AHEC > About Minnesota AHEC > Program Office Staff

Program Office Staff

Minnesota Area Health Education Center
University of Minnesota Academic Health Center
Office of Education

Barbara F. Brandt, Ph.D.
Director, Minnesota AHEC
Assistant Vice President for Education
Academic Health Center
612-625-3972
brandt@umn.edu

Dr. Brandt works closely with the deans of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, and public health on AHEC program development and provides leadership for the planning, implementation and development of the Minnesota AHEC network.

Gwen W. Halaas, M.D., MBA
Associate Director, Minnesota AHEC
Director, Center for Interprofessional Education (CIPE)
612-625-2621
halaa001@umn.edu

Dr. Halaas coordinates the work of Minnesota AHEC and the Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP). She leads the Minnesota AHEC Faculty Leadership Council and has primary responsibility for coordinating medical student and interprofessional training opportunities for health professions students in rural areas.

Sara Axtell, Ph.D.
Community-Campus Health Outreach Liaison
612-625-0252
axtel002@umn.edu

Dr. Axtell works with the Minnesota Extension Service, the Academic Health Center, and health-related programs and departments across the campus to promote community-based health professions education and outreach.

Angela Bowlus, M.A.
Deputy Director
612-624-1946
abowlus@umn.edu

Ms. Bowlus provides management for the Minnesota Area Health Education Center, in collaboration with AHC Assistant Vice President for Education/Director, and consistent with the AHC Strategic Plan and greater Minnesota strategy. Ms. Bowlus serves as a principal liaison with external partners including universities, colleges, health care entities, community organizations, and government health agencies, as well as work closely with Minnesota AHEC regional directors and AHC schools and colleges to achieve program goals.  She provides coordination for AHEC development, oversees program administration, and builds effective relationships and partnerships with internal and external consultants.

Melissa J Hansen
Program Coordinator
612-624-4032
hans1247@umn.edu

Ms. Hansen's role as program coordinator includes coordinating work and development of interprofessional education projects; coordinating annual interprofessional workshops; evaluating program data and developing reports; writing and editing publicity and informational materials. Ms. Hansen provides program coordination for regional development of a service platform to support health careers promotion, student and resident experiential education, and community health awareness and continuing education. 

Minnesota Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Health Professions cooperative agreement # 1U76-HP00599-01 funded through Title VII of the Public Health Service Act.