STUDENSIXTHT A EDITION FFAIRS ANNU July A 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 L REPORT Last Updated: 08/06/26
On the Cover: Photo credit Elizabeth G. Varin. Students gathered on the Campus Green during Wolf Pack Welcome for their first Class “N” Photo, reviving a beloved Northern tradition that was reinstated in 2024. Northern State University offers a personalized educational experience, with rigorous, nationally accredited academic programs in arts and sciences, business, fine arts and teacher education. With more than 45 majors, 55 minors and 16 pre-professional programs, Northern provides hands-on learning and internship opportunities that will help prepare you for a rewarding career. Located in Aberdeen, SD, we’re known for our affordability and our scholarships, one of our most popular being the WolfPACT scholarship, a highly competitive merit-based award. At Northern, you’ll learn from dedicated faculty and staff who truly care about you and want to help you succeed. You’ll also find a place to belong, with numerous diverse campus organizations in a safe, welcoming community. Student Affairs at Northern State University ENGAGED LEARNERS: We seek engaged learners who create inclusive communities, actively participate in university life, connect classroom learning to real-world experiences, and integrate their education into a broader understanding of the world around them. Engaged students achieve greater academic success, persist to graduation, and are more likely to maintain meaningful connections with the university after graduation. Northern alumni apply the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained both inside and outside the classroom to make positive contributions to their communities, the state of South Dakota, and the nation. Student Affairs advances Northern State University’s student success agenda through student engagement, holistic wellness, exceptional studentcentered services, and the goals outlined in the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025-30). Student Affairs includes Campus Recreation and Intramurals; Campus Safety; Community Service and Civic Engagement; Counseling Services; the Dean of Students Office; Dining Services; New Student Programs; the Northern State Welcome Desk; Residence Life; Student Accessibility Services; Student Activities and Involvement; the Student Center; the Student Government Association; Student Health Services; Student Organizations; Student Rights and Responsibilities; Summer Camps and Conferences; Title IX; and Wellness and Prevention Services. VISION: To promote student success through engagement, holistic wellness, and providing excellent student-centered services. MISSION: To advance the student success agenda of Northern State University, we will: • Deliver safe, comfortable, affordable, and both physically and programmatically engaging housing and dining experiences for students living on campus; • Provide integrated wellness services to address physical and behavioral health; • Educate students; encourage personal accountability for their choices and actions; refer students to appropriate resources on and off-campus; • Engage students in leadership opportunities; provide educational, social, and entertaining programs and events; • Foster opportunities for students to provide feedback to the university and participate in shared governance. VALUES: Our values represent beliefs and principles that drive the culture and priorities of Student Affairs and provide the crucial framework within which decisions are made. Student Development: Creating services, environments, and programs that develop students along intellectual, cognitive, social, ethical, and identity dimensions. Personal and Social Responsibility: Educating students to strive for excellence, cultivate personal and academic integrity, contribute to a larger community, take seriously the perspectives of others, and develop competence in ethical and moral reasoning and action (Association of American Colleges and Universities, 2007). Holistic Wellness: Promoting cognitive, cultural, emotional, environmental, financial, physical, social, and spiritual wellness as critical components of student success. Inclusion and Sense of Belonging: Fostering a diverse and international community that includes, validates, recognizes, and respects all ethnicities, genders, sexualities, identities, abilities, cultures, and world views. Our work promotes “a learning environment that exposes students to and encourages exploration of a variety of ideological and political perspectives” (SD House Bill 1087) consistent with the SDBOR Opportunity for All Statement of August 2021. Engagement: Developing an engaged student body that creates an inclusive community, fully participates in the life of the university, connects classroom content to real-life situations, and integrates learning into their understanding of the world around them. Engaged students perform better academically, persist to graduation, and are more likely to remain connected to the university following graduation. Transitions: Welcoming and assisting students in the transition to college and Northern State University in ways that support the values and priorities of retention, persistence, engagement, and wellness. Student Affairs Annual Report Executive Summary 2025-26 2
