Faculty & Staff

Sean Blackburn to serve as 2026 board president for United Way of Northeastern South Dakota

Desiree Kolb — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:51:45 +0000

Sean Blackburn to serve as 2026 board president for United Way of Northeastern South Dakota

Desiree Kolb Fri, 02/27/2026 - 13:51

ABERDEEN, S.D. — 91��Ƭ�� State University Dean of Students Sean Blackburn has been selected to serve as the 2026 board president for United Way of Northeastern South Dakota.

United Way of Northeastern South Dakota announced Blackburn’s selection, citing his community-centered leadership and experience working with partners across the private, public and nonprofit sectors.

“It is an honor to step into this role alongside such a committed group of board members, staff, and community partners,” Blackburn said. “Together, we will continue building on the programs and partnerships that help our neighbors not just survive but truly thrive. United Way's mission is more important than ever, and I am energized by what we can accomplish together.”

United Way of Northeastern South Dakota’s mission is to strengthen the region by bringing people and resources together to support community needs. The organization serves Brown, Day, Edmunds, Marshall, McPherson and Spink counties.

Blackburn came to 91��Ƭ�� State University in 2020 and serves as dean of students. He also serves as vice chair of the Salvation Army Advisory Board.

For more information, contact Chad Hatzenbuhler, director of Communications and Marketing, at 605-626-2046 (office) or chad.hatzenbuhler@91��Ƭ��.edu.

91��Ƭ�� State University Faculty Member Co-Authors Study on Palliative Care Education in Nursing

Desiree Kolb — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:49:23 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Faculty Member Co-Authors Study on Palliative Care Education in Nursing

Desiree Kolb Fri, 02/27/2026 - 08:49

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Dr. Shelby Boettner, DNP, RN, assistant professor of nursing at 91��Ƭ�� State University, recently co-authored a study in the Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing focused on how faculty experience shapes nursing student preparedness in primary palliative care.

The multi-university study, which included four Midwestern institutions, examined how nursing faculty teach palliative care and how prepared they feel to guide students in this area. The findings point to progress in palliative care education, while also identifying ongoing challenges, including limited faculty preparation and continued confusion between palliative care and hospice.

The research emphasizes the importance of faculty development and stronger curriculum integration to help nursing programs better prepare students for practice, especially in rural communities where specialty palliative care services may be less accessible.

“Preparing nurses to deliver primary palliative care begins with preparing the faculty who teach them. Primary palliative care focuses on improving quality of life for patients and families throughout serious illness, and this study underscores how important it is to connect classroom learning with the real-world experience of caring for these patients.”

The study was initiated during Dr. Boettner’s time at Presentation College and brought to publication while she was serving as faculty at 91��Ƭ�� State University.

Readers can access the study online at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41364212/.

For more information, contact Dr. Shelby Boettner, Assistant Professor of Nursing, at 605-380-3003 or shelby.boettner@91��Ƭ��.edu.

Shelby Boettner Recognized as One of Prairie Business’ 40 Under 40

Desiree Kolb — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:30:34 +0000

Shelby Boettner Recognized as One of Prairie Business’ 40 Under 40

Desiree Kolb Mon, 12/15/2025 - 09:30

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Shelby Boettner, assistant professor of nursing at 91��Ƭ�� State University, has been named a Prairie Business 40 Under 40 honoree. The annual recognition highlights professionals who are making a difference in their workplace and community.

Prairie Business, a Forum Communications publication, covers business and community leadership across North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota.

At 91��Ƭ�� State University, Boettner teaches and mentors future nurses and has supported the development of the university’s new nursing program, including curriculum and simulation-based learning.

“It is an honor to be included in this regional list! I'm very appreciative of the recognition and humbled to be included alongside so many impressive people,” Boettner said.

91��Ƭ�� State University congratulates Boettner on this honor.

For more information, contact Chad Hatzenbuhler, director of marketing and communications at chad.hatzenbuhler@91��Ƭ��.edu.

