My MSUM Story: Alexandra Gallagher

Alex Gallagher knew from the positive experience on her campus tour and Preview Day she would succeed academically, personally and professionally at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Her experience as a Dragon Ambassador gave prospective students a similarly warm and welcoming experience that drew her to MSUM.

Alex tells us why she succeeded at MSUM.

Organizations help develop leadership skills.

Throughout her time at MSUM, Alexandra was involved in several organizations, including the Psychology Club, Psi Chi and Delta Zeta. She was also a Dragon Ambassador and peer advisor, working closely with prospective students and parents. “I helped recreate for prospective students the positive experience I had when I visited MSUM.”

Alex graduated last May and is now a case aide at Southeast Human Service Center, helping children and adolescents develop social skills. She is also working toward a master’s degree in education in clinical mental health counseling at North Dakota State University, where she is a teaching assistant for a professor. 

“My time at MSUM created a mindset and foundation to use my knowledge and skills to expand my love for learning and impact the lives of others along the way,” Alex said. Her dream job is to become a play therapist.

Classes provide hands-on experience.

MSUM guides students to excel and reach their academic and career goals. Alex says the psychology department gave her hands-on experience through self-guided research and experiments that helped her better understand the human condition. 

She says faculty and staff did an excellent job of informing her of educational opportunities. “The psychology faculty told me about job fairs, luncheons, awards and research opportunities, to name a few,” Alex said. She’s worked closely with faculty, conducted experiments through the annual lab crawl, and taught others about schizophrenia through her research. 

“Faculty wrote recommendation letters for graduate school and scholarships. I will forever be grateful for all that they have done to help me grow and become the person I am today.” Alex said.

Faculty and staff go the extra mile.

From the moment Alex stepped on campus, she discovered that faculty and staff genuinely go the extra mile for all students.

"Because of the relationships I formed at MSUM, I truly felt like I could do anything. As cliché as that sounds, it’s true. MSUM’s faculty and staff want you to become the best version of yourself, and they help you achieve your goals and and celebrate with you when you achieve them,” she said.

Alexandra’s experience at MSUM has exceeded her expectations and has equipped her well for the next chapter in her story.

Discover your MSUM story by exploring our majors, visiting campus or taking a virtual tour.