At Dickinson State University, five deans play critical roles on campus. Each leads a different department, bringing their own experiences, background, and expertise to the table, but they have one thing in common: a desire to inspire and support students. Let’s get to know the DSU deans who help keep the campus running smoothly with a blend of wisdom and wit.
Joan Aus – Dean of the School of Education
What inspired you to pursue a career in academia? Tell us a little bit about your
background and how your journey led you to your current role as dean?
I dropped out of college (UCLA) to join the United States Air Force (USAF). My aptitude tests revealed that I had a talent for mechanics (who knew?) so I became a diesel generator/refrigeration maintenance technician on the Minuteman II ICBM weapon system. I rose through the ranks from maintenance technician to maintenance instructor and attended the USAF Air University to train other airmen and realized that I liked to instruct and teach. I was then promoted to teach at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy and decided that I would like to teach children and began taking education courses at Black Hills State University. I earned a BS, then an MFA and M.Ed, and ultimately an Ed.D, all while I served in the military. I transitioned into higher education after returning from Desert Storm and joined the North Dakota University System in August of 2000.
If you could take any class at the university, which one would it be and why?
Spanish II — to become more proficient in Spanish.
What’s your go-to snack during a busy day on campus?
Trail mix, but no raisins.
Which book has had the biggest impact on your life (outside of textbooks)?
“Becoming” by Michelle Obama.
Do you have a secret talent or hobby that students wouldn’t guess about you?
I like to do arts and crafts; I'm currently making a pair of baby moccasins for my new granddaughter.
Describe your perfect “dean’s day off”—how would you spend it?
My perfect day is when I get to be with all the people I love best at the same time.
Kayla Noah – Dean of Students
What inspired you to pursue a career in academia? Tell us a little bit about your
background and how your journey led you to your current role as dean?
I went to college thinking I was going to become a doctor. After a few summers working at the local hospital in my hometown, it became clear that I did not want to pursue a degree in medicine. I did, however, want to find a career that allowed me to help others. During my third year of college, I volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club as a tutor. Watching those students achieve success helped me pick my education path. I graduated with a BSEd in Chemistry Education and a minor in mathematics. After graduation I secured a job in a small town in South Dakota, teaching various chemistry and math courses.
I moved to Dickinson in 2012, during the heart of the oil boom. At the time, there were no teaching jobs available in Dickinson. However, I found a job working part-time at DSU overseeing the math and science tutoring. Since then, I have had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. The opportunities afforded to me at DSU have allowed me to earn my Master’s degree, expand my professional knowledge, and make a meaning contribution to the DSU community.
If you could take any class at the university, which one would it be and why?
If I could take one class at DSU, it would probably be FIN 328 – Investments. I would like to take this course because they didn’t teach me about planning for retirement in my chemistry courses – and apparently investments are the way to go!
What’s your go-to snack during a busy day on campus?
My go-to snack is probably almonds or peanuts.
Which book has had the biggest impact on your life (outside of textbooks)?
I’m not sure this is appropriate, but the book that made the biggest impact on me was “The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck.” This book has taught me so much about myself and what it means to live a good life.
Do you have a secret talent or hobby that students wouldn’t guess about you?
I’m not sure I have many secret talents, but one of my hobbies is reading. I read for at least 30 minutes a day with my girls. A personal goal of mine is to read all of James Patterson’s books (he’s my favorite author).
Describe your perfect “dean’s day off”—how would you spend it?
My perfect “dean’s day off” definitely involves being outside. I would love to backpack into a remote location with a spot that has a lake for fishing and spend the afternoon catching fish and reading a good book.
Ayodeji Arogundade – Dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship
What inspired you to pursue a career in academia? Tell us a little bit about your
background and how your journey led you to your current role as dean?
I have always loved to be in the academic environment, probably because my mom was an educationist. I started teaching and leading other students at 15 in high school. I continued coordinating tutorials for students at the university while pursuing my first degree, eventually leading me to write my first book in 1999 titled "Practical Approach to Academic Excellence – For Undergraduate Students."
Before moving to the United States for my postgraduate studies in 2006, I worked in the Business Development and Public Sector Marketing Units of three financial institutions in Nigeria for about five years. I also completed my Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the prestigious Federal University of Technology Akure in Nigeria. In 2008 and 2013, I completed my master's and doctoral degrees in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from the University of Idaho. Afterward, I proceeded to the Hough Graduate School of Business of the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida for another postdoctoral degree in Marketing and Management. I worked as a climate change consultant and a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Idaho for nearly two years while looking for teaching career opportunities.
My academic career took a significant turn in January 2015 when I joined the Business Division of Lewis-Clark State College as an Assistant Professor of Marketing. One of my first tasks was developing the marketing research class, which I undertook with enthusiasm and dedication. I also played a pivotal role in establishing the Marketing and Management certificate program and the Associate of Marketing program in the division, a testament to my unwavering commitment to shaping the academic landscape. My efforts were recognized when I was awarded the Annice Edmundson Faculty Excellence Award, a testament to my high academic standards, particularly in teaching and mentoring students.
