New Graduate Program and Curricular Coordinator

Please welcome Mel Hervonen as the new graduate program and curricular coordinator for the administrative hub of the Language Center and the Institute of Linguistics. Mel graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, Gender & Women’s Studies, and Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies as well as minors in LGBTQ+ Studies and Chicanx/Latinx Studies. After graduating, they moved to the Twin Cities and have spent their time working with students and professionals of all ages through the Minnesota Reading Corps, Saint Paul Public Schools, and most recently, the University of Minnesota Law School.

In their free time, Mel likes to read, play video games, sing and play guitar, make art, and tell the best (or worst, depending on who you ask) dad jokes and puns you could ever imagine. They also love learning and trying new things, so if you’re looking for someone to try food from that new restaurant, you’ve come to the right person.

Mel is excited about this new role and is looking forward to working with everyone!