Second year graduate student Sloan Okrey Anderson begins new responsibilities as the Family Social Science Undergraduate Advisor, August 27, taking over from Pooja Brar, who begins a pre-doctorate fellowship in the Pediatrics Department of the U of M Medical School.

Pursuing a doctoral degree and researching gender and sexual minorities in religious families and communities, Anderson will help undergraduates navigate the University’s academic landscape, including course and study-abroad planning, registration, APAS navigation, and graduate school applications as well as internship and research experience options.

Anderson’s higher ed journey began at a community college, transferring to the University of Illinois to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in addition to working full-time and giving birth to twins!

“FSoS has undergraduate students from numerous diverse backgrounds, including many first generation students and non-traditional students. I was among the first in my family history to go to college and I did so without any family support,” says Anderson. “The only reason I am in graduate school today is because advisers and professors took an interest in me and encouraged me to aim higher. I want to be able to help other students reach and exceed their goals as well.”

Beginning August 27, Anderson’s drop-in office hours for Fall 2018 will be:

Mondays:   9am to Noon (East Bank)
Tuesdays:   9am to Noon (St. Paul)
Thursdays: Noon to 4pm (St. Paul)

St. Paul Campus Office: 275A McNeal Hall
East Bank Campus Office: 131 Burton Hall

Anderson will respond to emails within 48 hours during the week and encourages undergraduates to either call or by simply drop by during open hours.