Name?
Paula U’Ren

College/University where you serve(ed)?
St Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN

Current/former role(s)?
Head Softball Coach at St. Cloud State University

Year you graduated from the SCSU HiEd program?
2017

What the SCSU HiEd program did for you in your career?
I have always been a curious learner and have ways to grow professionally. This program provided an opportunity to develop additional skills and disciplinary knowledge that I could apply to my everyday role as a coach and to learn more about HiED. Additionally, I was able to make connections and build relationships by being enrolled in the in-person cohort model.

Advice for current HiEd students?
Set deadlines early in your process, but make sure those goals are flexible as life does happen. If you set early deadlines, then if something does happen to disrupt your timeline, it will give you some wiggle room to get right back on task and still be able to accomplish your goals. When you set your goals, don’t be afraid to set time off to refresh, reorganize, and to be energized when you get back on task.

What’s next for you?
I will begin my role as a St. Cloud State Professor in the Kinesiology Department, Sports Management this Fall.

Fun facts about you?
I am very superstitious, as an athlete/coach. You want to make sure to always keep luck on your side.

Tell us about retiring from coaching after 26 years. What has the journey and St. Cloud State meant to you?
St. Cloud State is where I have spent over half of my life as a part of the Huskies Softball program. On that journey, not only did I earned 2 degrees from SCSU (Master’s/Doctorate), but I was able to coach some pretty amazing student-athletes and work with some really talented, up-and-coming coaches as my graduate assistants. Those players, and assistants, their families, and all those that were affiliated with the program will always be a part of my family and the greater Huskies Softball family. I count myself lucky to have the opportunity to have my “dream job” come true at 22, as I truly enjoy my role on campus as a Head Softball coach and I am looking forward to continuing being a part of the SCSU campus as a Professor in the Kinesiology Department.

Check out the May (2021) St. Cloud Times article featuring Dr. U’Ren – U’Ren announces retirement from coaching – St. Cloud State University Athletics (scsuhuskies.com).