NSU Winter Commencement Set for Dec. 13

Chad Hatzenbuhler — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:58:05 +0000

NSU Winter Commencement Set for Dec. 13

Chad Hatzenbuhler Mon, 12/08/2025 - 12:58

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University will celebrate the accomplishments of its graduates at Winter Commencement, set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in the Johnson Fine Arts Center.

The ceremony is open to the public, and no tickets are required. Doors will open at least one hour before the event. The ceremony is expected to last about 90 minutes. Guests are encouraged to stay through the end to honor all graduates.

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live via multiple platforms. The ceremony will be livestreamed through the NSU Facebook page, and broadcast locally on Midco channel 12 and NVC Channel 12. The broadcast will also be available channel 588 on Midco.

Live captioning will be provided on screen at the venue, as well as online through Facebook and the graduation webpage.

Winter Commencement marks a significant milestone for students as they celebrate their achievements and take the next step in their journeys.

For more information, 91��Ƭ��.edu/graduation-and-commencement.

Graduates are listed below, grouped alphabetically by city and state:

Arizona:
Nile Hesson, Mesa (B.S.Ed History)**

California:
Celia Cerezo, Chino Hills (M.S.Ed Sports Performance and Leadership)
Thomas Brown, Roseville (B.G.S. General Studies)
Blake Clay, Whittier (B.S. Sports Administration)**

Colorado:
Noah Baca, Colorado Springs (M.S. Sports Sciences - Strength & Conditioning)

Florida:
Daxton Harmon, Mary Esther (B.G.S. General Studies)
Daxton Harmon, Mary Esther (A.A. General Studies)
Lorenzo Jones, Orlando (B.G.S. General Studies)

Idaho:
Tyler Visser, Nampa (M.S.Ed Sports Performance and Leadership)

Illinois:
Jarel Coleman, Chicago (B.A. Criminal Justice)

Iowa:
Cody Smidt, Buffalo Center (B.G.S. General Studies)
Zachary Kraft, Le Mars (B.S. Marketing; Finance)*
Rachel Castillo, Sioux City (B.S. Accounting)

Minnesota:
Sara Evenson, Benson (B.S.Ed Elementary Education)*
Reese Uecker, Chaska (B.G.S. General Studies)
Zachary Jorgensen, Fairmont (B.S. Management)
Nathan Alto, Gonvick (B.S. Business Administration)
Wyatt Block, Mankato (B.S. Accounting; Finance)*
Julia Beverly, Minneapolis (A.A. General Studies)
Anastasia Cardinal, Winsted (B.S. Management)*

Montana:
Michael Hurlbert, Clancy (B.S. Business Administration)

Nevada:
Matthew Ouellette, Reno (B.A. Criminal Justice)

North Dakota:
Reagan Spomer, Bismarck (B.S.Ed Elementary Education)***
Megan Spanton, Elgin (M.S.Ed Instructional Design in E-learning)
Hannah Murchie, Jamestown (B.S. Accounting)**
Jennifer Geiszler, Kulm (B.S. Psychology)
Zachary Thielges, LaMoure (B.S. Biology)
Maurice Whiters, West Fargo (B.G.S. General Studies)

