STUDENT AFFAIRS 5 ANNUAL REPORT Now in its fifth year, the Student Affairs Annual Report continues to spark curiosity—and questions. How do we find the time to produce it? Who reads it? Most importantly, is it worth it? My answer is an unequivocal yes. The true value of this report lies not just in the final product, but in the process. While it serves as a meaningful record of the year, it’s also a reflective and transparent conclusion to our strategic planning cycle. It helps us ask: Where have we been? What have we accomplished? And how do we move forward with purpose? I would argue that a division—or university? without an annual report is like a course without a final exam or paper. Without reflection, how do we know if we’ve fulfilled our mission? This report is not an extra—it’s essential. It celebrates accomplishments, recognizes our team and thanks our partners. It’s the final step in our communication and planning efforts. So how do we make time for it? We begin early, align it with our strategic plan, and rely on contributions from across the division—many hands truly make light work. And who is it for? Everyone. This report is for our campus, our community and anyone who believes in the power of student engagement. In this edition, we reflect on the fifth and final year of our 2021–25 Strategic Plan. We’ve achieved 13 key results, welcomed four new team members, and laid the groundwork for the next five years with the development of our 2025– 30 Strategic Plan. You’ll also meet two graduating students whose stories remind us why this work matters. Thank you for reading—and for being part of the journey. MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS Sean Blackburn Dean of Students with Thunder the Wolf STAFF TRANSITIONS Student Affairs welcomed 4 new team members, while saying goodbye to 4 colleagues during the 2024-25 year. Mrs. Kelly Weismantel was named director of counseling and health services in November of 2024. Weismantel will succeed Becky Kuch, who departed in August to return to private practice here in Aberdeen. Weismantel is the former assistant director for student accessibility services, a role she’s held since April of 2022. Prior to that, she was a staff counselor at Northern for 12 years. A two-time alum, Weismantel earned her Master of Science in Education in counseling and guidance and Bachelor of Science in psychology and criminal justice, both from Northern State University. During her tenure, she has worked individually with students on a variety of issues impacting their daily lives. She has experience in grant writing, prevention programming, and Title IX coordination and investigations, as well as threat assessment. She trains staff and students on topics pertinent to the college population and is a Prime for Life instructor. Before her employment at Northern, Weismantel worked at area social service agencies, where she focused on working with families and adolescents and providing case management to young adults as they aged out of foster care. Weismantel began her new duties in November 2024.
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