Dakota State University

Bridget Thill '22

Elementary Education (BSE)

Growing up in a family of educators, Bridget Thill always dreamed of being a teacher. “Now that I am older, I want to be a teacher to help kids fall in love with learning and teach them how to be confident in their abilities,” she said.

Thill is an elementary education major, with a reading and technology minor, and a kindergarten endorsement.

Thill, originally from Mitchell, S.D., was co-president of a club called Game Days in high school. “Every other Friday, for about an hour during our Student Responsibility Block, we invited groups, clubs, and sports teams from our school to come into the special education classroom for a time dedicated to playing a variety of games.”

These sessions helped build relationships and create friendships between all types of students at Mitchell High School, she explained.

Upon graduation, Thill chose to attend DSU for the small community. She appreciates that professors take the time to know students on an individual basis and are always willing to help.

Professor Gabe Mydland has made a major impact on Thill. “He is always willing and happy to help with any type of problem or question,” she said. “He also reaches out to his students to provide feedback on what he could do differently in the classroom to enhance our learning. Overall, he goes above and beyond in every way.”

Thill expects to graduate in December 2022 and hopes to find a job teaching in South Dakota, eventually have her own kindergarten classroom and some day write her own children’s book.

She is excited to start shaping the next generation of students. “We can help kids learn to be creative, kind, innovative, and learners for life.”

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (BSE)

Sammy Drummond '21

Physical Science BS

Sammy Drummond came to the U.S. from Australia so that he could play baseball while continuing his academic studies. This led him to Dakota State University where he is a senior physical science major.

Drummond is thankful for the opportunity to be a student athlete. “DSU does a spectacular job of supporting their athletes, and all students, in their academic desires,” he said. “My coaches have also been very helpful, allowing me to adjust my athletic commitments, when necessary, to allow me to achieve all of my academic goals at DSU.”

The small size of his physical science major has enabled him to be involved in a variety of research as an undergraduate. He earned second place in the 2019 DSU Research Symposium for his undergraduate research “Computer Modelling of Projectile Trajectory Through Fluid.” The research studied the forces and parameters that affect the trajectory of an object as it travels.

In addition to participating in multiple research symposiums, Drummond is spending the summer conducting astrobiology research in Dr. Michael Gaylor's lab. The opportunities in research throughout his academic career have beneficial, he shared.

“We have an emerging science department that allows students to start performing research early in their academic life,” Drummond said.

“I would have never had the opportunity to be involved in so much research, and so early into my academic career at a larger school.”

Drummond's involvement on campus goes beyond baseball and research, as a member of the DSU Space Club.

“I have always loved space and rockets, and this club has given me the opportunity to become more involved in building and launching rockets,” he said. “It also gave me the inspiration to base my research on in the past academic year.”

Throughout his time on campus Drummond has felt welcomed and cared for by everyone he's met. Two professors in particular have and continue to impact his education.

“Drs. Gaylor and Maloney have really been supportive of me and my dreams,” he said. “They have been the ones to provide guidance on research, careers, and graduate schools in my field.”

To current and future DSU students, Drummond recommends getting involved in as much as possible on campus. The experiences he's had will be valuable as he continues his education.

Analytical Science (BS)

Jeramie Sopko '20

Computer Information Systems (BS)

Jeramie Sopko didn’t start college until he was almost 36 years old. “I’m a non-traditional student,” he said. “It’s been both challenging and rewarding.”

In December he will be graduating with an information systems degree from Dakota State.

Sopko’s interest in information systems is based on the idea of using technology to advance a business of any size.

“The solutions that can be created are limited only by imagination,” he explained.

Sopko chose to attend DSU based on the school’s reputation in the technology world. “It’s a small enough school for the personal touch in education, but large enough to leverage the cutting-edge technology towards their students’ education.”

In addition to attending school, Sopko is an employee at Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) as an IT technician.

Sopko recently received the June Exceptional Employee award at HRMC, after being nominated by co-workers.

He plans to continue working at HRMC after graduation, eventually pursue an MBA, and continue growing personally and professionally in the world of technology.

“I feel that DSU gave me the quality education that I needed to succeed as well as the flexibility to do it at my pace and on my schedule; all while working full-time and raising a family,” he said.

Sopko works and lives in Huron with his wife and four children.

Computer Information Systems (BS)

Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)

Mary Francis

Reference & Instruction Librarian

The volume of information now available in the world can be a challenge to deal with, yet it is critically important to life. 

“We want to make the best decisions in our life, and that is why evaluating and determining good resources to use is so critical,” said Reference and Instruction Librarian Mary Francis.

Luckily, she and the staff at the Karl Mundt Library are there to help students, faculty, and staff make informed decisions.

Through the “reference” portion of her job, Francis answers questions for students, faculty, and staff on a range of information needs they have, such as writing papers or doing research. The “instruction” part includes teaching library topics to classes or other groups, things such as how to use a database, and in-depth needs such as doing a full literature review.

One of the most important points she teaches is this: “You have to evaluate what a source says, who says it, and the context, along with how it’s published and why.”

