October 2026 Staff and Faculty Highlights
Dickinson State University faculty and staff continue to make an impact through scholarship, professional presentations, student engagement, and outreach across North Dakota and beyond. October was highlighted by national recognition, published research, conference presentations, student travel opportunities, and the addition of several new team members helping support DSU's mission.
Faculty Share Expertise at Regional and National Conferences
Faculty from across campus represented Dickinson State University at conferences focused on education, business, agriculture, and mathematics.
On Nov. 6-7, the North Dakota Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (NDMATYC) will hold its annual fall conference at Bismarck State College. Shawna Egl of the School of Applied Sciences will present "Barn None: Building Better Business Thinkers with Finite Math," a hands-on session demonstrating how real-world construction and business scenarios can be used to teach systems of inequalities, matrix logic, mathematical modeling, and other finite mathematics concepts. In Nashville, Tennessee, Amy Grinsteinner spent two days leading the National Business Education Association's Artificial Intelligence Academy. Working with 35 business educators from across the country, she helped participants explore ways to incorporate artificial intelligence into their classrooms and prepare students for a workforce where AI competency is increasingly important.
At the 2026 International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) North Central Regional Conference in Florence, Kentucky, Dr. Ayodeji Arogundade, dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship and vice president of the IACBE North Central Region, presented his paper, "A Strategic Framework for Improving Recruitment and Retention in the Era of Artificial Intelligence." His research examines the challenges facing higher education enrollment and proposes strategies institutions can use to better recruit, retain, and serve students in a rapidly changing educational environment.
Students Gain Valuable Professional Experiences
DSU students participated in several statewide conferences during October, gaining exposure to research, industry trends, and networking opportunities. Sarah Manka accompanied students to the North Dakota EPSCoR Conference, while Danielle Harper led students to the North Dakota Chapter of the Society for Range Management Annual Symposium in Bismarck.
Members of the DSU Range Club attending the symposium included Shianne Beach, Kaylee, Kinsey, and Kirstie Munsen. Conference sessions focused on current rangeland management issues such as conifer encroachment, GPS livestock collars, and wildfire management. Students also participated in networking events, panel discussions, and industry roundtables, returning to campus with new professional contacts and fresh perspectives on range management.
Faculty Scholarship and National Recognition
Several faculty members received regional and national recognition for their scholarly and professional contributions.
Dr. Michael Patrick Cullinane, professor of U.S. history, co-director of the Theodore Roosevelt Center, and Lowman Walton Chair of Theodore Roosevelt Studies, appeared in the Fox Nation documentary series Statues Resurrected. His interview is featured in Episode 3, "Teddy Rides West," which explores Theodore Roosevelt's legacy and the ongoing conversations surrounding historical monuments.
Forrest Roth, assistant professor of English, recently published the essay "Seeing to Write, Reading to See: Contemporary Flash Fiction, Digital Ekphrasis, and Online Literary Journals" in the Modern Language Association's volume Teaching Post-1945 American Short Fiction. The publication contributes to national conversations about teaching contemporary literature and digital writing.
Carrielynn Reinhard, assistant professor of applied communications, celebrated the publication of her new book, Designing Sensemaking Studies: Research Methods for Understanding Communities. Co-authored with a data specialist and programmer, the book explores interdisciplinary approaches to understanding how individuals and communities make sense of complex issues and experiences.
Community Outreach and Recruitment Efforts Continue
The School of Business and Entrepreneurship remains focused on increasing enrollment through strategic recruitment and outreach efforts across western North Dakota.
During September and October, faculty members visited several regional high schools to discuss academic programs and career opportunities with prospective students. Faculty outreach included visits to Trinity, Kildeer, Williston, and Belfield high schools, helping strengthen relationships with future Blue Hawks and showcasing the opportunities available at Dickinson State University.
Welcoming New Team Members
Dickinson State University is pleased to welcome several new employees to campus:
· Brittney Smith, Admissions and Visit Technician
· Kylee Woehl, Academic Coordinator for the School of Applied Sciences and Nursing
· Whitney Leuenberger, Director of Academic Records/Registrar
· Parker Case, Custodian
These new team members bring valuable experience and enthusiasm as they begin serving students, faculty, staff, and the university community.
Through teaching, research, service, and student engagement, DSU faculty and staff continue to enhance the university's reputation while creating meaningful learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.