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About
MAX Center Staff from Left to Right: Stephanie Alden, Dave Ehren, Britt Abel, Jake Mohan, Margie Banker, and Cori McKenzie.

The New Macalester Academic Excellence (MAX) Center—Same Great Services, Same Location, New Organizational Structure.

In late spring 2023, the MAX Center implemented a new organizational structure. This realignment maintains the same amount of academic support for students, while making possible more discipline-specific collaborations and foci.

The department now includes four specific units, each coordinated by returning professional staff who have revised job titles:

Writing Support in the MAX Center is coordinated by Jake Mohan and Cori McKenzie. Jake is now Writing Support Coordinator, and will continue to teach Writing in U.S. Academic Culture (INTD 103-01). Cori is serving as interim Writing & Academic Support Coordinator for spring semester 2024.

Jake and Cori collaborate with and report to Dr. Brigetta (Britt) Abel, Director of Writing. You’re welcome to reach out to them with questions about Writing Support.

Science and Quantitative Support in the MAX Center is coordinated by Dave Ehren and Stephanie Alden. Dave is now Coordinator of Quantitative Support, and continues to teach courses in the Math, Statistics, and Computer Science (MSCS) department. Stephanie is now Coordinator of SI and Science Support.

Dave and Stephanie each report to Ann Minnick, Director of Academic Programs and Advising. You’re welcome to reach out to any of them with questions about the support available in science and quantitative courses.

The Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program in the MAX Center continues to be coordinated by Stephanie Alden. You’re welcome to reach out to Stephanie with questions about this program.

Study Skills Support in the MAX Center are offered by Cori McKenzie and Stephanie Alden. Cori specializes in supporting work in the humanities, and Stephanie in the science and quantitative fields. You’re welcome to reach out to either of them with questions about individual support for studying, reading, organizing time, and other academic skills.

ADA testing accommodations has been integrated into Center for Disability Resources, located in the lower level of Kagin Commons. 

We are excited to continue working with and supporting the Macalester community within this new structure! The 2024 – 2025 academic year will continue to be a year of transition for the department, ahead of our upcoming move to the library in academic year 2025-2026. We expect to observe, learn, reflect, and make adjustments as we proceed. As always, we welcome input from students, staff, and faculty.