South Dakota:
Kaylin Anderson, Aberdeen (B.S. Business Administration)
Madalyn Bettmann, Aberdeen (B.S. Marketing)
Connor Bockorny, Aberdeen (A.A. General Studies)
Jaden Bohms-Buechler, Aberdeen (B.S. Human Performance)
Ally Cunningham, Aberdeen (M.S.Ed Special Education)
Braden Freeman, Aberdeen (B.M.E. in Honoribus Music Education)**
Hannah Gasperich, Aberdeen (B.M.E. Music Education)***
Olivia Hanson, Aberdeen (B.S. Business Administration)**
Nathanial Hartman, Aberdeen (B.S. Accounting)
Carter Hogg, Aberdeen (B.S.Ed Elementary Education)
Teiara Holmstrom, Aberdeen (M.S.Ed Counseling - Clinical Mental Health)
Tygan Holtey, Aberdeen (B.S. Management)
Saw Joe, Aberdeen (B.S. Psychology)*
Wesley Jones, Aberdeen (B.S. Criminal Justice)
Alci Kelly, Aberdeen (B.S. Psychology)*
Tara Kupcho, Aberdeen (B.S. Biology)
Alexis Martin, Aberdeen (B.M.E. Music Education)*
Hannah Menzia, Aberdeen (M.S. Accounting Analytics)
Makylie Miller, Aberdeen (B.S. Biology)
Laura Ochsner, Aberdeen (M.S.Ed Instructional Design in E-learning)
Julia Orr, Aberdeen (B.M.E. Music Education - Vocal)***
Jameson Palmer, Aberdeen (B.S. Business Administration)**
Jamie Parsons, Aberdeen (B.G.S. General Studies)
Joseph Pulfrey, Aberdeen (B.S. Environmental Science)
Brady Rohrbach, Aberdeen (B.S. Finance)**
Benjamin Stucke, Aberdeen (B.S. Management)
Tia Swiontek, Aberdeen (B.F.A. Studio Art; B.S.Ed Art)***
Melissa Ulber, Aberdeen (M.S.Ed Educational Studies)
Jacob Van Landingham, Aberdeen (M.S.Ed Sports Performance and Leadership)
Karly Wellman, Aberdeen (B.S. Psychology)***
Eh Tha You Wilkie, Aberdeen (B.S.Ed Elementary Education)**
Eh Tha You Wilkie, Aberdeen (A.S. Early Childhood Education)^
Benjamin Wirth, Aberdeen (M.S. Accounting Analytics)
Stephanie Symens, Amherst (M.S.Ed Instructional Design in E-learning)
Kelly Miles, Bath (A.S. Business Administration)
Abigail Huska, Brandon (B.S.Ed Elementary Education)***
Melissa Jacobson, Brandon (B.S.Ed Elementary Education/Special Education)**
Emily Richie, Bristol (B.S.Ed Elementary Education)*
Valerie Nelson, Chamberlain (M.S.Ed Leadership and Administration)
Carla Cooke, Eagle Butte (M.S.Ed Educational Studies)
BriAnna Linn, Ethan (B.S. Accounting; Banking and Financial Services)
Jonathon Fargher, Eureka (M.S.Ed Leadership and Administration)
Chelsea Deichert, Fort Pierre (B.S. Business Administration)
Cameryn Logan, Gettysburg (B.S.Ed Elementary Education)
Logan Hinman, Groton (B.A. History)***
Stella Meier, Groton (B.A. in Honoribus English)*
Anthony Schinkel, Groton (B.S. Psychology)
Jordan Brock, Harrisburg (B.S. Business Administration)
Kayla Schwedhelm, Highmore (A.S. Early Childhood Education)^^
Connor Siemonsma, Humboldt (B.S. Accounting)***
Mackenzie Lavallee, Huron (M.S.Ed Art Education)
Jailey Hutson, Ipswich (B.S. Business Administration)
Abigail Brooks, Madison (B.S. Human Performance)*
Elizabeth Wanous, Mansfield (B.S.Ed Elementary Education)
Paige Larson, Mellette (B.S.Ed Social Science)**
Emily Thorson, Mina (B.S. Psychology)
Garytt Tostenson, Mina (B.S. Biology)
Audra Bland, Pierre (B.A. History; Spanish)***
Jamie Bachman, Rapid City (A.A. General Studies)
Kevin Munoz, Rapid City (B.S. Finance)
Tyler Voorhees, Rapid City (B.S. Human Performance)
Henry Brassilio, Redfield (M.S.Ed Sports Performance and Leadership)
Trevor Beyers, Roscoe (B.S. Accounting)**
Kenna Webb, Selby (B.S.Ed Elementary Education)***
Ari Denotter-Conroy, Sioux Falls (M.S.Ed Special Education - Visually Impaired)
Avery Kautz, Sioux Falls (B.S.Ed in Honoribus History)***
David Rice, Volga (M.S. Accounting Analytics)
Jalyssa Johnson, Watertown (B.S.Ed Art)**
Kahlab Rose, Watertown (M.S.Ed Leadership and Administration)
Hailey Clarke, Wessington (B.S. Business Administration)**
Dylan Schimke, Wessington Springs (B.A. History)**

