Jennifer Sell Matzke ‘96 was selected by the SCSU Alumni Association as a co-recipient of the 2016-17 University Leadership Award. The University Leadership Award is presented to current or retired St. Cloud State employees who have made a positive difference in the lives of students. She will be recognized for her achievements during the fall Celebrate St. Cloud State weekend October 12-14.
Matzke received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from St. Cloud State in 1996, and also has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine’s University.
She has worked at SCSU since 2001 in several capacities and is currently serving as Assistant Dean of Students, a position she has held since 2012. She also serves as a Deputy Title IX Coordinator for SCSU. In her role, Matzke provides leadership in the administration, management and strategic planning efforts for campus alcohol and other drug prevention efforts, including the UChoose program, IMPACT, the St. Cloud Diversion program, and the SCSU Recovery Community.
She has created strong partnerships with the City of St. Cloud, the St. Cloud Police Department, and the South Side neighborhood residents and her work has directly helped the personal development of thousands of students on our campus. Most recently, Matzke was appointed to oversee Residential Life at St. Cloud State.
When asked for a life lesson or observation learned from her days at St. Cloud State, Matzke said,“Although I disliked the number of group projects in college, it was really a great opportunity to learn how to work with all different kinds of people to accomplish a goal. Even when groups didn’t function well, it provided an opportunity to learn about communication, conflict resolution and personal responsibility.”
Matzke lives in St. Augusta with her husband Bret (’96), and her children Noah (14) and Ella (9).
