SSS TRIO Staff at MSUB

Office: Library 131 

Phone: (406) 657-1668

Email: l.gittingscarlson@msubillings.edu

Where are you from?

My hometown is Omaha, Nebraska.

What was your major/program of study?

I started college by obtaining an Associate's Degree while working full-time to pay for tuition, right out of high school. After this degree, I decided to take some time off and work. About seven years later, I felt I was ready to go back to college. As an older, nontraditional student I received my Bachelor's of Science in Sociology & Anthropology from MSU Bozeman while working three-quarters to full-time. Fast forward a few more years and I completed my Master's in Public Administration at MSU Billings while working full-time and taking care of a busy family.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

I enjoy creating artwork, listening to music, learning new things, and spending time with my husband, two boys, and our dogs.

Office: Library 141

Phone: (406) 657-1763

Email: jennifer.pope@msubillings.edu 

Office: Library 130

Phone: (406) 657-2184

Email: sonja.jones2@msubillings.edu

Where are you from?

I grew up in Billings, MT.

What was your major/program of study?

I graduated with a B.S. in Criminal Justice from MSU Billings in 2016.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

In my free time, I enjoy staying active and spending time with my son, husband, and our two dogs. We enjoy golfing, hiking, fishing, and camping.

What inspired you to work at TRIO SSS?

I have also worked for the TRIO Upward Bound summer programs while I was on campus and was a part of the TRIO program ETS growing up. I joined the TRIO staff as a way to give back to a program that helped me so much.

Office: Library 141

Phone: (406) 657-1675

Email: david.airne@msubillings.edu

Where are you from?

I have lived in 15 states, but I am excited to be living in Montana.

What was your major/program of study?

I did my undergraduate work at Winona State University in Winona, MN. After my undergrad, I did not know what all I wanted to do and a friend recruited me to come to North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND to do my Master’s degree in Communication Studies and help coach the debate program. I taught at several universities, coached speech & debate, and published research on political campaigns and gender.I most recently taught and directed the speech & debate program at the University of Montana.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

In my free time, I can often be found in the kitchen cooking and/or baking, playing tabletop games, reading comic books, fishing, and watching my favorite teams.

What inspired you to work at SSS TRIO? 

I enjoyed working in academia and working with students.  

Office: Library 141

Phone: (406) 657-1688

Email: rylie.wiebe@msubillings.edu

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Billings, MT.

What was your major/program of study?

I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from MSUB in 2021.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

In my free time, I enjoy watching cheesy movies, spending time with my friends and my dog Iris, as well as researching cultural mythologies relating to urbanity.

What inspired you to work at SSS TRIO? 

I feel so lucky to be able to work at TRIO as I am very passionate about the program and what it stands for. I consider it a wonderful opportunity to be able to work closely with students, help them navigate the university, and achieve their goals.

Office: Library 121

Phone: (406) 247-3064

Email: keith.henderson@msubillings.edu

Where are you from?

My hometown is Oldham, Kentucky. Before coming to Montana, I lived in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

What was your major/program of study?

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. My dad wanted me to be an engineer but a friend from church mentioned that I would make a great teacher because of my connection with people.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

Some of my favorite hobbies include hiking, long walks with my wife Linda, and spending time with our two granddaughters.

What inspired you to tutor at TRIO SSS?

I am inspired to work at TRIO SSS because students want help and are choosing to work with tutoring services—it is incredibly rewarding when students find that they can be successful in the areas they study.

What subjects do you tutor?

Math, Chemistry, Statistics, and Physics.