STUDENT AFFAIRS 6 ANNUAL REPORT Ms. Becky Kuch (NCC, LPCMH, LPCC), was named Director of Counseling and Health Services in December 2022. Kuch succeeds Heather Aldentaler, who left Northern in September to work in private practice here in Aberdeen. Kuch is a mental health therapist with 21 years of experience and was most recently in private practice with Northern Plains Psychological Associates here in Aberdeen. She has an M.S.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling and B.S. in Psychology, both from Northern State University, and is thrilled to return to where she got her start in the field. Ms. Heather R. Aldentaler, Director of Counseling and Health Services, announced her departure in August 2022 to work in private practice here in Aberdeen. Originally from Eden, S.D., Aldentaler is a longtime Aberdeen resident who earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Northern. Outside of work, she is passionate about volunteerism and serving the community. That includes serving as a Red Cross Volunteer-Disaster Mental Health and Military Reconnection Workshop Facilitator. “We are grateful to Heather, who served in this critical role for the past four years,” said Sean Blackburn, Dean of Students. After six years of distinguished service to Northern State University and a 24-year career in law enforcement, Officer Angela Senger retired June 15 from the Aberdeen Police Department and her position as the Campus Police Officer. “Senger’s dedication and professionalism has significantly contributed to the safety and wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, and guests of Northern State University,” said Sean Blackburn, Dean of Students. Senger, a graduate of Aberdeen Central High School, was named the Northern Campus Police Officer in August 2017. Senger joined the Aberdeen Police Department in April 1999 after attending the South Dakota Police Academy in Pierre, S.D. Prior to that she served as a part-time animal control officer. During her time with APD, Senger coordinated the Sex Offender Registry and piloted the Domestic Violence Officer position, which she serves in during the summers away from campus. Senger has contributed to many Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025) Key Results including a critical restructuring of the Northern CARES behavioral intervention team. Senger’s role always included a community service element such as coordinating Aberdeen’s National Night Out for over 15 years and serving as the Special Olympics Department Coordinator. “Senger will be greatly missed on campus,” said her biggest fan, Marty L. Sabolo. In her retirement, Senger plans to volunteer with SPURS Therapeutic Riding Center, spend more time with family, and enjoy her home on the lake. After 30 years in the food service industry, Melanie Hogg decided to take a break from serving as the Director of Dining Services to spend more time with her husband, children, and grandchildren in June 2023. Melanie was the No. 1 reason Northern’s transition from Aramark to Sodexo was so smooth over the past year. Her focus on innovating the board plan was just underway and already making a difference. Melanie was named Director of Dining Services with Aramark Higher Education in August 2021 and Director of Dining Services with Sodexo in May 2022. Prior to her time at Northern, Hogg served as the Food Service Director at Presentation College. Born and raised in Oregon, Hogg moved to Maui, Hawaii, in 2005 and was a general manager at the Kula Lodge & Restaurant for four years. In 2009, Hogg moved to South Dakota to purchase a restaurant in Faulkton and lived and ran that location for eight years. Hogg moved to Aberdeen in 2017. Staff Transitions, continued…
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