June 2026 Dickinson State Employee Highlights

Employee Achievements

Dickinson State University (DSU) proudly recognizes the outstanding achievements and professional contributions of its employees. Their scholarship, leadership, and service strengthen DSU’s mission and expand its impact locally and globally.

Dr. Michael Cullinane – Theodore Roosevelt Center

In July 2026, the new multi-million-dollar Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opens to the public in Medora, N.D. To coincide with the opening of the library, Dr. Michael Cullinane, senior historian for the library and professor of history at DSU, recently published Theodore Roosevelt and the Tennis Cabinet, which explores the friendships, political relationships, and informal advisory circle that shaped Roosevelt’s presidency. The book examines how Roosevelt’s close-knit group of influential friends and policymakers, known as the “Tennis Cabinet,” impacted leadership and decision-making during his time in office.

In the book, Cullinane credits Mrs. Roosevelt with building a tennis court right outside the president’s West Wing office.

“The convenient location robbed Roosevelt of any excuse to skip his daily exercise,” Cullinane said, who introduces readers to over 30 of T.R.’s tennis partners in the book.

Cullinane is an internationally recognized Theodore Roosevelt scholar and historian whose research continues to advance understanding of Roosevelt’s legacy and American political history. Learn more about the book at https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/potomac-books/9781640126893/theodore-roosevelt-and-the-tennis-cabinet/.

Dr. Sarah Manka – School of Applied Sciences

Dr. Sarah Manka, assistant professor of biology with DSU’s School of Applied Sciences, will be presenting a lab game about population genetics at the annual meeting for the Association for Biology Laboratory Educators in Boston, Mass. It’s titled, “Roll for Alleles: Gamification of Population Genetics.”

SoBE Faculty Highlight

Dr. Ayodeji Arogundade and Ms. Claire Stewart attended the 2026 annual International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) conference, where they co-presented a paper titled “Enhancing Student Recruitment and Retention Through a Collective Effort from Administration, Faculty, Staff, and Students.” The presentation, informed by academic research and practical experience, emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among administration, faculty, staff, and students to improve student recruitment and retention, thereby strengthening overall enrollment.

The paper further emphasized that institutional administrators should articulate a clear vision and direction to achieve enrollment goals and allocate resources strategically. Faculty members require training in evidence-based student engagement practices, both within and beyond the classroom. Furthermore, all employees contribute to recruitment by fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and fostering a welcoming environment during campus tours and events.

The contributions of students to recruitment and retention are often underestimated. Students serve as effective recruiters by sharing their experiences, acting as ambassadors, and promoting the institution through digital platforms. Their participation is essential for attracting and retaining prospective students.

Employee Updates

DSU celebrates recent promotions, new hires, and the continued dedication of its team. Please join us in congratulating colleagues and welcoming the valuable contributions they bring to the DSU community.