The College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has selected Dr. Vesna Hampel-Kozar to be its first Director of Student Wellbeing and Success. Hampel-Kozar will begin her new role on April 11.  

The new role is designed to help students as they navigate professional careers and life events as well as the curriculum. The director will work as part of a team to become a direct connection for students to the University of Minnesota and CVM resources that promote personal and professional success as well as develop new and grow existing programs and partnerships across a variety of areas.  

Hampel-Kozar comes to CVM from the University of Minnesota Student Counseling Services (SCS). In her role as SCS director, she worked with students individually, in groups, and through workshops and outreach, provided administrative leadership, and supervised counseling staff and graduate-level mental health professionals. 
 
Prior to joining the SCS staff, Hampel-Kozar worked in a variety of higher education institutions as well as residential, non-residential, online, primarily adult-serving settings in both urban and rural environments. She has served as an academic advisor, career counselor, teaching faculty, and administrator in addition to providing direct counseling services.
 
These roles have influenced Hampel-Kozar to take a holistic perspective on her work with students, including finding ways to make use of natural supports, strengths, and resources in supporting student wellbeing. She recognizes the importance of the context and systems within which students’ lives are happening, both within the University and in communities outside of the institution. 
 
Hampel-Kozar continues to be impacted by her own past experiences as a first-generation college student, from an immigrant family, and the experiences of students with whom she has worked. received her PhD in Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University.

In addition to Hampel-Kozar, CVM also has recently hired additional staff to expand student wellbeing services. Tanja Philhower and Amy Brandt are providing wellbeing services to both DVM and graduate students. 
 
Philhower works with clients of the Veterinary Medical Center as its new social worker and is available to fourth-year students to chat and provide support. Her email address is philh097@umn.edu. 
 
Brandt is an embedded counselor with SCS and CVM. She provides both virtual and in-person counseling to support year 1-4 students and graduate students.

To make an appointment:

• Use the following link to complete intake paperwork with the SCS office, and make sure to note you are a CVM student:  Getting Started | Student Counseling Service
• Email counseling@umn.edu or call phone: 612-624-3323.