Staff Bios

Barb Butler: A transplant from 'the burbs' of Minneapolis, Barb began her career at Bemidji State University in the summer of 2000, starting in the Student Records office.  She transferred to the Hobson Union as Customer Service Specialist  in May of 2005.  Self-proclaimed 'Queen of the Info Desk', she oversees Information Desk Services, and provides clerical support to the Director, Associate Director, Assistant Director, student organizations and SAFAC.  She really likes interacting with the students, as they always have something to teach her. She enjoys learning new things, and occasionally takes a class here at BSU. In her 'other life,' she creates stained glass items, writes in her journal, and gets a kick out of watching the various woodland creatures that frequent her backyard. As an avid animal lover, her life would not be complete without pets. Her personal goals include taking more risks, learning new things, and to get through the day without spilling something on her shirt. 

 Kathy OBrien: I grew up on the North Shore of Lake Superior and upon high school graduation migrated west to attend Bemidji State University.  I've remained in Bemidji because of my love for northern Minnesota and the wonderful opportunity to work at the University.  Outside of the University, the things that bring me great joy include my extended family and friends, music, art, animals, independent travel, studying world cultures, and anything outdoors including hiking, fishing, gardening and rock collecting.  My undergraduate education in Community Service is utilized every day as I assist our students, faculty, staff and the community with their event planning needs.  

Chinwuba Okafor:  Having recently received my Master's degree in Adult and Higher Education from Northern Illinois University, I have traveled to sunny Minnesota to become the Associate Director of Student Life.  In this role, I advise the Campus Activities Board, manage the student organization experience, coordinate various leadership and service events, and other HMU Programming.  In my spare time, I love to play a rousing game of Halo 3 or Call of Duty 4, read a good book, dance, listen to music, write, and exercise, and my favorite color is black.

Mary Tosch: My role as the Director is to provide leadership and vision for the Student Union and supervising the day to day operation of the Union.   I serve as the adviser to the Student Senate and SAFAC.  This role chairs the HMU Advisory Committee and works directly with other entities in the Union, including the University Bookstore, Dining Services, C-3 store and the Excellence in Leadership Center.  I am also responsible for managing the Union's budget and facilities plan.  My interests include the arts, traveling, and catching up on my reading.