Get to know Tristan Richards!

My role at St. Cloud State University is coordinating our orientation programs: Huskies Advising & Registration and Huskies First Four Days. I supervise all of our Orientation Student Coordinators, Student Advisors, and Orientation Leaders and work closely with our Graduate Assistants. I coordinate communications for Advising & Student Transitions, work with retention programming, and have a small academic advising caseload. You might also see me for a walk-in advising appointment.

I have a MA in Leadership in Student Affairs from the University of St. Thomas and a BA in Communication Studies from Gustavus Adolphus College. Prior to St. Cloud State, I worked in orientation at Hamline University and in service learning at Gustavus Adolphus College. I transitioned into student affairs from the nonprofit world, where I worked with Habitat for Humanity for seven years (three of which were during undergrad—your student involvement is real life experience!).

I grew up in Mankato, Minnesota. I love LaCroix, hiking, music, and writing poetry. My favorite band has been Hanson since 1997. I’m a huge fan of personality systems (StrengthsFinder, the enneagram, Myers-Briggs, etc.) and would LOVE to talk to you about them. Since you’re probably wondering now,

• Strengths: Strategic, Maximizer, Ideation, Woo, Activator
• Enneagram: 4w3 so
• MBTI: ENFP

How long have you been at St. Cloud State?

Since June 2019.

What's your best memory at St. Cloud State?

Any time I get to see my students grow is meaningful for me. I love working with students over time, getting to know their strengths/what they’re excited about, and watching them learn to apply those things to their experience at St. Cloud State and beyond.

What's your favorite snack on campus?

Cold brew (black) keeps my energy up during long orientation days. I also really love the following burrito from Burrito Bowl: cilantro rice, chicken, queso, hot salsa, corn, cheddar jack, mozzarella, and cilantro. Perfect.

What advice would you give a new student as they transition into St. Cloud State?

Find your people (friends and mentors!), try new things, and create space to reflect on what you’re learning (inside and outside the classroom). Look for ways to connect the things you care about to a need in the world. Apply to be an Orientation Leader or Student Advisor.

Why St. Cloud State?

I was looking for an orientation position and felt drawn to the A&ST team, getting to work closely with tons of student leaders, and the opportunity to build on the great work already being done with our orientation programs.