About Katja Benz:

Hailing from the Chicago metropolitan area, I was a community college transfer student who found her place after transferring to a small university in central Illinois. Upon arriving to campus, I jumped right in and became involved as an admissions ambassador and a reporter for my undergrad's daily student newspaper. These experiences spearheaded my interest in working in higher education, specifically supporting disabled and neurodivergent students in transitioning to college. In college, I also interned in academic advising, worked in enrollment management, and served on an orientation task force. After earning an English degree, I went to Milwaukee to earn a mostly funded Master of Education in Student Affairs from Marquette University (go Golden Eagles!) where I gained experience in student activities, orientation, and disability services.

In OAS, I look forward to supporting students in navigating the higher education landscape, especially as it continues to evolve. Long term, I look forward to supporting student success, transitions, and involvement. Outside of work, I enjoy being active, trying new things, and writing.

My Role in OAS:

My primary role in OAS is to simultaneously support advising offices across campus and students during peak advisement periods, such as orientation and registration. I'm excited to support the UNM community in this way, and I look forward to helping students accomplish their educational and professional goals.

Ask me about:

• Going to Grad School for free
• Pros and Cons of changing your major
• Different ways to get involved on campus