Kat Hanson

Born and raised in the Upper Peninsula, Kat graduated from Kingsford High School before attending St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in both English and Race & Ethnic Studies in 2021 from St. Olaf. Immediately upon graduation she returned to the U.P., and began her career in higher education working for the Finlandia University admissions department. While at Finlandia, Kat was the chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. In early 2023, Kat began working at Michigan Tech in the financial aid department, where she coordinated the Working Families Scholarship program, and also assisted as the Transfer/Teach-Out Coordinator for Finlandia University students. Beginning the spring 2024 semester, Kat transitioned to CFRES as the undergraduate Academic Advisor. She is currently enrolled in a Master of Arts program through Central Michigan University, studying Higher Education Administration & Social Justice.

Outside of her professional life, Kat enjoys doing anything outdoors, as long as she is accompanied by her dog named Goose. Together, they have taken up skijoring (cross country skiing with a dog), and last year won 3rd place overall finisher (and #1 furriest dog) at the Dawg Daze skijoring race. She also enjoys Romantic & Victorian era literature, traveling, geese, drinking coffee, and trying to cook new recipes. She dislikes fluorescent lights, doing dishes, and deer ticks. 

Kat is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion efforts not just across Michigan Tech's campus, but throughout the education sector as a whole, and she strives to create a welcoming environment for all of her students.