Written by Interim President Steve Easton
As I embark on my first full month as the Interim President of Dickinson State University, it is clear that this is a fascinating time in the history of our beloved “College on the Hill.”
Tell us a little about your life before you came to Dickinson State University (DSU).
Before I came to DSU, I’d consider myself a typical high school student. I worked part time at a grocery store, hung out with friends on the weekends, and it seemed that I spent every other waking moment at the bowling alley. Bowling was my passion then and I can’t say that has changed much!
Get the video version of our Alumni Spotlight here!
Tell us a little about your lives before you came to Dickinson State University (DSU).
Kyle (K) – I grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado. I am the oldest of five kids in a blended family. Our house revolved around sports, dirt bikes, chores and Boy Scouts. In the summer I would live with my dad in Estes Park, Colorado, and work at a local go-kart track.
Brittney (B) – I am originally from Beulah, North Dakota. My dad worked for Basin Electric and my mom worked in the school system. I have an older brother and a younger sister. In high school I was active in band, drama and various activities at our church!
Erin Berger, assistant professor of nursing, was recently named Dickinson State University’s (DSU) 2020 Nurse Educator of the Year. The award was developed by the Nursing Students’ Association (NSA) of North Dakota, a pre-professional student-run organization comprised of nursing students from institutions across the state, to recognize outstanding nurse educators and to stimulate interest in the profession of nursing education. Berger now has the opportunity to complete at the state level.
Annika G. Plummer, administrative secretary for Dickinson State University’s (DSU) agriculture and technical studies department, graduated from the Rural Leadership North Dakota program as a member of Class VIII Friday, Nov. 22, 2019.
Why did you choose to attend Dickinson State University (DSU)?
I moved to Dickinson in the spring of 2000. I had been hired as the morning DJ for 92.1 FM (My radio name was Chris McCade). I decided to go back to school in the spring of 2001 and DSU was local and allowed me to keep my radio job.
During a special ND State Board of Higher Education meeting held via teleconference Nov. 14, 2019, Stephen D. Easton, J.D., was named interim president of Dickinson State University (DSU).
by DSU student Hailey Entze
Even if you’ve never watched the TV show Friends you know most of the main characters all either live with each other or across the hall. More importantly, they were all friends. Now, picture that same plot but its 2017 and two college girls decide to get an apartment together. The week before classes start another girl, who happens to be attending the same college, moves in next door. Over the course of a few weeks they realize they have a lot in common, including their love of agriculture. How does this series end? They become best friends. Though, for Carlie Bowditch, Sam Halstengard, and Alyssa Mutschelknaus, the story hasn’t ended. Thanks to Dickinson State University they are still very much best friends.
by DSU student Hailey Entze
You may recognize Annika Plummer as the person behind the camera snapping photos at athletic events (primarily rodeos) or as the Administrative Secretary for the DSU Department of Agriculture and Technical Studies. While she’s very good at both of those jobs, she is also a talented writer.
Why did you choose to attend Dickinson State University (DSU)?
I was recruited by Coach Tim Daniel and Coach Mickey Jordan to play basketball for DSU. I was attending NDSU-Bottineau and playing basketball at the time. Coach Jordan was reffing one of our games in Glendive, Montana, and this started the recruiting process. I liked the small town feel of DSU as I graduated high school from a small town. I knew that I wanted to teach and coach, so it was a nice fit for me personally to pursue my degree in teaching. I wanted to make a difference working with young people!
