TRIO SSS Staff at University Campus

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, my two boys, and our dogs.

Office: Library 141

Phone: (406) 657-1763

Email: jennifer.pope@msubillings.edu 

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, doing anything crafty and spending time with my friends. Along with that, I enjoy researching cultural mythologies relating to urbanity.

What inspired you to work at TRIO SSS? 

In 2019, I became a TRIO SSS student and in 2021 I became a peer mentor here at TRIO SSS. Through this, I became passionate about the program and I feel so lucky to be able to work at TRIO SSS . 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 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 TRIO SSS? 

I enjoyed working in academia and working with students.  

Office: Library 141

Email: kimberly.kost@msubillings.edu

Where are you from?

I was born in Utah but consider Wyoming to be my home. I have lived in most towns in the Big Horn Basin as an adult and love living there still.

What was your major/program of study?

I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to do, so I majored in Mathematics and English for my undergraduate degrees. I finished my Masters in English in 2020 and am looking forward to starting a Ph.D. program as I love education.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

I am kind of a jack of all trades. I crochet regularly, but also have been known to quilt, make soap, do woodworking, and help my significant other with construction/remodeling projects. Every week, I meet with my playgroup to play Magic: The Gathering; probably the most expensive hobby of them all.

What inspired you to work at TRIO SSS? 

Initially, I was inspired to join TRIO by one of my professors while I was in my undergraduate program. After that, I guess you could say I never really left. I have worked and participated in two separate SSS programs. I love working with students and helping them to find their way. TRIO was such an integral part of my academic journey, that I want to pay it forward by helping others to enjoy their academic journey.

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.