SSU alumnus uses career to mentor students toward their goals

Making his way to Shawnee State University with a group of friends from his hometown, alumnus Marte Marshall graduated in 2017.

During his time on campus, Marshall was heavily involved with campus life working as a Resident Assistant, an Orientation Leader, a student employee for the offices of Student Life, Marketing & Communications, and Facilities and was crowned Homecoming King in his senior year.

“My time at SSU honestly helped shape me into the man I am today,” he said. “There were so many academic, social, and self-discovery moments that I had. I still carry the knowledge and skills I learned from my time at SSU with me today.”

Choosing to major in business administration with a minor in communications, after graduating from SSU he entered graduate school where he gained additional experience in Career Education, Residence Life, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Retention Initiatives.

“This was all inspired by the people who helped guide me when I was a student at Shawnee,” he said. “The example they set for me is something I want to give back to the students who are up and coming.”

Taking after his mentors at SSU, Marshall decided to pursue a career path in Higher Education and Student Affairs. He is currently the Assistant Director for Residence Life at University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He oversees the hiring, training and guiding of over 20 residential life staff members. He also performs housing placement, conducts adjudication and manages crisis response within his role.

“In collaboration with the director, we all create a safe, engaging, and welcoming on-campus environment for our students who live on campus,” he said.

Marshall relies on the operations and communication skills he gained in his degree at SSU to continue to excel in his career.

“The foundation was built in the classroom at SSU,” he said, “I would say the most important lesson from SSU that I bring into my workplace is to be selfless and be there for others. I always knew I wanted to do something that would benefit others whether in a big or small way. I get the pleasure of doing that every single day.”

To students considering SSU, Marshall shares his advice for how to push through hard times to get to graduation.

“Get a mentor and ask a lot of questions,” he said. “Understand that what you want will not happen overnight and, on the days, you want to walk away or quit, just remember your why. There are so many rewarding experiences I have received from this career, and I am still considered an early professional. I cannot imagine what is to come.”

Before wrapping up his interview, Marshall wanted to share one other comment about his time at SSU he felt important to note.

“I also would be remiss if I did not mention that I am still ‘Best Dressed Homecoming King’ in SSU history,” he said.

To learn more about opportunities within the C.H. Lute School of Business at Shawnee State University, visit www.shawnee.edu/business.