September 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. 

Tim Kessel – School of Business and Entrepreneurship 

Tim Kessel, Assistant Professor Emeritus, had another finance article published by WalletHub.com. In the article, he submits comments regarding personal finance and budgeting. The article can be found at https://wallethub.com/edu/b/budget-categories/144143#expert=Tim_Kessel. 

Hyunjoo Hill – School of Business and Entrepreneurship 

Hyunjoo Hill, Assistant Professor of Economics, co-authored a paper that was recently published in an IEEE journal. The paper examines AI regulation around the world and discusses how multinational firms can navigate the increasingly complex global regulatory environment. The article can be found at https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11540032. 

Jiayuan Tian – School of Business and Entrepreneurship 

Jiayuan Tian, Assistant Professor of Finance, authored a paper entitled, “Microstructure Noise Decomposition: A Liquidity-Adjusted Volatility Estimator,” which was recently published in Finance Research Letters.  

“I am very pleased to see this work published, and I sincerely appreciate the support and encouragement I have received from the School of Business,” Tian said. 

Sarah Crossingham – School of Education 

Sarah Crossingham, Assistant Professor of Education and Assistant Dean of the School of Education, was recently recognized as a 2025 Prairie Business 40 Under 40 honoree. This recognition celebrates emerging leaders across North Dakota, South Dakota, and western Minnesota who are making an impact in their professions and communities. 

Chip Poland – School of Applied Sciences 

Chip Poland, Professor of Agriculture, assisted with the West River Regional Envirothon. The event was an opportunity for students to learn about natural resources in the beautiful setting of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. 

Ehsan Memary – School of Applied Sciences 

Ehsan Memary, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, received a $7,200 grant for the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education to create a blockchain competition and high school training program. 

Blaine Dukart – Athletics 

Blaine Dukart, DSU’s shooting coach, was recently recognized as High All-Around Champion at the Heart River Special during a meet held Aug. 29-30. Dukart also runs the Dickinson Clay Target League. 

Taylor Downing – DSU Alumnus 

Taylor Downing, DSU alumnus and advisor for the Future Farmers of America (FFA), was featured in the Billings County Pioneer as the motivated advisor for the FFA. 

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. 

  • Brittney Smith has been hired as an Admissions and Visit Technician.