There are a variety of information sources, from peer-reviewed journals, to pre-print articles, to predatory or vanity publications. Peer-reviewed is accepted as the best way to ensure the quality of research that’s published and available, she said.

When people see or look for information, it’s important to do research and fact-checking, Francis stated. “This requires more work than just reading the headline or retweeting something you saw.” It can also be time-consuming and takes some practice, but she strives to keep the process fun. In 2018, she published a book titled, “The Fun of Motivation,” to help adult learners move past the edge or a threshold that many experience, that stage when learning becomes uncomfortable because the material is difficult or beyond their understanding. She is currently developing new teaching methods to use in classes this fall, ways provide effective instruction along with social distancing.

Fortunately, technology helps keep information – and library staff and resources -- available to students whether they are socially distanced on campus, or online. Even though the library was closed for part of spring semester and the summer of 2020, “we’ve still been available to answer questions, by email or IM chat, and have e-articles and interlibrary loan available.” Another popular resource has been LinkedIn Learning, website offering video courses taught by industry experts on a variety of topics.

“This access is important for students at a distance at any time,” said Francis.

Karl Mundt Library

Cody Welu '14, '15, '19

Network Security (BS), Computer Science (MS), Cyber Operations (PhD)

By the time Cody Welu was in high school, he knew he wanted to do something with computers. Welu began working with his school district’s technology coordinator, a DSU graduate who introduced him to Dakota State University. An undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. later, and Welu is working as an assistant professor in The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences.

Welu’s interest in technology began in elementary school. “Really anything with electronics was interesting, learning how they work, how to put things together,” he explained. This eventually morphed into an interest in areas like networking, or connecting computers together to communicate.

“As I was a senior in high school exploring colleges, DSU’s prominence in security seemed right. I thought I knew how to set things up, but I wasn’t sure at all how to secure them, so it seemed like a good fit, and it sure was,” Welu shared.

After a couple years in industry, Welu eventually returned to DSU as a faculty member. He was excited to join former instructors in teaching.

“Honestly, the biggest reason I came back is the impact I can have on students and the future of our industry,” he said. “I love interacting with the students and seeing all the great things they accomplish both in the classroom and out.”

In addition to teaching, Welu also functions as an advisor and mentor for the Defensive Security Club. His interest in being an advisor came from his experience as a student participating in clubs like DSU Live, Computer Club, and Defensive Security Club. During his time on the teams, he competed twice at the national level as a member of DSU’s Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) team.

“Defensive security is my area of expertise, and I’m happy to share that with students, even outside of the classroom,” he said.

Welu enjoys his position as a faculty member, particularly being able to interact with students throughout their college careers.

“Being as I was a student on campus not too long ago, I feel I can more easily connect with and empathize with my students,” he said. “I was fortunate to take classes from some amazing professors as a student and enjoy the opportunity to attempt to create a classroom as great as I experienced as a student.”

Welu is proud to be part of DSU’s growing reputation as a national leader in cybersecurity education. “We have some amazingly intelligent and talented students at DSU, and interacting with them on a daily basis is fantastic.”

In addition to his position as a faculty member and club advisor, Welu recently joined the DSU Alumni Board. He also regularly takes photos at DSU sporting events.

Network and Security Administration (BS)

Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)

Lindsey Vogl '20

Professional Accountancy (BS)

For Lindsey Vogl, Dakota State University has reinforced the lesson that “you can find opportunities everywhere” and she’s ready to take that lesson out into the world.

Vogl, a Webster, S.D. native, is a senior basketball player graduating this spring with a degree in professional accounting.

“I was really involved in high school and knew I wanted to carry that into college,” she said.

This started with her participation in basketball, where she met new people. “My athletic career gave me a lot of really good friends,” she said. “I had built in friends right away.”

Vogl chose the professional accounting degree, which enables students to be fully prepared to become a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) upon graduation. CPA candidates are required to have 150 semester hours of college credit before they’re allowed to take the CPA certification test, which the professional accounting degree aligns with.

She’s thankful for the dedication DSU’s College of Business has for providing outstanding education to its students. With a solid curriculum and accomplished faculty, they provide an interactive and innovative program.

In addition to working hard in the classroom, Vogl made time to meet new people, and gain new experiences throughout her career at Dakota State. She joined the PBL (Phi Beta Lambda) Business Club, ultimately becoming an officer, participated in student senate, and joined the athletics captain’s council.

“There’s opportunities everywhere, but sometimes you have to go find them,” she explained. Adding that, despite being a small campus, you can have the same experience with the same opportunities of a larger school. She encourages current and future students to branch out and get to know a lot of other people.

On the basketball court Vogl learned important lessons about perseverance and hard work. “You have to keep working otherwise those around you will work harder and surpass you,” she said.

Her favorite memory at Dakota State is the first game she started in for the women’s basketball team. “I went for seven of eight from the three-point line,” she shared.

As we approach graduation Vogl is already looking to the future. She has accepted a position as an International Tax Associate at RSM in Minneapolis beginning in fall of 2020. Beyond that she has goals of writing a book inspired by her favorites, the Harry Potter series and Stephen King novels.

