Tom FlunkerStaff

Saludos everyone!  My name is Tom Flunker, and I am the Director in the Center for Inclusive Excellence here at Gustavus as well currently service as Interim Vice President for Community & Engagement. My family and I have been living in the Mankato community for 16+ years. I returned to MN in 2007, after spending 14 years in WI. After college, I first served as an elementary/middle school educator, coach, and principal in Milwaukee. This was followed by teaching various levels of high school Spanish in Appleton, WI, as well as a coaching football and track. Upon returning to Southern MN, I spent a little over 8 years serving as the Intercultural Center Coordinator and an Admissions Counselor at Bethany College (Mankato, MN). During this time, I also served as an adjunct in the Education department, and taught an Outreach Course at Bethany's Theological Seminary a few blocks from the college. Before joining the staff at Gustavus, I spend a quick 1-year stint as a Charter School Director in Mankato.  

I consider myself Boricua, as the majority of my formative years were spent on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Even though I returned the mainland for high school (boarding school), the island remained "home" until I began college and my parents moved to Brazil.  I have a Bachelors in Education and Teaching from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN; earned a Masters in Psychology of Culture from Walden University; and added a graduate certificate in DEI from Cornell. I am married to Sandi - amazing partner, mom, and educator. We have two adult sons, one still lives and works in Mankato, while the other currently resides in Florida. Our third and youngest is a Gustie student-athlete/employee in his second year at Gustavus. 

Throughout my years in the field of education, my endeavors have always included an interest and passion for mentoring, advising, and guiding underserved and underresourced students/families/communities. Through intentional and collaborative efforts, the aim has been to help individuals: discover the many possibilities and opportunities that are available, successfully navigate the often complex but incredibly rewarding journey through education, all while feeling included an authentic climate of Belonging.

"The time is always right...to do what is right."  ~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Not everthing that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."  ~ James Baldwin

"Spoke some things into the universe and they appeared. I say it's worth it, I won't say it's fair. Find your purpose or you're wastin' air."  ~ Nipsy Hustle