Connect with a Counselor
You have questions, we have answers
What is the 4+1 program? How will the K-12 Technology Endorsement help me? Should I major in Computer Science or Cyber Operations?
We get it. Choosing a university is a big decision that comes with a lot of questions. That’s okay. We’re here to answer your questions, big or small. So, give us a call, send us a text or a Facebook message, fill out our contact form—however you’re most comfortable communicating.
We’re here to help. Reach us at 1-888-378-9988.
Amy Crissinger
Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management
Department
Admissions
Education
M.S., Strategic Leadership, Black Hills State University
B.S., Marketing, Dakota State University
Biography
Hometown: Sherburn, MN (Go Raiders!)
Why did you choose DSU? I was recruited to run track and play basketball. Once I learned more about the school, I was happy to be going to a smaller, more personal campus and to be learning more about using computers in my business major (this was back in the 80’s – insert old person joke here - so technology in academics was a relatively new concept).
Favorite DSU experience? Getting to know my zoology professor. He was a basketball fan (I think he came to virtually every home game). He was very helpful and flexible with assignments when I had to miss class for travel to away games.
Contact
Office Location: Heston Hall
Phone: 605-256-5696
Email
Amber Schmidt
Assistant Director of Admissions
Department
Admissions
Biography
Recruiting Territory: Madison, SD area
Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD – Roosevelt High School
College: Dakota State University - 2008
Major: Computer Graphic Design
Why did you choose DSU? I chose DSU because I wanted to be close to home and I was looking for a school where I wouldn’t get lost in the crowd and feel like I was valued. I also couldn’t beat the value/cost of a DSU education anywhere else.
Favorite DSU experience? My favorite part of my college experience at DSU was the people I met. I have made friends that I will cherish forever, met my husband,
College was an amazing experience and was some of the best years of my life so far.
Five Interesting Things About Me:
- I love being active in sports, and played for our DSU Trojan softball team.
- I take dressing up for Halloween super serious.
- Fleetwood Mac is one of my favorite bands to listen to. I love me some good classic rock music.
- I have a husband, a son, and a large dog named Hank.
- Thin crust pepperoni, black & green olive pizza is the best pizza on the planet.
Contact
Office Location: Heston Hall
Phone: 605-256-5079
Email
Austin Slaughter
Veteran Affairs Coordinator
Department
Veteran Affairs
Biography
Hometown: Madison, SD
College: Dakota State University ’09 Alumni
Major: Computer Graphic Design
Why did you choose DSU?
At the time I was looking at what college best fit me, DSU was just getting ready to make the transition to where every student on campus would receive a tablet computer with the cost of education. Other schools I had looked at were not anywhere close on the technology side that DSU was going to offer. I also wanted to run track in college, and through DSU I was going to be able to do so. The small classes and campus really fit well with me. I also wanted a school that I was going to be able to change majors if needed and not have to transfer to another university. DSU offered both majors I was interested in; Exercise Science & Computer Graphic Design.
Favorite DSU experience?
My favorite DSU experience was the fact that my best friend that I met in college and I actually met for the first time at a DSU registration day and later ended up being roommates the last 3 years of school.
Five Interesting Things About Me:
- My wife’s name is Leslie, step-son Treyton, and a daughter Emma.
- I have been deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
- I have been a member of the SD Army National Guard for 10 years.
- I am a 2 time High School State Champion in the 4x200m Relay.
- I enjoy traveling (overseas trips: 3 personal, 2 military)
Contact
Office Location: Heston Hall
Phone: 605-256-5742
Email
Bailee Matucha
Admissions Specialist
Department
Admissions
Biography
Recruiting Territory: Central SD, North Dakota, Nebraska
Hometown: Burke, SD- Burke High School
College: Dakota State University - 2019
Major: General Studies
Minor: Sociology
Why did you choose DSU? I chose DSU because of the size. I come from a small town and I knew I didn’t want to go to a big university. Here at DSU they will know you by name and not just a number. As a student, I loved the one-on-one time that I needed with a professor to get the education that I needed.
Favorite DSU experience? My favorite experience at DSU was being a Go! Leader. Helping move freshman and transfers in I met some of my best friends. It is awesome to connect with the new students that will help shape DSU.
Five Interesting Things About Me:
- I grew up on a family farm in Burke, SD, but I am afraid of chickens.
- I was in 4-H for 9 years, shown cattle for all those years and now an active volunteer.
- I am the oldest of 5, 3 sisters and 1 brother.
- My favorite colors are purple and blue.
- When it comes to eating any kind of candy I don’t like to eat the yellow ones.
Contact
Office Location: Heston Hall
Phone: 605-256-5109
Email
Website
Samantha Heap
Admissions Specialist
Department
Admissions
Biography
Recruiting Territory: Minnesota, Iowa, Sioux Falls, SD
Hometown: Sioux Falls
College: Augustana University
Major: Interdepartmental (Business Management, Fitness Management, Sports Management)
Five interesting things about me?
- I have Dual Citizenship with Canada.
- I am the oldest, yet the smallest sibling, my younger brother is 6”7”.
- I have a 2 year old German Shepard name Jasper.
- My favorite animal is an Elephant.
- I sang the National Anthem at a San Diego Padres baseball game in 2014.
Contact
Office Location: Heston Hall
Phone: (605) 256-5741
Email
Rose O'Brien
Campus Visit Coordinator
Department
Admissions
Education
BS, Consumer Affairs with a business minor – SDSU
Biography
Territory: Western South Dakota
Hometown: Midland, SD- I love to crochet, sew and cook.
- I went to a country school from Kindergarten to 7th grade.
- My 3 kids all have different hair colors: I have a brunette, a blonde and a red head. Genetics are strange.
- Karaoke is my favorite.
- My husband’s birthday is the day before mine, which is also my dog’s birthday.
Contact
Office Location: Heston Hall
Phone: (605) 256-5145
Email
Website
Nicole Claussen
Director of International Programs
Department
International Programs
Contact
Office Location: Learning Engagement Center
Phone: 605-256-5744
Email
Amber Alfson
Senior Secretary
Department
International Programs
Contact
Office Location: Learning Engagement Center
Phone: 605-256-5267
Email