About Our Guest Bloggers

The LearnmoreMN blog features the voices of community members, sharing their perspectives about school success and the educational challenges we face in Minnesota. Guest bloggers will change every month.

August 2008

Kathy Glampe is the director of the TRiO/Student Support Services program at St. Olaf College. Federally-funded TRiO programs provide educational opportunity to low-income and first-generation students and students with disabilities. Glampe has worked with TRiO programs for 15 years and serves as the cochair of the Legislation and Education committee of the Minnesota TRiO board.

July 2008

Jenny Wright is the director of the Minneapolis Beacons Network, a collaborative of youth development organizations including the YMCA of Minneapolis, The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, The YWCA of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Community Education. Each day these organizations partner with the Minneapolis Public Schools to transform schools into afterschool and summer youth centers for low-income youth and their families.

June 2008

Jon Pekel is the full-time volunteer president of mygrowthplan.org, a nonprofit organization that provides growth planning services for high school and college age youth. For 40 years Jon has used a variety of platforms for his life-purpose of serving others and championing justice for all — as a clergyman, public affairs officer, consultant and teacher.

April 2008

Katherine Bristol is a senior at Macalester College, receiving her degree in Psychology, Geography, and Urban Education. She has worked both in and out of schools on topics such as special education and workforce readiness. Most recently, she was a head researcher for the Mayor's Forum in which Minnesota state educational policy and best practices were discussed.

March 2008

Dr. Josie Johnson is the former University of Minnesota associate vice president for minority student affairs. In 1996, she “retired” to form Josie Robinson Johnson and Associates — which helps educational institutions resolve diversity issues. As an activist, educator and dedicated community volunteer, she strives to make the world a better place, especially for underserved people of color.

February 2008

William Tully is the Education and Enrichment Activities Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities. He has worked in the area of college access for four years, with BBBS and previously Admission Possible, and is committed to making education accessible and equal for all. To contact him directly, email wtully@bigstwincities.org or call 651.789.2445.