In 2020, I got my tenureship and promotion to Associate Professor. The following year, I was appointed as the Assistant Chair of the Business and Computer Science Division, and in 2022, I was appointed the Interim Chair of the division. In 2023, I accepted the Chair of the Business and Computer Science Division position after a nationwide search. During my tenure, I led the division to new heights, with the enrollment numbers of business and computer science students reaching the top (between 500 and 600 students) in the college. Additionally, I successfully guided the division through the re-accreditation/reaffirmation process of the Business Administration, Business Management, and Accounting programs in 2024 before accepting the Dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship position at Dickinson State University.
I am excited to be part of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SoBE) and the Dickinson State University (DSU) family. I am optimistic about the future we will build together. My commitment to contributing to the growth and success of the institution is unwavering, and I am confident that with our collective efforts, we will achieve great things together.
If you could take any class at the university, which one would it be and why?
I would take any marketing class. I love teaching marketing courses because we all engage in marketing activities daily, consciously or unconsciously, and we all need marketing skills.
What’s your go-to snack during a busy day on campus?
Biscoff Cookies.
Which book has had the biggest impact on your life (outside of textbooks)?
The Bible.
Do you have a secret talent or hobby that students wouldn’t guess about you?
I started a local church in Moscow, Idaho, when I was pursuing my PhD program at the University of Idaho in 2010. I am also the Church's Lead Pastor.
Describe your perfect “dean’s day off”—how would you spend it?
I love spending time with my wife and children. I have two beautiful daughters and a handsome son. My eldest daughter is in the university, and her younger siblings are in high and middle school.
Jinasena Hewage – Dean of the School of Applied Science
What inspired you to pursue a career in academia? Tell us a little bit about your background and how your journey led you to your current
role as dean?
During my school era, I was good at physics, chemistry, and mathematics and was very poor in subjects that had more readings like biology, sociology, etc. I am very poor at reading and very good at logical thinking. One of my relatives, who was an engineer and knew about me, told me that I could be a university professor in science one day. However, I didn’t take it at all. I wanted to be an inventor who finds new things. After entering college, I was a Chemistry major with a Physics minor. I took almost all college-level mathematics classes, with the academic environment and continuous contact with professors and, of course, with their research. I felt I wanted to enter academia. The journey started there.
If you could take any class at the university, which one would it be and why?
Music class: I like music and singing. I am now very disappointed that I didn’t take music in school and university in addition to my career goal in science.
What is your go-to snack during a busy day on campus?
Usually, I like sweets: chocolate, and candy.
Which book has had the biggest impact on your life (outside of textbooks)?
It is a shame to say that I was not a good reader, as I mentioned in the beginning. I had some novel reading when I was around 12-15. But there is nothing to specify that impacted my life. However, I watch movies and documentaries of all kinds, news, etc. I think those altogether gave more to my life.
Do you have a secret talent or hobby that students would not guess about you?
Other than talent in scientific understanding, I haven’t identified special talent myself. However, I was a good swimmer and cricket player. Unfortunately, I didn’t pursue those sports.
Describe your perfect “Dean’s day off”
You may think that I am crazy in my career: I never took a day off from my work schedule. I don’t think of duties in the job as something I must do to keep the job. I take them easy and as a part of my life. I don’t get stressed. I enjoy working even after hours at home, and on weekends. Every day is perfect for me. I always try to finish my work as early as possible. Working is my hobby.
Ann Wittkopp – Dean of the School of Professional Studies
What inspired you to pursue a career in academia? Tell us a little bit about your
background and how your journey led you to your current role as dean?
I’m an athletic trainer by trade, and have taught middle and high school science as well before I came to DSU. I have almost 10 years of higher education teaching experience and have been working in higher education, both in student affairs and academic affairs, since 2002 when I was a student. I have unusual organizational skills and I like challenges and projects, which lead to my interest in the current Dean role.
If you could take any class at the university, which one would it be and why?
Evolution is foundational to biology, and biology is the foundation of exercise science. I would definitely take Evolution; the subject is fascinating.
What’s your go-to snack during a busy day on campus?
Kind soft baked squares and Bubblr, unflavored lattes.
Which book has had the biggest impact on your life (outside of textbooks)?
“Movement Matters,” by Katy Bowman.
Do you have a secret talent or hobby that students wouldn’t guess about you?
I’m actually a pretty good singer and dancer. Or at least I was back in the day…
Describe your perfect “dean’s day off”—how would you spend it?
Hiking, mountain biking, enjoying the hot springs, backpacking, camping, etc. with my family of boys in Montana.