August 2026 Dickinson State Staff and Faculty 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. Holly Gruhlke – Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost
Dr. Holly Gruhlke, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provst at Dickinson State University, was recently featured on the myFootpath podcast.
From her journey as a first-generation college student to leading an institution committed to serving today’s learners, Dr. Gruhlke shares valuable insights on student-centered leadership, workforce alignment, flexible credential pathways, and the future of higher education. In this conversation with myFootpath's VP of University Partnerships, Brad Johnson, viewers learn:
· How Dr. Gruhlke's personal journey shaped her leadership philosophy
· Why Dickinson State's dual-mission approach prepares students for lifelong success
· The importance of creating a campus culture where every student feels they belong
· How institutions can better serve traditional and adult learners through flexible pathways The full episode can be viewed at: www.myfootpath.com/videos.
Dr. George Seror – School of Education
Dr. George Seror, Associate Professor of Psychology at Dickinson State University, recently co-authored an article titled, “Converging Evidence for Improved Discrimination of Component Pitches within Consonant versus Dissonant Harmonic Intervals.”
Seror's research looks at why some combinations of musical notes sound more pleasant to our ears than others. The study found that people were better at recognizing individual notes when they were part of combinations that sounded more harmonious, rather than combinations that sounded harsh or clashing. The findings suggest that we may prefer certain musical sounds partly because they are easier for our brains to process.
The article can be read at: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/ITWKYIMEYIIPKHAXMT8J/full?target=10.1080/25742442.2026.2715955.
Dr. Jinasena Hewage and Dr. Samanthika Hettiarachchi – School of Applied Science
Dr. Jinasena Hewage, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, and Dr. Samanthika Hettiarachchi, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Physics, presented at the American Chemical Society conference in Chicago on their collaboration with Carl Askins for his senior research on “Investigation of Phytochemistry and Antimicrobial Activity of Plants Native to North Dakota.”
Hyunjoo Hill – School of Business and Entrepreneurship
Hyunjoo Hill, Assistant Professor of Economics at Dickinson State University, co-authored a paper that has recently been published in Computer, an IEE journal publication. The paper, titled “The Global Architecture of AI Regulation,” examines AI regulation around the world and discusses how multinational firms can navigate the increasingly complex global regulatory environment.
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.
School of Business and Entrepreneurship
· Dr. Ayodeji Arogundade has assumed the title of Professor of Business and Dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship.
· Charles Di Pinto joins Dickinson State University as an Assistant Professor in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, where he teaches Introduction to Business, Business Policy, and Advertising. Di Pinto brings over 35 years of professional experience in the creative and entertainment industries, complemented by an extensive career in higher education. His professional background encompasses music, entertainment, media, entrepreneurship, marketing, and creative projects.
· Dr. Iyad Ismail joins Dickinson State University as an Assistant Professor of Accounting in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship. Ismail is an accounting scholar and educator with expertise in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, and emerging technologies within the accounting profession. He holds a Ph.D. in
Accounting and brings a combination of academic research, university teaching, and professional accounting experience to his role as a faculty member.
School of Education
· After six years of service in administration, Dr. Joan Aus returned to the faculty and will continue serving as Graduate Studies Director while teaching as Professor of Education.
· Amy Grinsteinner assumed the role of Dean of the School of Education.
· Sarah Crossingham has been appointed assistant dean and will oversee the humanities disciplines, including Art, English, Communications, Music and Theater. She also will serve as the community contact and lead advisor for the Blue Hawk Theater Guild.
· Ann Wittkopp accepted a science teaching position at South Heart School. As part of departmental restructuring and the pause in development of the athletic training program, Health and Kinesiology faculty will report directly to Dean Grinsteinner.
· Tabish Gul, Andrea Krebs, Jay Schell, Breanna Sisson, Diana Emmons and Susan Stotz-Mason all joined the School of Education faculty.
· Laura Leiss, Marisa Riesinger, Deb Secord, and Amy Grinsteinner all began the year-long LETRS training professional development to help prepare teacher education students to teach literacy to K-12 students.
Department of Nursing and EMS Programs
· Melissa Wagner has been named Nurse Administrator and Director of the Department of Nursing. University leaders also expressed appreciation to Carey Haugen and Collette Christoffers for their work supporting administration, accreditation efforts and nursing program improvements.
School of Applied Sciences
· Mary Bachmeier will transition to a part-time academic coordinator position, providing support for the Agriculture Building and Technical Studies programs.
· Dr. Chip Poland is returning to a full-time faculty position, continuing his work in teaching and student advising.
· Nick Lacher has been named lead faculty member for the Diesel Technology and Welding Programs.
Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program
· Michelle Orton has been promoted to Johnson Endowed Chair of Theodore Roosevelt Leadership. In this role, she will continue leading Dickinson State’s Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program and advancing leadership development opportunities for students.