Employee Achievements
Dickinson State University (DSU) takes great pride in recognizing the exceptional achievements of our employees, whose expertise, creativity, and leadership are integral to our institution's continued success and growth.
Dr. Colin Strine, Associate Professor of Biology
Dr. Strine contributed to a paper that focuses on merging the most up-to-date data from the wildlife trade, utilizing an electronic database maintained by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, known as the Law Enforcement Management Information System (LEMIS). This data helps track the number of species and the volume of trade across U.S. borders, alongside information from CITES (https://trade.cites.org/), covering the period from 2000 to 2022. The research analyzes trends in the trade of organisms over time.
The next step for this project is drafting a policy recommendation, which is expected to be released within the next year. This recommendation will be based on observations of wildlife trade, with the hope that governments will use this information to implement better regulatory mechanisms and improve data collection. The goal is to better assess the true impacts of wildlife trade.
Read the full paper here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2410774121
Amy Kass, Assistant Professor of Accounting
Professor Kass was named Best College Professor in The Dickinson Press 2025 Best of the Western Edge Readers’ Choice Contest. This recognition is a testament to her passion for teaching and her dedication to helping students succeed. Known for her engaging teaching style and personal approach, she’s made a big impact on her students and colleagues alike. Whether it's in the classroom or through her involvement in campus activities, Professor Kass continues to earn the respect and admiration of everyone around her.
Dr. Christopher J. Olson, Assistant Professor of English and Digital Media
Dr. Olson co-authored the book Mystery Science Theater 3000: A Cultural History, which was featured in The Wall Street Journal's 2024 Holiday Gift Guide. On February 13th at 6:00 p.m., the School of Education will host “Behind the Scenes of Mystery Science Theater 3000: A Cultural History” in Klinefelter Hall, Beck Auditorium. This book talk will explore the origins of MST3K, from its humble beginnings as a local Minneapolis public access show to its rise to national prominence. It will also cover the impact of MST3K, including how the show has influenced comedy, film criticism, and our relationship with "bad" movies. Finally, the talk will explore the enduring legacy of MST3K, its continued popularity through streaming services, live tours, and a dedicated fan base.
Employee Updates
DSU celebrates promotions, new hires, and the continued dedication of our team. Join us in congratulating our colleagues and looking forward to the valuable contributions they bring to DSU.
Dr. Elizabeth Freedman Fowler, Dean of the School of Applied Sciences
Dr. Elizabeth Freedman Fowler, the newly appointed Dean of the School of Applied Sciences, combines her paleontology expertise with a passion for education. She has led dinosaur digs, directed museums, and shaped academic programs, making her an excellent choice for this leadership role.
Stephanie Gerving, Instructor of Nursing
Stephanie Gerving, a Beach, North Dakota native, is a new nursing faculty member at Dickinson State University. With experience in maternal-fetal medicine and a passion for teaching, she aims to inspire critical thinking in future nurses. She is also a mother of five and enjoys outdoor activities.
Cody Ptacek, Instructor of Nursing and Simulation Technician
Cody Ptacek is a resident of Hope, North Dakota, and will be traveling to Dickinson State to offer on-campus simulation support as a technician. Cody is very knowledgeable in nursing and kinesiology, where he holds his master’s degree. He is excited to provide students with a state-of-the-art experience using the advanced technology in DSU’s Nursing Simulation Center.