New appointments

Jenna Herman, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, joined the school as a clinical assistant professor. She has 17 years of experience in clinical practice and practices as a family nurse practitioner at Marathon Health. She earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in nursing from the College of St. Scholastica and a bachelor’s degree from Augustana University.

Elizabeth Hopfenspirger, DNP, APRN, CNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, joined the school as a clinical assistant professor. She brings almost 20 years of experience in nursing and advanced practice nursing specialties, including psychiatry, family practice and cardiology. She earned a master’s degree in nursing from Saint Louis University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Minnesota in the psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner specialty. Hopfenspirger has served as an affiliate faculty member since 2015.
 

Leso Munala, PhD, MSW, joined the school as an associate professor. Her research focuses on the intersection of gender-based violence, climate change, and health outcomes, with an emphasis on community-engaged scholarship. Previously she served as an associate professor at St. Catherine University. She earned a PhD in community health education from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.

Nadeen Alshakhshir, PhD, RN, joined the school as a postdoctoral fellow. Her research focuses on advancing positive health outcomes through spirituality in palliative and end-of-life care for adolescents/young adults with cancer. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing science and a master’s degree in palliative care nursing from the University of Jordan. She earned a PhD in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Julie Anderson, PhD, RN, joined the school as the Pre-Licensure Nursing Apprenticeship Model program director for the Center for Nursing Equity and Excellence. Previously she served as dean of Winona State University Nursing and Health Sciences. She earned a PhD in education, master’s degree in parent child nursing and bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of North Dakota. 

Sarah Holtey joined the school as an office manager in the Office of Student and Career Advancement Services. She previously served as an administrative assistant/data specialist in the Admissions Office at Minneapolis College. She completed coursework in mathematics, physics, and data science at St Olaf College.

Ian Litwin, PhD, joined the school as a grant development specialist in the Office of Nursing Research and Scholarship. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy from DePaul University and master’s degree and PhD in English from the University of California Irvine. Previously, he taught courses and served as a course coordinator.

Jim Morse, MA, joined the school as facilities and technology director. He has served in several positions at the University of Minnesota for 29 years, most recently as facilities and operations manager at the College of Pharmacy. He earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and a master’s degree in liberal studies from Metropolitan State University.

Nicole Radotich, MS, joined the school as the alumni relations officer. Most recently she served as the ensemble operations manager for the School of Music. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and English from Gustavus Adolphus College and a master’s degree in library and information science from St. Catherine University.

Idania Studenski joined the school as an executive accounts specialist in the Business Office. Previously, she served at the University’s Veterinary Medical Contact Center. She has completed business courses at Century College.