DSU recognizes long-time employees
April 14, 2025
Dakota State University recognized 50 employees for their dedication and commitment at the annual Longevity Reception on April 7.
These individuals represent well over 600 years of service to Dakota State and the State of South Dakota, an average of more than 12 years per employee. The national average stay for an employee is about four years in the same job, making this an impressive accomplishment.
“Whether you are marking five years or 40, your time here has helped strengthen this institution, and today we celebrate that impact,” said Dr. Rebecca Hoey, provost and senior vice president for student and academic affairs.
Longevity “represents the challenges you have navigated, the relationships you have built, and the countless ways you have shaped DSU through your expertise, mentorship, and dedication to university and student success,” she stated.
The Human Resources Department also recognized adjunct faculty members with 10 or more years of outstanding teaching and service at DSU, and retirees, including Edward Dennis, Donna Fawbush, Stephen Krebsbach, Gabe Mydland, Janelle Nielsen, Amy Olson, and Ronghua Shan.
Recognized long-term employees
5 YEARS
- Hannah Altmann, Assistant Professor, College of Arts & Sciences
- Samantha Buechler, Marketing & Merchandising Specialist, Trojan Zone
- Sue Carlson, Facility Worker, Facilities Management
- Connor Ford, Research Engineer II, Applied Research Lab
- Laxmi Manasa Goruganta, Instructor, College of BIS
- Burnie Hegdahl, Facility Worker, Facilities Management
- David Kenley, Remote Professor, College of Arts & Sciences
- Christopher Loutsch, Research Engineer II, Applied Research Lab
- Steve Millage, Systems Engineer, Information Technology Services
- Christina Mulu, Assistant Professor, Beacom College
- Beth Poncelet, Administrative Assistant I, Residence Life
- Andrew Sathoff, Assistant Professor, College of Arts & Sciences
- Logan Shaw, Research Engineer II, Applied Research Lab
- Daniel Welynn, Associate Professor, College of Arts & Sciences
- D'Artist Williams, Assistant Track Coach, Athletics
10 YEARS
- Tyler Flaagan, Assistant Professor, The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
- Andrew Kramer, Assistant Professor, The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
- Kandy Lurz, HR Generalist II, Human Resources
- Scott Morstad, Associate Professor, College of BIS
- Insu Park, Associate Professor, College of Business and Information Systems
- William Sewell, Associate Professor, College of Arts & Sciences
- Jacquelyn Smith, Facility Worker, Facilities Management
- Jane Utecht, Strategic Communications Coordinator, Marketing
- Shawn Zwach, instructor, The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
15 YEARS
- Michael Ham, Associate Professor, The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
- Andrew Schaefers, Grounds Supervisor, Facilities Management
- Amber Schmidt, Director of Admissions, Admissions
20 YEARS
- Kelly Greene, Director of Career & Professional Development, CPD
- Jennifer Nash, Associate Professor, College of Education & HP
- Chris Olson, Associate Professor, The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
- Ashley Podhradsky, VP for Research & Economic Development, RED
- Scott Richardson, Instructor, College of Arts & Sciences
- Kristen Uilk, Director of Academic Support Services, Academic Support Services
25 YEARS
- Stephanie Baatz, Director of Support Services, ITS
- Paul Ersland
- Melinda Fedeler, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Financial Aid
- Sara Hare, Director of Budget & Grants/Contracts, Business & Admin Services
- Deb Tech, Associate Professor, College of BIS
- Kristi Voss, Assistant Controller, Business & Administrative Services
35 YEARS
- Susan Langner, Administrative Assistant II, College of Arts & Sciences
40 YEARS
- Ellen Hoff, Librarian, Library
ADJUNCT FACULTY
- Sheila Hargens, Adjunct Professor
- Cotton Koch, Adjunct Professor
RETIRING
- Edward Dennis, Remote Professor, The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
- Donna Fawbush, Events Coordinator and Bookstore Director
- Stephen Krebsbach, Professor, The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
- Gabe Mydland, Associate Professor, College of Education & Human Performance
- Janelle Nielsen, Coordinator of Employer Relations & Events
- Amy Olson, Software Engineer, ITS
- Ronghua Shan, Professor, College of Business & Information Systems