing up in a small town about twenty minutes outside
of New York City, she realized that extraordinary leaders are what keep communities
safe and committed to growth. Peyton is passionate about journeying within to become
the best possible version of oneself and creating intimate communities. Outside of
her studies you can find Peyton reading a novel, hiking or grabbing a bite to eat!
She is excited to be working with the Leadership Institute this semester, where she
can learn the necessary knowledge to be a leader in today’s society, as well as have
the ability to stand up for other student’s voices.
