DICKINSON, N.D. — Dickinson State University announced the 2026 Outstanding Graduates for the School of Education, recognizing students for academic achievement, leadership, service and dedication to their professions. Honorees include Kaly Vermeesch in nursing, Eniola Soetan in exercise science, Haylie Oberlander, Brynn Hyttinen and Nathaniel Jilek in teacher education, and Ellia Soydara in the social science programs.
“These students exemplify the values of Dickinson State University through their leadership, perseverance and commitment to serving others,” said Dr. Joan Aus, dean of the School of Education. “Each graduate has demonstrated exceptional dedication within the classroom, their professions and the communities they serve. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and excited to see the impact they will make in the future.”
Kaly Vermeesch
Kaly Vermeesch has been named the Outstanding Graduate for nursing.
For Vermeesch, becoming a nurse has been a lifelong dream shaped by passion, resilience and the support of family. After becoming a mother, she pursued her nursing degree at Dickinson State, embracing the opportunity as a nontraditional student.
Acceptance into the DSU nursing program marked the beginning of a transformative journey filled with growth and hands-on learning. One of her most meaningful experiences came during clinical rotations at CHI on the medical-surgical unit, where she was able to apply her skills directly with patients.
“It was the first time that I was able to utilize my skills and interact with patients,” Vermeesch said. “I remember coming home feeling so happy because that was the day it all really clicked, and I saw what it really was to be a nurse.”
Throughout the program, Vermeesch balanced coursework, clinicals and family responsibilities, developing strong communication, critical thinking and time management skills. She credits her family as her greatest source of support and motivation.
“My biggest support system as a student has been my family,” she said. “They are always here for me whether it was to celebrate a win or boost my confidence when I faced challenges.”
Following graduation, Vermeesch plans to work in labor and delivery, where she hopes to support families during some of life’s most important moments. Her long-term goal is to make every patient feel heard, valued and cared for.
Eniola Soetan
Eniola Soetan has been named the Outstanding Graduate for exercise science.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Soetan brought a global perspective and strong drive to Dickinson State. During her time at DSU, she excelled academically while building an impressive record of research, leadership and community service.
A professional-track exercise science major with minors in coaching and biology, Soetan recently received an ND EPSCoR grant for research focused on using recombinant collagen to create synthetic, human-like ACLs. She also completed a research internship at the University of New England, leading to publication opportunities and presentations at national conferences.
Beyond research, Soetan is a published author of the poetry book “How It is With the Tangled Things” and contributed to a textbook chapter examining the economic impact of international student-athletes in the United States and Canada.
On campus and across the state, Soetan has become a leading advocate for students and healthcare awareness. She serves as vice president of governmental affairs for the North Dakota Student Association and vice president of the DSU Student Senate. She also works as the North Dakota state lead legislative ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
“DSU has allowed me to be prepared for my future career in medicine while also exploring many different parts of myself,” Soetan said. “I have learned so much and developed tremendously through the clubs and organizations I’ve been part of.”
Following graduation, Soetan will attend the University of North Dakota to pursue a dual Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health degree. She plans to specialize in sports medicine orthopedic surgery and sports epidemiology, focusing on improving safety and access in athletics.
Haylie Oberlander
Haylie Oberlander has been named an Outstanding Graduate in teacher education for the Master of Elementary Education program.
A native of Worden, Montana, Oberlander is graduating with a master’s degree in elementary education, becoming the first student to graduate from both Dickinson State’s undergraduate and graduate teacher education programs.
“Haylie is the first student to graduate from the Master’s in Elementary Education who is an alum from both our undergraduate and graduate programs,” Aus said. “She is a wonderful teacher and person who represents DSU teacher education extremely well.”
During her time at DSU, Oberlander served as a student ambassador, Student Senate member and Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program scholar. She also competed in cross-country and track for the Blue Hawks.
After earning her bachelor’s degree, Oberlander spent two years teaching and coaching in Dickinson Public Schools, experiences that helped shape her philosophy of education.
“My philosophy has grown from just wanting to help students learn to wanting to create a classroom where every student feels important and supported,” Oberlander said. “I’ve learned that strong teaching comes from building relationships, being flexible and always looking for ways to grow.”
Oberlander plans to return to Montana to continue her teaching career and hopes to foster curiosity and confidence in future students.
Brynn Hyttinen
Brynn Hyttinen has been named an Outstanding Graduate in elementary education.
Originally from Washburn, Hyttinen balanced her coursework at Dickinson State while working as a paraprofessional within Bismarck Public Schools, gaining valuable classroom experience throughout her studies.
She was also an active member of the Student Education Association at the Bismarck site, helping promote teacher education initiatives and community involvement.
“What I appreciated most about DSU was the flexibility I had with my schedule,” Hyttinen said. “I was able to balance classes while working at the same time. This gave me the opportunity to become more involved in the education system and better prepare myself for my future career.”
Following graduation, Hyttinen plans to begin her teaching career as a second-grade teacher at Fox Hills Elementary School in Watford City.
Nathaniel Jilek
Nathaniel Jilek has been named an Outstanding Graduate in secondary education.
A Dickinson native, Jilek is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education in business education and a minor in leadership studies.
While at Dickinson State, Jilek excelled as a student-athlete in football and baseball while remaining active in Blue Hawk Catholic, the Student Education Association and the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program. He also served as president of Blue Hawk Catholic for the 2025-26 academic year.
Though he did not originally plan to pursue education, Jilek discovered a passion for teaching during his time at DSU. Following a successful student-teaching experience at South Heart Public Schools, he accepted a full-time position teaching business education and coaching in South Heart.
“I appreciate that DSU has been a fun, kind and welcoming community that provided an affordable education that has prepared me for my career,” Jilek said.
Ellia Soydara
Ellia Soydara has been named an Outstanding Graduate from the School of Education’s social science programs.
A native of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Soydara is graduating with double majors in psychology and criminal justice. She transferred to Dickinson State from Minnesota State Community and Technical College, where she earned her associate degree with highest honors and won the 2024 NJCAA Division II national championship in golf.
At DSU, Soydara continued her success in athletics, earning First Team All-Conference honors in women’s golf in both 2025 and 2026 while participating in the Psychology Club.
Her academic and career interests focus on advocacy and systemic reform within the criminal justice system. Following graduation, Soydara plans to work in victim advocacy before pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis in forensic psychology.
Her long-term goals include researching ways to reduce recidivism and substance use disorders within prison populations while serving as a forensic psychologist working with both victims and defendants.
“I really appreciate the experiences and growth I have gained in my time here as well as the people I’ve met and memories I’ve made with them,” Soydara said.
Dickinson State University congratulates each of the School’s Outstanding Graduates for their academic achievements, leadership and dedication to their professions and communities. The university’s overall Outstanding Graduate Award recipients will be announced during the Outstanding Graduate Awards ceremony at 2 p.m. Friday, May 15, in the Student Center at DSU.