STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 35 campus role, he serves as a trainer for the Aberdeen Police Department, mentoring and preparing new officers in tactical skills and real-world response scenarios. Beyond his formal responsibilities, Officer Paul is a visible and engaged presence on campus. He regularly attends university events and activities, building meaningful relationships with students, faculty, and staff. His approachable demeanor and dedication to community connection foster trust and reinforce a culture of safety, support, and shared responsibility across the Northern community. Ms. Christina B. Shilman, staff counselor, continued to provide individual counseling services to students while also engaging with students in the classroom through presentations on a variety of topics designed to promote wellness and personal growth. Christina is deeply committed to her own professional development and is currently under supervision as she works toward attaining the highest level of licensure available in South Dakota. She has completed numerous professional trainings and recently assumed leadership of a Student Affairs Strategic Plan initiative focused on ensuring all Student Affairs staff complete Trauma-Informed Care training. Christina is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. Christina has been instrumental in fostering a supportive campus environment through her delivery of QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training for students, faculty, and staff. She also works closely with the Counseling Services team to increase awareness of available resources and encourage students to seek support when needed. Throughout the year, Christina played a key role in several campus wellness initiatives aimed at promoting mental health and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help. She continues to lead Brain Break, a program held twice each year during finals week that provides students with space in the Student Center to relax, recharge, and manage stress. Since its launch in Fall 2022, Brain Break has received overwhelmingly positive feedback and continues to grow in popularity each year. Christina also coordinates the university's annual Mental Wellness Week, now in its fifth year. The program continues to expand its reach and impact, drawing participation from students, faculty, staff, and numerous community volunteers dedicated to promoting wellness and mental health awareness across campus. Ms. Dominique Tigert, coordinator for student wellness and prevention and staff counselor, is a member of the Advisory Group on Drug-Free Schools and Campus Act and Coordinator for the NSU Substance Use, Misuse, and Abuse Campus Community Coalition for Brown County. Tigert attends the annual South Dakota Prevention Network Meetings and is the current president of the South Dakota State Behavioral Health Advisory Council appointed by Governor, Larry Rhoden. Tigert is a national instructor of Mental Health First Aid USA and was awarded instructor of the year in South Dakota in 2022 by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Tigert recently graduated with a Master of Science degree in counseling and human services development from South Dakota State University Fall of 2025. Tigert has professionally presented on “Trauma Informed Care” at Western Dakota Technical College for West River Area Health Education Center Health Professionals, “Self-Care, More Than Manicures and Mancaves” for Monument Health Diabetes Symposium, and “Mental Health in the Workplace” for the South Dakota State Human Resources Professionals Conference 2025. Tigert has accomplished KR 9:114 by leading and hosting semesterly prescription take back events that include the distribution of free gun locks preventing harm and raising awareness through community education and safe storage and disposal practices of OTC and prescription medication. Tigert is the proud owner and best friend to her labrador “Luke Skywalker” who you will find during brain break giving hugs and encouragement to students during finals week.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzkyNTY=