STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 33 and exemption data. He also plays a central role in onboarding and launching StarRez, a housing management software that will positively impact student experience. Converse graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a Master of Science in education in higher education student affairs on August 8, 2025. Ms. Michelle L. Dannen, residential facilities coordinator, has made a significant impact on facilities management and communication between students and Facilities Management. Her proactive approach and attention to detail have enhanced both operational efficiency and the overall student experience. Michelle has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development, completing training in QPR, Mental Health First Aid, Disruptive and Dangerous Student Behavior, Trauma Informed Care Training, and ALICE Active Shooter Response. She is actively involved on campus through her service on the NSU Staff Council, the HOWL Working Group, and the University Accessibility Advisory Team. Her contributions have been recognized through the Student Service Award for Support Services, as well as the Teamwork Award as part of the Residence Life department, highlighting her dedication to collaboration and student support. She also served as the lead on Key Result (179), partnering with the Office of International Programs to update and refresh the international flag display in the Student Center, contributing to a more inclusive and welcoming campus environment. In addition, Michelle has supported the hiring process by serving on three professional staff search committees. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Michelle is deeply engaged in community service. Since 2023, she has served on the Dakota Horizons Service Unit Team 402. Prior to that role, she dedicated five years as a Service Volunteer Mentor. She has also been a Girl Scout Troop Leader for Troop 40137 for the past nine years and has contributed over 15 years of service as a Girl Scout volunteer. Ms. Alison M. Kuch, director of new student and engagement programs, joined the Strategic Plan Implementation Team and the Modern Campus Website Advisory group this year. She also spent time learning from colleagues and mentors—doing a field visit to North Dakota State University and taking part in an ongoing enrollment management consultation process. Kuch made appearances on both the InTouch Radio Show and the President’s NSUtv show discussing student activities, particularly Wolf Pack Welcome and Homecoming. Kuch presented Leadership from the Inside Out at the 2025 South Dakota Peer Leadership Training. She has made contributions to the Student Affairs Strategic Plan 2025-30 by working on several key results revolving around programmatic learning outcomes, budget work, and improving student spaces. Outside of higher education, she can be found running with her dog, Luna. Ms. Cassandra M. Maillet, assistant director for student accessibility services, reconvened the University Accessibility Advisory Team in fall 2025, bringing together twelve members representing faculty, staff, students, and community partners. During the 2025–2026 academic year, Cassandra advanced five key results from the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025–30). Through her leadership and collaboration with the advisory team and Facilities, a dedicated ticketing process for automatic door openers was established, improving workflow and strengthening documentation of campuswide accessibility needs. Cassandra led several departmental improvements, including the implementation of the exam upload feature in ACCESS Northern (Key Result 35) and enhancements to exam proctoring procedures to strengthen security. She is also in the process of securing licenses for Jamworks notetaking software as the department transitions away from peer notetakers. In collaboration with Technology Services and CETL, Cassandra supported and delivered trainings focused on improving accessibility in D2L (Key Result 66) and increasing faculty and staff familiarity with ACCESS Northern and the accommodation process (Key Result 73). Additionally, she completed Trauma Informed Care Training (Key Result 108) and
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