President’s Staff

Jessica Durkin

Chief of Staff

As Chief of Staff to the University of Minnesota President, Jessica Durkin provides strategic guidance and support to the President. Jessica plays a lead role in managing presidential priorities and initiatives, and she is responsible for directing the operations of the Office of the President. She maintains a close working relationship with members of the President’s Leadership Team to ensure key issues impacting the U of M are proactively addressed. Jessica also provides critical support to the President in establishing priorities, assisting with long-range planning, and coordinating the execution of strategies in support of the Office of the President.

Jessica previously served as Chief of Staff to the Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Michigan. She holds a Master of Science degree from Northern Michigan University.

Maggie Flaten

Deputy Chief of Staff

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As Deputy Chief of Staff, Maggie provides direct strategic support to the President. She serves as a liaison with senior leaders and key partners including the Office of the Board of Regents, Government Relations, University of Minnesota Alumni Association, University of Minnesota Foundation, and Gopher Athletics.

Maggie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Jamie Larson

Deputy Chief of Staff

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Jamie provides strategic support to the President and is liaison to the President’s Office with the following offices across the University: Health Sciences Schools and Academic Health Enterprise, Research & Innovation Office, University Marketing Communications, Office of Equity and Diversity, Finance and Operations, Native American Affairs, Office of Human Resources, and Internal Audit. Jamie is also the president’s office contact for the following BOR committees: Academic Health; Finance and Operations; and Audit and Compliance.

Jamie holds a master of education degree from the University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development and a bachelor of science degree in business economics and psychology.

Emily Coil

Administrative Associate

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As an Administrative Associate, Emily provides administrative support to the Deputy Chiefs of Staff in the Office of the President. Her main duties include calendar support for the Deputy Chiefs of Staff team, managing meeting materials for the President, event planning, football suite logistics and acting as a liaison between the Office of the President and Board of Regents Office to prepare for board meetings. In her role, she works collaboratively with the administrative team to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and contributes to process improvements and efficiency.

Ellen Schuebel

Administrative Associate

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As an Administrative Associate, Ellen provides administrative support to the Office of the President’s senior staff. Her main duties include scheduling for the chief of staff team, event and meeting coordination, and ensuring smooth day to day operations. In her role, she works with the administrative team to support key goals and initiatives and foster strong relationships with the President’s leadership team and partner’s.

Ellen holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Global Resource Systems from Iowa State University.

Jen Fuhrman

Administrative Associate 

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As an Administrative Associate, Jen provides administrative support for the President’s daily calendar including scheduling, appearance requests, security coordination, travel arrangements and related expenses.

Prior to her role, Jen served in various roles at Minnesota Carlson as Director of Enrollment for the Undergraduate Program, Senior Associate Director of Admissions & Recruiting for the MBA Programs, and as an adjunct instructor for Career Skills and Problem Solving courses for undergraduate students. 

As a first generation college student, Jen is driven by the impact a college education can have on a person’s life and uses this inspiration as a guiding value in her work. Jen holds a Master of Science in College Counseling & Student Development from St. Cloud State University, and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Wisconsin - Stout.