STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 31 new ideas or providing direct and thoughtful feedback, Kiesow helped strengthen countless programs and processes that benefit Northern students. Her impact extends far beyond her partnership with Student Affairs. Since joining Northern in 2007, Kiesow served as a faculty member in biology, chair of science and math, director of undergraduate research, director of sponsored projects, and, for the past six years, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Throughout her career, she championed innovation and student opportunity, helping secure funding for undergraduate research, expanding faculty mentorship through the Rising Scholars program, establishing Northern's partnership with the SDSU Accelerated Nursing Program, and playing a key leadership role in developing the university's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Although her contributions to Northern are far too numerous to fully capture in a single article, her commitment to students, willingness to collaborate, and steadfast belief in the power of higher education have left a lasting impact on the university. We are grateful for her partnership, proud of her accomplishments, and pleased to recognize Dr. Alyssa Kiesow as the 2025-26 Faculty Partner of the Year. Professional Highlights: Student Affairs team members are challenged to be lifelong learners, to engage with national and regional professional associations, and to utilize institutional opportunities (committee assignments, campus, and community projects) to develop their skills and abilities, grow as individuals, and better serve students. Committed to excellence and personal growth, these staff members live out this challenge. Mr. Dakarai D. Allen, coordinator for student activities and intramurals, assisted with the current intramural leagues along with getting the softball recreation league in motion. Listening to students advocating for a pool activity, he scheduled a fun Campus Recreation open swim and pool activities event for students to splash around before spring finals. Dakarai completed Trauma Informed Care Training in support of Key Result 108 and is the newest Student Affairs representative on the NSU Staff Council. Dakarai graduated with a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Northern State University, while working full-time! Ms. Krista G. Bau, assistant dean of students and title IX coordinator, continues to advance Northern’s commitment to student safety, accountability, and community engagement through her leadership in student conduct, Title IX compliance, and campus education initiatives. This past year, Bau helped advance two Student Affairs Key Performance Indicators related to campus safety and knowledge of campus resources surrounding sexual misconduct. In response to evolving federal legislation, Bau also Prior Student Affairs Award Recipients Staff Partner of the Year: • Doug Leidholt, 2024-25 • Dr. Brenda Mammenga, 2023-24 • Ryan Schwab, 2022-23 • Jess Beilke, 2021-22 Faculty Partner of the Year: • Lori Hendrickx, 2024-25 • Dr. Christian Pirlet, 2023-24 • Dr. Chelsea Shortt, 2022-23 • Dr. Justin “Gus” Foote, 2021-22
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