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John C. Volin, PhD serves as the 18th President of Gustavus. 

Following a postdoctoral fellowship in plant physiological ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Volin accepted a faculty position at Florida Atlantic University, where he rose to the rank of full professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and served as the director of the Environmental Sciences graduate program. Volin joined the University of Connecticut in 2007 to head the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, advancing to serve as Vice Provost of Academic Affairs. From 2020-2025, Volin served as the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Maine, where his portfolio included oversight of more than 1,000 faculty and staff and a budget of over $250 million. Volin is recognized as a national leader in using evidence-based practices to support holistic student wellbeing. He serves on the Executive Committee of the LearningWell Coalition and is a co-founder and senior advisor of LearningWell magazine.

Born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Volin holds a BS in botany and biology and an MS in agronomy from the South Dakota State University, and a PhD in forestry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Volin and his wife, Valeria, have five children and six grandchildren.

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We focus on education, advocacy, and building community to support underrepresented groups on campus. We work to make Gustavus more inclusive and fair for everyone, while giving students a chance to learn about and speak up on social justice issues.

You might not find many job listings for “philosopher,” but studying philosophy prepares you for almost any path in life. Whether you're interested in law, business, nursing, social work, or education, philosophy equips you with powerful, transferable skills—like critical thinking, argumentation, and problem-solving—that are valued in every field.

Dr. Betsy Bolint (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Nursing who enjoys helping students prepare for nursing careers that are both skilled and compassionate. With a strong clinical background and a commitment to teaching, she brings real-world healthcare experience into the classroom within a Lutheran, faith-based liberal arts setting. While attending Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, she developed an appreciation for the liberal arts and whole-person learning—an approach that continues to shape how she teaches and supports students. Her advanced clinical training as a nurse practitioner informs her teaching and supports her goal of preparing students to enter clinical practice with confidence, competence, and professional integrity.

Dr. Bolint is committed to service and caring for underserved communities. Her clinical and service experiences have focused on improving access to healthcare and addressing health inequities. She encourages students to see service, advocacy, and compassion as essential parts of nursing and as values that align with the Lutheran tradition. Her scholarly interests include translational research, with a focus on bridging evidence-based research and clinical practice to improve patient outcomes and healthcare quality. She helps students understand that research is not just something done in academic settings—it is a practical tool nurses use to improve care and make informed decisions.

As an educator, Dr. Bolint works to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students are challenged, encouraged, and treated as individuals. She emphasizes clinical readiness, ethical decision-making, and building professional confidence. Helping students make connections between coursework and patient care is central to her teaching style. One of her favorite parts of teaching is working closely with students as they prepare for their future in nursing. She values mentoring students through both the challenges and successes of nursing school and enjoys watching them grow into capable, compassionate nurses who are ready to care for patients, families, and communities.

Grounded in Lutheran values of service, care for neighbors, and respect for the dignity of every person, Dr. Bolint views nursing education as both a profession and a calling. Through teaching, mentorship, service, and clinical application, she helps prepare nursing graduates to enter the profession with strong skills, confidence, and a clear sense of purpose.

We give students the chance to learn about feminist issues, support gender equality, and get involved in advocacy for women’s rights and social justice. We focus on both learning and taking action to help create a more equal and fair campus and world.

We are a student group that brings people together to celebrate Hmong culture and promote diversity at Gustavus. We host fun and meaningful events that help students learn about Hmong traditions. We build friendships across cultures and support a more inclusive campus.

This is a place for students who want to learn more about these exciting fields. Whether you're still exploring or already sure of your path, our club gives you the support, knowledge, and connections to help you succeed in college and prepare for graduate school.