V e t e r a n s  U p w a r d  B o u n d

Administration

Dr. Luke Petriccione
Director
Office 113B Cisel Hall
Office: 406-657-2086
Google Number: 406-534-9179
Click Here to Email Luke

Luke has worked in Veterans' Upward Bound for the past 32 years and is a former Marine and Vietnam Veteran.  He can be a resource in answering general questions about veterans benefits and specific questions regarding V.A. educational and vocational rehabilitation benefits.  He can provide assistance in areas of referrals for veteran and community services, Native American veterans, educational and career planning.

Marsha Ferraguti
Coordinator: Administrative Services
Office 108 Cisel Hall
Office: 406-657-2071
Google Number: 406-534-9286
Click Here to Email Marsha

Marsha has worked with the MSU-Northern Veterans' Upward Bound since it began on the Billings campus in December 1992.  She handles all aspects of general office procedures, fiscal matters and student tracking of all veteran program participants.

Fred Betz
Records Specialist
Office 105 Cisel Hall
Office: 406-657-2062
Google Number: 406-534-9573
Click Here to Email Fred

Fred is a former Army Vietnam Vet, the "Artillery Guy". Fred coordinates the Programs Tribal College Program and can handle any questions in this area.  He is responsible for student intakes and admissions records. He is a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor- so watch what you say! He has lived in Montana since July 1979. He enjoys visiting with vets.

Joe Cobos
Outreach & Student Recruiter
Office 106 Cisel Hall
Office: 406-657-2063
Google Number: 406-534-9419
Click Here to Email Joe

Joe is a Vietnam veteran, served in several U. S. Marine Corps helicopter squadrons as a CH-46 helicopter crew chief and mechanic. Joe attained the rank of  Master Sergeant, served as a Squadron Maintenance Chief, prior to his retirement from the Corps. Joe is dedicated to serving fellow veterans.

Lori Borth
Coordinator for In-Class Instruction & Reserve Education Programs
Office 104A Cisel Hall
Office: 406-657-2026
Google Number: 406-534-9023
Click Here to Email Lori

Lori has taught French and Spanish at the MSU-Billings campus for 20 years. She has worked with Veterans' Upward Bound since 1996. She can help with academic advising in the following areas: applying for admission, meeting admission requirements, exploring state 2 and 4-year degree programs, certificate programs, understanding what financial aid is available and how to apply for it.

Michael Wolff
Coordinator for Online Instruction & Reserve Education Programs
Office 107 Cisel Hall
Office: 406-657-2013
Google Number: 406-534-9301
Click Here to Email Michael

Michael has worked for Veterans' Upward Bound since 1999. He teaches the computer classes at the Billings site. He maintains the web site and provides technical assistance to staff and students at all sites throughout Montana. He also monitors student progress for the Distance Learning Program.

Matthew Borron
College Transition Assistance Program Manager
Office 114 Cisel Hall
Office: 406-657-2093
Google Number: 406-534-9132
Click Here to Email Matthew

Matthew is a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the U.S. Army Reserves here in Billings. He has served in the armed forces for over 8 years and is currently the NBC NCO for the 592nd Ordinance Company. He is a recent graduate from the University of Montana - Missoula and holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Master’s in Public Administration. Matthew has also served as a legislative intern for Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg, and has helped lobby for veterans’ rights. He looks forward to helping veterans succeed in their educational endeavors.

Ann Denny
Tribal College Academic Bridge and Special Needs Case Manager
Office 113A Cisel Hall
Office: 406-657-2076
Google Number: 406-534-9279
Click Here to Email Ann

Ann is a U.S. Army Veteran and she is an enrolled member of the Chippewa-Cree tribe of Rocky Boy. Ann graduated from MSU-Billings May 2009 with her Bachelors of Science in Human Services and Associates of Arts in Rehabilitation and Related Services. Ann has been involved with the Veterans’ Upward Bound program for several years as a work/study, and completing two internships working with the Tribal College Academic Bridge Program. Ann has also assisted in coordinating services provided by local, state and the V. A. to veterans diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She looks forward to assisting veterans enrolled and attending any of the seven tribal colleges throughout the state of Montana.

Kathi Bjorgum
Language Arts Instructor & Student Advisor
Office 104B Cisel Hall
Office: 406-896-5901
Google Number: 406-534-9068
Click Here to Email Kathi

Kathi previously taught writing and literature classes for 15 years at the high school level.  Since 2001, she has taught writing courses on the MSU-Billings campus, and she has taught language arts courses for Veteran’s Upward Bound since that time.  She also provides writing skills tutoring for former VUB students who have gone on to the university level.  She can answer questions about academic advising and financial aid counseling.