Professional Accountancy (BS)

Jacob Garza '22

Computer Science (BS)

Jacob Garza set out on his college journey with one thing in mind – find a computer science program that was amongst the top in the nation, to compliment his passion for the rapidly growing field.  

When he found the online Computer Science program at Dakota State University, Garza knew he found the perfect opportunity.

“DSU’s online program is rated as one of the top in the nation and pairs perfectly with my passion for computer science, specifically software engineering. Plus, with it being online, I’m able to gain experience in the industry while receiving an education.”

Garza, who lives in Brighton, Michigan, has been taking online courses through DSU for a couple of years. He believes the best part of being an online student is creating a schedule unique to his personal needs while having the ability to take the classes at his own pace.

“It’s challenging to complete the learning on my own. But I make daily goals on the assignments I wish to accomplish for the day and have a dedicated study space in my room where I can focus. It’s a huge help. ”

He also credits online courses with giving him the ability to manage his time, so that he can work full time as a Help Desk Analyst – giving him personal experience related to his major.

“It’s been a great experience for me. It’s enabled me to gain professional and personal experience while accomplishing my educational goals. I would recommend it to anyone.”

Computer Science (BS)

Mary Simmons ‘23

Cyber Operations (BS)

After taking a Criminal Justice class, Mary Simmons knew cybersecurity for law enforcement is the  career path she’s meant to be on.

“I enjoy the cyber side of law enforcement. It’s challenging and causes you to think critically.”

So when Simmons started looking at colleges, DSU had just the program she was looking for.  

“When I chose to study cyber, I started researching different cyber schools. Dakota State came up as one of the top in the nation. The programs here are innovative and cutting-edge.”

Simmons, originally from West Des Moines, Iowa, is studying Cyber Operations and is currently in her sophomore year.

“I love the size of DSU and the fact that there’s always stuff going on around campus and the City of Madison is great as well.”

Another factor that sealed the deal? The enthusiastic and knowledgeable faculty members.

“I met some of the professors while on the campus tour. You can see just how passionate they are about computer science and cyber security and how much they support their students.”

In addition to the dedicated professors, Simmons enjoys the opportunities DSU has available to students.

“I attended Rocket Girls camp in the summer of 2019. Rocket Girls helped me land an internship with one of the attending professionals and gave me the chance to network with many experts in the field. I still keep in contact with them today.”

The internship Simmons landed was with Hetherington Group, an organization that leads cyber investigations out of New Jersey.

“I worked remotely as an intern while studying at DSU. It’s been a unique experience and will definitely  benefit me in my future career as an analyst.”

Simmons also works for CybHER – an organization that empowers, motivates, and educates young women in cyber security – on campus as an outreach coordinator.

“I want to make the most out of my college experience. DSU allows me to do that with all the events and opportunities they offer.”

When she’s not working, you can find Simmons enjoying the beautiful DSU campus, attending events with friends, or creating music on her guitar and ukulele.

Cyber Operations (BS)

Jarod Keene '19, ‘21

Cyber Operations (BS), Computer Science (MS)

GenCyber camp experience brought student to DSU.

Jarod Keene always planned to go to the School of Mines, but when his older sister chose that path first, he decided he need to do something different.

That led him to participate in Dakota State’s GenCyber Camp, a cybersecurity camp designed for high school students entering grades 10-12, which ultimately inspired him to attend DSU. The camp gave Keene hands-on education with DSU professors, students, and industry professionals.

“I enjoyed every class and every elective, but even above that the people who I worked with were just the nicest people,” Keene said.

Keene met Dr. Austin O’Brien, assistant professor of computer science, and Dr. Tom Halverson, associate professor of computer science, at the GenCyber camp. As he began his educational journey at Dakota State, he continued to work with them in classes, on projects, and in competitions.

Through clubs on campus, Keene began participating in competitions like offensive security competitions, which involve students working in reverse engineering and malware analysis, software exploitation, penetration testing, and ethical hacking.

In February of 2020 Keene traveled to Atlanta with O’Brien and two classmates, Brendan Hansen and Collin Rumpca, to participate in the North American Championship Collegiate Programming Contest. This was the first time a DSU team qualified for the national competition. They were one of 55 teams, with other teams coming from large institutions like Stanford and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

“They were competing with the true powerhouses of the nation,” O’Brien said of the students’ participation in the competition, “These are huge names in computer science right now and they were competing at the same level.”

In addition to his positive experiences working with O’Brien, Keene is particularly grateful for the impact Halverson has had on him as a student.

“Dr. Halverson is a great professor, he’ll teach you anything, but outside of class he’s also given us opportunities and mobility,” he said, “He’s let us run with all sorts of projects and he’ll be there to assist us needed – he’s just there all the time.”

Keene is thankful for the support he has received at DSU. He will graduate with a master’s degree in computer science in May of 2021. Upon graduation he hopes to work for the federal government, possibly staying at DSU to complete research in the new MadLabs building.

Cyber Operations (BS)

Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)