Tennessee:
Maxwell Van Landingham, Franklin (M.S.Ed Sports Performance and Leadership)

Washington:
Renea Taylor, Malott (M.S.Ed Special Education)
Ashlee Speed, Winlock (B.G.S. General Studies)

Wisconsin:
Chandler Ashland, Eau Claire (B.S.Ed Special Education)***

***Summa Cum Laude
**Magna Cum Laude
*Cum Laude
^^^Highest Honor
^^High Honor
^Honor

91��Ƭ�� State University Invites Public to Strategic Planning Town Hall

Desiree Kolb — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:16:08 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Invites Public to Strategic Planning Town Hall

Desiree Kolb Thu, 11/20/2025 - 09:16

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University will host a holiday reception followed by a town hall meeting focused on the emerging strategic plan for 91��Ƭ�� State University on Wednesday, December 3, in Kessler's Champion Club at the Barnett Center. Holiday treats will be served starting at 2:30 p.m., with the town hall meeting taking place from 3-5 p.m.

The town hall represents a critical milestone in 91��Ƭ��'s collaborative planning process, which began earlier this year with listening sessions across campus and the Aberdeen community. The Strategic Planning Design Team will present four strategic goals with supporting objectives that have been developed from the ground up.

"Your presence and participation are essential to developing a visionary yet inclusive roadmap for 91��Ƭ��'s next five years," said Interim President Dr. Laurie Nichols. "This plan belongs to our entire community, and we want to hear from everyone who has a stake in 91��Ƭ��'s future."

Incoming President Dr. LaFave plans to attend the town hall to learn more about the progress made in these early months of planning and to add his ideas about the future of 91��Ƭ��.

During the interactive town hall, participants will rotate through four stations to learn about each strategic goal and provide feedback on the university's direction and implementation strategies. A fifth station will allow attendees to review and comment on 91��Ƭ��'s revised mission statement.

The event is open to the public.

For more information, contact Chad Hatzenbuhler, director of communications and marketing, at chad.hatzenbuhler@91��Ƭ��.edu or 605-626-2046.

91��Ƭ�� State University to Host Public Reception for Incoming President Dr. Alan LaFave

Desiree Kolb — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:53:16 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University to Host Public Reception for Incoming President Dr. Alan LaFave

Desiree Kolb Mon, 11/17/2025 - 08:53

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University invites the campus and Aberdeen community to welcome Dr. Alan LaFave at a public reception on Friday, Nov. 21, from 3–5 p.m. in Kessler's Champion Club in the Barnett Center.

The reception will provide an opportunity for faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members to meet 91��Ƭ��'s incoming president and his wife, Kari LaFave. Nathan Lukkes, executive director and CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents, will attend the reception and formally introduce President LaFave, who will offer brief remarks at 4 p.m.

Appetizers and beverages will be served throughout the event.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. LaFave home to 91��Ƭ��," said Dr. Laurie Nichols, interim president. "This reception is an excellent opportunity for our campus and community to personally welcome Dr. LaFave and Kari back to Aberdeen. We look forward to this exciting new chapter in 91��Ƭ��'s history."

Dr. LaFave will assume the presidency in January. He returns to 91��Ƭ�� after serving seven years as president of Valley City State University in North Dakota. His appointment marks a homecoming, as Dr. LaFave spent nearly three decades at 91��Ƭ��, advancing from music instructor to provost and vice president for academic affairs.

