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Majors & Degrees

Mentorship extends beyond DSU classroom

March 7, 2025

Danielle Kearin graduated from Dakota State University in 2006, but she’s maintained contact with her mentor, Digital Arts Professor Tom Jones, in the decades since.

This mentorship has encouraged and inspired Kearin to pursue her own creative endeavors through her senior and sport portrait photography business, Striped Banana. She most recently earned first place in the black-and-white category of the Brookings Art Council’s 46th annual Photography Exhibition.

She first developed her relationship with Jones as a graphic design major and as a member of the photography club on campus.

“My foundation for photography was built at DSU,” Kearin said. “I learned how to develop film, how to shoot manual, how to edit digitally, and how to set up a studio.”

She appreciated the enthusiasm Jones brought to the classroom, and the potential he recognized in all of his students.

“Tom has always been accessible, maybe to a fault – always willing to help and answer questions,” Kearin said.

On occasion, she’ll still contact Jones if she has a question about software, equipment, or anything related to Macs or photography. Jones inspired and encouraged her to enter a photography exhibition.

“Even though I own my own photography business, I’ve always struggled with confidence,” she said.

“Tom has helped with that. It was because of Tom’s solo exhibition at the Brickhouse last year that got me seriously considering entering one. He pushed me to do it, and it still took me a year to try.”

Danielle Kearin won first place in the black and white category for this photo of a car standing on its end as part of the tourist attraction Carhenge in Nebraska.

Jones assisted Kearin in choosing which photos to enter and helping her prepare them. Kearin shared that the photo that she earned first place with was taken at a sculpture garden and tourist attraction called Carhenge in Nebraska in 2018.

He appreciates the opportunity to mentor and foster creative growth and technical skills, to empower aspiring artists and photographers to reach their full potential.

“Not many educators have the opportunity to witness their students’ growth beyond the classroom,” Jones said. “I’m fortunate to maintain connections with my students through social media, visits at their workplaces, or simply by sharing a cup of coffee.”

Jones added that Kearin has been both a student and a friend who he has genuinely enjoyed mentoring over the years.

“Danielle’s recent first-place win in black-and-white photography is a significant accomplishment that will undoubtedly propel her forward in her artistic journey,” he said. “It’s been remarkable to see how far she’s come since her days at DSU.”

With a successful first exhibition entry, Kearin hopes to enter more in the future as time allows. In addition to Striped Banana, she works full time as a communications specialist at Heartland Energy.

Tags: Alumni College of Arts and Sciences Stories All News

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