The American Indian Tuition Waiver is what first attracted Seth Elsen ’13, to transfer to the University of Minnesota Morris from a community college in Olympia, Washington. But it was the unique opportunities he found, in and out of the classroom, to learn, conduct research, and apply those concepts in the natural resources realm that put him on his sustainability career path.
Sustainability was not part of Elsen’s plan starting out, as he had a double major in American Indian studies and political science. But he started taking some environmental classes for his political science major, which led to a job with the Center for Small Towns (CST) and, eventually, inspired him to design his own major in resource management.
Elsen worked for CST throughout his time at UMN Morris, undertaking a variety of projects. His first was with the Students Using Natural Energy team, which made it possible for solar energy to be used in heating the pool at the Regional Fitness Center. During his second year, Elsen began working with the Upper Sioux Community to explore potential uses of renewable energy. The projects helped Elsen to gain experience in understanding and working with tribal policy and sustainable energy integration. The work to assess renewable energy options with the Upper Sioux Community cemented his desire to work in the natural resource field.
“Beyond traditional courses, I took advantage of directed study opportunities with faculty which allowed me to dive deeper into specific natural resource issues. Many times since graduating, I’ve thought about how to this day, I’m using something I learned from nearly every course at Morris. I think that really underscores the importance and value of a liberal arts education.”
Additionally, Elsen appreciates the one-on-one mentoring that he received with helping him navigate undergraduate studies, his interest in natural resources and tribal relations, and figuring out what his path looked like after graduation.
“I’ve continued to lean on my mentors from Morris to this day and am grateful for all these connections.”
Elsen now works with the Washington State Department of Ecology as a wastewater financial and technical assistance unit supervisor. The position blends sustainability, resource management, stakeholder engagement, and tribal relations, which Elsen finds incredibly rewarding.
“I supervise a unit focused on helping small communities address issues related to wastewater management. This provides me with the opportunity to blend policy, science, and relations with more than 30 tribal nations across Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.”
Elsen finds the environmental field is an exciting place to be career-wise.
“Environmental work is also incredibly rewarding in the sense of seeing the impact of your work daily. No matter the career field, there’s always some anxiety about finding meaningful work within a study area. Most of us will have 40+ years working after graduation, so you might as well enjoy what you do and [do] what you’re passionate about.”