The reception is open to the public.

For more information, contact Chad Hatzenbuhler, director of communications and marketing, at chad.hatzenbuhler@91��Ƭ��.edu or 605-626-2046.

Assistant Professor Kristen Brown Presents Research at National Conference and Receives Award for Scholarly Work

Desiree Kolb — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:42:01 +0000

Assistant Professor Kristen Brown Presents Research at National Conference and Receives Award for Scholarly Work

Desiree Kolb Fri, 11/14/2025 - 11:42

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Kristen Brown, assistant professor of English at 91��Ƭ�� State University, recently presented her research on the fiery poetics of Muscogee author Joy Harjo at the Western American Literature Conference in Oklahoma City.

Brown serves on the Executive Council for the international organization, which celebrated its fiftieth year. She also chairs their WLA and Charles Redd K-12 Teaching Award, which recognizes exceptional K-12 teaching plans related to the North American West. During the conference, she joined the Sustainability Committee, which works to offset the environmental impacts of conferences by raising funds for local environmental communities.

Brown’s most recent academic publication, a chapter in Race in the Multiethnic Literature Classroom—in which she explores pedagogical approaches to the works of Wahpeton writer-activist Charles Eastman/Ohiyesa—was recently awarded the South Atlantic Modern Language Association (SAMLA) Award for an edited collection.

Brown’s interdisciplinary teaching and research focus on amplifying Indigenous voices and encouraging collaborative environmental stewardship. She is currently co-editing a collection on land management in North American literature and culture for Routledge’s Environmental Humanities Series.

For more information, contact Kristen Brown at kristen.brown@91��Ƭ��.edu.

91��Ƭ�� State University Welcomes Dr. Alan LaFave as Next President

Chad Hatzenbuhler — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:47:46 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Welcomes Dr. Alan LaFave as Next President

Chad Hatzenbuhler Mon, 11/10/2025 - 16:47

ABERDEEN, S.D. — The South Dakota Board of Regents announced today the appointment of Dr. Alan LaFave as 91��Ƭ�� State University's next president. 91��Ƭ�� is pleased to welcome Dr. LaFave, who will assume the presidency in January.

Dr. LaFave returns to 91��Ƭ�� after serving seven years as president of Valley City State University in North Dakota. His appointment marks a homecoming, as Dr. LaFave spent nearly three decades at 91��Ƭ��, advancing from music instructor to provost and vice president for academic affairs.

"I am thrilled, honored and humbled to be selected as the next president of 91��Ƭ�� State University," said Dr. LaFave. "With over 30 years of experience on campus as both a student and employee, my ties to 91��Ƭ�� State and the Aberdeen community run deep. This is an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact at my alma mater, and I appreciate the trust placed in me by the South Dakota Board of Regents. I look forward to working with the campus community and all stakeholders as we lead 91��Ƭ�� into a future of continued growth, innovation and excellence."

During his tenure at Valley City State, Dr. LaFave led significant growth initiatives and fostered strategic partnerships that strengthened the institution's regional impact. At 91��Ƭ��, he previously served in multiple leadership roles including dean of the School of Fine Arts, associate dean, department chair and professor of music.

Dr. LaFave earned his bachelor's degree in music education from 91��Ƭ�� State University and his master's and doctoral degrees from Arizona State University.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. LaFave back to 91��Ƭ�� State University," said Nathan Lukkes, executive director and CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents. "His experience as both an accomplished academic leader and a proud 91��Ƭ�� alum will serve the campus, community and regental system well. I look forward to working with Dr. LaFave as he builds on 91��Ƭ��'s strong foundation of student success, innovation and community partnership."

The appointment follows a comprehensive national search process that included open forums with four finalists held on campus earlier this month. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members participated in the selection process. Dr. LaFave will make a few remarks at 4 p.m.

