About Us

About Us

Established in 1967, Students United is an independent, nonprofit organization funded and operated by students. Students United serves over 65,000 students attending Minnesota's seven state universities: Bemidji, Mankato, Metropolitan (St. Paul/Minneapolis), Moorhead, St. Cloud, Southwest (Marshall) and Winona.

Students United has been a strong voice for state university students on the campus, system, state and federal levels for over 50 years. The organization is recognized by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees as the sole representative of state university students in Minnesota, and work on a variety of issues at several levels.

MISSION

Led by Minnesota State University students, we are the inclusive voice for all future, current, and former students. We actively work to represent and support Minnesota State University students and advocate at a local, system, state, and federal level for higher education policies that make a positive impact for our students and communities.

VISION

Our vision is to create the model of inclusive higher education policies and leadership. Our goal is to ensure higher education is rooted in student voices and student needs. Student leaders at all decision-making tables strengthen student advocacy, which creates a more robust higher education system and community.

VALUES [STUDENTS]

Student voice

Thought leaders

United leadership

Diversity

Equity and inclusion

Next level thinking

Tangible advocacy

Student leadership

Our Staff

Thomas Anderson
Executive Director

Kalista Mangahas
Associate
Executive Director

Dr. Meg Bartlett-Chase
Director of Programs

Casey Metcalfe
Government Relations
Director

Jess Khan
Development Director

Grant Berg
Public Relations
Director

Adam Thompson
Campus Relations Manager

Connor Newby
Operations and Events Manager

Molly Dubois
Student Leadership
& Engagement Manager

2025-2026 Board of Directors

Students United is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a Board of Directors. The board is composed of seven voting members, who are the student body presidents of their respective Minnesota State universities. If the student body president cannot serve for any reason, they are able to appoint an individual to serve in their place.

The board also has three officers: State Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer, who are elected by the outgoing Board of Directors. The board serves on a one-year term that runs from July to the end of June the following year.