Environmental Studies Alum Kate Beyer (left) serves as Committee Administrator for the Agriculture, Rural Economies, and Veterans Affairs Committees at the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Kate Writes: My main duty is ensuring a smooth and efficient committee process. I work with non-partisan and partisan research staff, members, legislative staff, lobbyists, and the public to plan and execute committee hearings. I track and assist in the development of legislation. I also provide support for the Committee Chairmen. These duties include: advising in issue areas or legislative process, attending meetings, representing the Chair at events they are unable to attend, serving as a liaison to state agencies and organizations, and carrying out constituent communications. For me, the interdisciplinary nature of the Environmental Studies Area of Concentration has proven to be the most beneficial reason for pursuing this major. The combination of political science, biology, geology, and English courses has prepared me for a variety of jobs. I am currently in the public policy sector and I know others have ended up in more technical positions. I think there is a lot to be said about a major that allows for as much versatility as Environmental Studies. Environmental awareness and the focus on renewable energy have increased dramatically in recent years. I think Morris is a perfect place to study the need, the implications, the policy, and the economics of these issues. Not only does this program offer some of the best professors on campus and allows you to explore several disciplines, you will be doing so at a school that is dedicated to being green and in the heart of rural Minnesota.

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