Students United

08/22/2026

Earlier this month we welcomed our 2026-2027 Board of Directors! These students bring a vast array of experiences from all over the state. From Bemidji to Winona, they're showing up and fighting for Minnesota State students. We're so excited to work with this incredible group!

Click here to learn more about how Students United works: https://www.studentsunited.org/about

08/21/2026

Applications for the Timothy J. Penny Public Service Fellowships open September 1!

Open exclusively to students at Minnesota State’s seven universities, the Penny Fellowships help reduce financial barriers to meaningful public-service internships and support the next generation of civic leaders.

Two fellowships are available:

State Public Service Fellowship — $2,500
Supports qualifying internships with Minnesota state and local government.

Federal Public Service Fellowship — $5,000
Supports qualifying internships with the federal government, federal agencies, tribal governments, or tribal agencies.

Students may apply for one or both fellowships but may receive only one award.

Named in honor of Students United founder and former U.S. Congressman Tim Penny, the fellowships continue his longstanding commitment to Minnesota students and public service.

Applications open September 1 and close December 15.

Learn more and apply: https://www.studentsunited.org/tim-penny-fellowship

07/22/2026

HUGE WELCOME to our new Executive Director, Dr. Patrick Duffy!

Patrick brings more than 25 years of experience as an educator, social studies teacher, principal, district leader, university instructor, and leadership coach to his role as Executive Director of Students United.

Throughout his career, he has focused on developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and creating learning communities where every student has the opportunity to lead, belong, and thrive.

An adjunct professor, author, and national lecturer, Patrick brings decades of experience to our team. We're thrilled to have you on board, Patrick!

07/09/2026

It's July, which means we say goodbye to one board and welcome our incoming Board of Directors!

We're so sad to see our 2025-2026 Board of Directors go, but we wish them well in their future endeavors. Thank you for all your hard work this year, students!

06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth from Students United!

Thank you to all students, faculty, and staff at Minnesota State Universities who are committed to ending systemic racism and working to build safe and empowered learning environments for Black students across our campuses.

Students United will be closed in observation of Juneteenth and will reopen Monday, June 22nd.

06/18/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out last Friday to celebrate our amazing 2025-2026 Community Leader Fellows!

The Community Leader Fellowship hosts students from the 7 Minnesota State Universities and pairs them with a Students United staff member. From there, these students learn critical workplace skills that will prepare them for their post-graduation careers.

Thank you to our sponsors, the Minnesota State System Office and Inter Faculty Union, for their support!

We can't wait to welcome our incoming 2026-2027 cohort — stay tuned for more!

06/17/2026