Welcome To MPA, Mr. Nate Bander '09!

October 29, 2026

We are thrilled to announce that Nate Bander '09 will be returning to MPA as the interim director of enrollment strategy and communication. Nate previously worked in both admissions and marketing at MPA before attending law school and brings valuable experience and knowledge of our school and community to this role. He is excited to return to campus, reconnect with current families, and get to know those considering MPA for their children. Get to know Nate below!  From what school/organization are you coming? I previously worked for the Great North Innocence Project.

Tell us about your education and past experience. 

After working in admissions and athletics at MPA for six years, I went to law school at the University of Minnesota. While in law school, I was a student director in the Detainee Rights Legal Clinic, assisting noncitizens in immigration litigation, participated in Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Moot Court, and completed a legal clerkship with the Office of Legal Counsel for Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan.

What did you find appealing about MPA?

MPA is home. I attended from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating in 2009. At every step of the way, I felt the warm embrace of this community. That is why I returned as a staff member and coach in 2015, and it is why I am so excited to return now.

My more than 25 years affiliated with MPA have shaped the person I am today. I am forever grateful for the foundation MPA gave me: a curiosity about the world, a lifelong love of learning, a deep sense of justice, and a strong desire to make our society better.

The relationships I have formed with classmates, faculty, colleagues, and the student-athletes I was fortunate enough to coach continue to be some of the strongest bonds in my life. It has been a true privilege to get to know so many in the MPA community.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA and its students?

I look forward to forming connections with current students and families I don't yet know, advancing the tremendous joy and culture that our community has, and ensuring that MPA maintains strong enrollment.

What’s your big dream?

My big dream is to reform the criminal legal system and alleviate poverty. Even though I loved working at MPA, I knew I would need to eventually pursue opportunities beyond campus to accomplish that dream. I went to law school as the first step in that journey. Becoming a lawyer has given me an opportunity to fight for the most marginalized among us, to be a voice for those with no voice in the legislature, and to make sure that the legal system and government work for Minnesotans. I look forward to continuing to make that big dream a reality after my interim role at MPA.

What are you passionate about?

I am grateful to MPA for instilling in me a number of passions. I loved my time competing as a Panther, and I am still passionate about basketball and soccer, playing year-round in leagues and with friends.

I am passionate about speaking Spanish! I started Spanish in kindergarten at MPA and haven't stopped since. Speaking Spanish opened the door for me to live in Spain for a year and to take a gap year to backpack across eight countries in South America.

I also love spending time outdoors enjoying cycling, hiking, camping, canyoneering, mountaineering, and fishing.

What's a fun fact about yourself that our community would love to know?

My younger brother Matt is also an MPA lifer, and we coached basketball together when I previously worked at MPA.