2019 Rising Alumni: Kara Galvin
Kara Galvin, who has a master’s in counseling and student personnel psychology, is the Director of International and Graduate Programs at the U of M Law School. Kara’s background in counseling, advising, and advocacy for international, immigrant/refugee, and underrepresented students provides a strong foundation for her work. At the Law School, she manages international exchange partnerships, leads strategic planning, and administers the master’s and doctoral programs. Outside of work, she is an active volunteer in her school district. Along with discovering her skills in statistics, Kara says her CEHD degree provided lifelong friendships as well as knowledge she uses every day. She believes grit, interpersonal communication skills, and a good sense of humor are absolutely necessary for any professional.
Employer
Director, International and Graduate Programs, University of Minnesota Law School
CEHD Degree
MA - Educational Psychology (CSPP), 2007
Please list any professional accomplishments you wish to mention.
Currently, I head up the International and Graduate Programs department at the University of Minnesota Law School. My background in counseling/advising and advocacy for international, immigrant/refugee, and underrepresented students is the foundation for my work. Some of my previous job roles include Advisor at International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at the U, Counselor at Hennepin Technical College, Director of Gateway to College—an alternative high school within St. Paul Public Schools, and Elementary School Counselor for Minneapolis Public Schools.
Volunteer activities
I am an active volunteer in the school district where I live, and was a leader in the Neighbors United Vote Yes campaign to promote the passing of the bond referendum last fall.
What is your favorite memory from the University of Minnesota?
The lifelong friendships I made in CSPP are certainly a highlight—and proving to myself that I can do Statistics. :)
What was the impact and benefit of your educational experience in CEHD?
The knowledge and skills I acquired through my CEHD degree are noticeably applied every single day in my chosen career.
What skills are important to succeed as an emerging professional today?
I believe grit, interpersonal communication skills, and a good sense of humor are absolutely necessary for any professional—emerging or seasoned!
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
I like to spend time at home with my spouse and four incredible children, ages 12, 10, 3, and 1.
How do others describe you?
I hope they describe me as genuine, down-to-earth, accountable, and funny.
What's a good book you'd recommend to others?
I recently read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon and can't stop thinking about it!
What is a "fun fact" about you?
One time, I did some academic advising with Justin Vernon, the lead singer of Bon Iver. He came to inquire about enrolling in the accounting degree because he said "his band was doing all right and he wanted to learn some money management skills.” I didn't realize who he was until afterwards!