The 91��Ƭ�� State University community is invited to welcome Dr. LaFave at a public reception on Friday, Nov. 21, from 3–5 p.m. in Kessler's Champion Club. The open house-style event will provide an opportunity for faculty, staff, students and community members to meet the incoming president. Dr. LaFave will make a few remarks at 4 p.m.

Dr. LaFave succeeds Dr. Neal Schnoor, who departed earlier this year to serve as chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Dr. Laurie Nichols has served as interim president during the transition.

Wiscons Presents at NAMI South Dakota Conference

Desiree Kolb — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:00:08 +0000

Wiscons Presents at NAMI South Dakota Conference

Desiree Kolb Thu, 11/06/2025 - 12:00

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Dr. Lucas Wiscons, assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice at 91��Ƭ�� State University, recently presented at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) South Dakota Conference, held Oct. 16–17 in Huron, S.D.

His presentation, “Justice or Trauma? How Systems of Punishment Create Wounds in People and Communities,” drew from his forthcoming book project and examines how America’s criminal justice system has become the default responder to mental health crises—often with counterproductive results.

In his presentation, Wiscons outlined how funneling people in crisis into jails and prisons can exacerbate illness, destabilize families, and burden public safety agencies. He also highlighted the unmet mental health needs of police and correctional officers who increasingly find themselves on the front lines of behavioral health emergencies.

“Professionals in law enforcement and corrections sign up to fight crime and keep communities safe,” said Wiscons. “Yet day after day, they’re dispatched to manage mental health and substance use crises without the training or resources those situations demand. Everyone may have the best of intentions, but the outcomes are often discouraging. You can’t incarcerate someone out of a persistent mental health condition.”

Wiscons called on South Dakota leaders to treat the state’s new prison construction as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink the continuum of care. He urged investments in evidence-based diversion programs, crisis stabilization, co-responder models, and post-release services—approaches that can reduce recidivism, improve officer wellness, and deliver better outcomes for people in crisis.

“Our state can be a national leader in responding productively to mental health and addiction crises,” he said. “If we align correctional infrastructure with robust treatment and community supports, we can reduce harm, strengthen public safety, and steward taxpayer dollars more effectively.”

A specialist in the intersection of the U.S. justice and mental health systems, Wiscons has published research on interactions between police and civilians on the autism spectrum. He is also an author on the forthcoming edition of The Criminalization of Mental Illness: Crisis and Opportunity for the Justice System.

91��Ƭ�� State University to Host Four Presidential Finalists

Chad Hatzenbuhler — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:05:36 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University to Host Four Presidential Finalists

Chad Hatzenbuhler Mon, 11/03/2025 - 09:05

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University will welcome four presidential finalists to campus Nov. 5-6, following today's announcement by the South Dakota Board of Regents.

The finalists are:

Dr. Amy Clark
Dr. Alan LaFave
Dr. Erin Fouberg
Dr. Matt Seimears

Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members will have the opportunity to meet with each candidate during multiple open forums across campus Wednesday, Nov. 5.

"This is an exciting time for 91��Ƭ�� State University as we move forward in selecting our next president," said Dr. Laurie Nichols, interim president of 91��Ƭ�� State University. "I encourage members of the 91��Ƭ�� community and the public to take part in the open forums with each of the finalists. Gathering broad and thoughtful feedback will be invaluable to the South Dakota Board of Regents as they deliberate and make their decision. The participation and engagement of our campus and community are essential as we look to the future leadership of 91��Ƭ��."

Alumni and community members are invited to public forums in Centennial Rooms A/B in the Student Center on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

10-11 a.m. — Dr. Amy Clark
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. — Dr. Erin Fouberg
1-2 p.m. — Dr. Matt Seimears
2:15-3:15 p.m. — Dr. Alan LaFave

Detailed information about each candidate can be found at 91��Ƭ��.edu/nsu-presidential-search.

The South Dakota Board of Regents will meet with finalists and search committee representatives Thursday, Nov. 6.