Meet Nathaniel Jilek: A Passionate Student-Athlete and Future Educator
Nathaniel Jilek is a fourth-year business education major from Dickinson, North Dakota, who exemplifies the balance of academic achievement, athletic dedication, and community engagement at Dickinson State University (DSU).
Jilek initially came to DSU to play football, drawn by the quality of the facilities and the encouragement of the coaching staff. Along the way, he found strong support from the DSU community, which has been instrumental in helping him excel both academically and athletically.
“The staff and faculty are incredibly supportive of me and my athletics. They understand when I miss class for athletics and cheer me on. The coaches are also supportive of my academic pursuits. They ask how I’m doing and make sure I’m keeping up with my grades,” Jilek shared.
A Transformative Journey to Business Education
While Jilek began his college career as a business administration major, a casual conversation during a Mario Kart game night hosted by the School of Education helped him in setting his career aspirations. Education professor Sarah Crossingham asked him why he was studying business, prompting Jilek to realize he didn’t have a clear answer.
“She recruited me to the education program,” Jilek explained. Inspired by their conversation, he switched to business education. “If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be in education. And so far, I’m glad I made the switch,” he said.
Thriving in the DSU Community
Jilek is a highly active member of the DSU community. Beyond excelling as a student-athlete in both football and baseball, he participates in choir, Blue Hawk Catholic, the Student Education Association (SEA), and the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program (TRHLP). He also serves as a student tutor and a residential assistant on campus.
Among all his activities, Jilek is particularly passionate about Blue Hawk Catholic, a student-led organization that explores the teachings of the Catholic Church. The group meets weekly to discuss faith-related topics and hosts monthly speakers at Blue 42, featuring local clergy and laypeople.
“My faith is very important to me, and Blue Hawk Catholic gives me an opportunity to grow in my faith,” Jilek said.
Making Lifelong Connections
Jilek treasures the friendships and camaraderie he has found at DSU. While his college journey has had its challenges, he credits these experiences with helping him grow and develop as a person.
“I have a blast being involved in all that I am. I’ve enjoyed making new friends and creating lifelong memories,” Jilek said. “Although classes aren’t always the most exciting, I still enjoy gaining knowledge. My college experience has been very positive.”
Looking Ahead
After graduation, Jilek plans to teach or coach in the region, with a long-term goal of pursuing a master’s degree and advancing to a leadership role such as athletic director, principal, or superintendent.