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS: Student Affairs made significant progress during 2025-26 in support of student success, well-being, and engagement. Through strong campus partnerships, we expanded services, improved accessibility and wellness resources, strengthened campus safety efforts, and enhanced student success initiatives. This sixth edition of the Student Affairs Annual Report highlights the first year of our 2025-30 Strategic Plan, during which we achieved five KPIs and 34 key results. You’ll also meet two graduating students whose stories remind us why this work matters. This publication is an executive summary designed to reduce printing, paper, and staff costs. For additional accomplishments, KPI updates, and the full report, visit our Strategic Plan website or contact Student Affairs in Suite 222 of the Student Center. A final note for the critics, historians, and anyone still reading: this report marks my first significant use of AI in the annual report writing process. Copilot assisted with editing, summarizing information, and generating ideas. The opinions, mistakes, and questionable jokes, however, remain my own. Thank you for reading and for being part of the journey. STUDENT AFFAIRS ACHIEVES HALF OF STRATEGIC PLAN KPIs IN FIRST YEAR, EXCEEDS SAFETY, STUDENT SUCCESS AND FINANCIAL GOALS ABERDEEN, SD – In the first year of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025-30), Northern State University has already achieved five of the plan’s ten key performance indicators (KPIs), surpassing several student success, campus safety, and financial sustainability goals ahead of schedule. Building on the momentum of the previous strategic plan (2020-25), these accomplishments reflect the dedication and collaborative efforts of Student Affairs staff, students, and campus partners across the university. Released in October 2025, the Student Affairs Strategic Plan established measurable KPIs and a public dashboard to track progress, promote accountability and transparently demonstrate outcomes to the campus community. Planning for the initiative began in 2020 during development of the division’s previous strategic plan and culminated in a collaborative process involving students, faculty and staff across campus. The university’s strongest gains have occurred in campus safety and student well-being. According to findings from the 2025 Administrator-Researcher Campus Climate Collaborative (ARC3) Survey, two KPIs related to campus safety have already been achieved: • KPI 3: Campus Safety Perception – In 2022, 78% of female students agreed or strongly agreed they felt safe on campus. By 2025, that number increased to 87%, exceeding the 2030 goal of 85%. • KPI 4: Reporting Sexual Misconduct – In 2022, 43% of students agreed or strongly agreed they knew where to report sexual misconduct. In 2025, that number rose to 67%, surpassing the 2030 goal of 60%. In June 2026, Student Affairs announced that KPI 5 had also been achieved. • KPI 5: Safety in the Residence Halls – In 2022, 83.4% and in 2024, 86.9% of students reported feeling safe in their residence halls. In the spring 2026 ACUHO-I/Benchworks Resident Assessment, 90.8% of students reported feeling safe, exceeding our target of 90% ahead of schedule. More details on the 2026 ACUHO-I/Benchworks Resident Assessment will be shared this fall. Campus safety is a shared responsibility, and this progress reflects the collective efforts of many. Special recognition goes to Laine Converse, Michelle Dannen, Emily Waldon, Krista Bau, Officer Eric Paul and Northern’s Community Assistants for their contributions to creating a safer campus environment. Student Affairs also achieved two additional strategic plan goals related to student success and financial sustainability: • KPI 2: Graduation Rate – The plan set a goal for 38% of first-time, full-time, baccalaureate degreeseeking students to graduate within four years by 2030. The fall 2021 cohort achieved a 38.8% graduation rate, exceeding the target five years ahead of schedule. • KPI 7: Auxiliary Coverage Ratio – Northern aimed to reach a coverage ratio of 1.6 by 2030 — a key financial metric reflecting an auxiliary unit’s ability to meet debt obligations using operating income. In fiscal year 2025, Northern achieved a ratio of 1.99, signaling strong financial health and positioning auxiliary operations for long-term sustainability. Student Affairs Annual Report Executive Summary 2025-26 3
The achievement of KPIs 2 and 7 brings the total number of completed KPIs to five, meaning Northern has already accomplished half of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan’s key performance indicators during the first year of a five-year planning cycle. The spring 2026 ACUHO-I/Benchworks Resident Assessment also identified opportunities for improvement. KPI 6 calls for at least 55% of students to report satisfaction with campus dining by 2030. Current results show satisfaction at 39.3% in 2026, down from 47.6% in 2022. In response, Student Affairs, Dining Services, and Sodexo will work collaboratively to identify concerns and implement improvements before the next ACUHO-I/Benchworks assessment in spring 2028. The early achievement of five strategic KPIs demonstrates meaningful momentum toward the goals outlined in the Student Affairs Strategic Plan. While work remains in several areas, Northern’s results reflect a strong commitment to data-informed decision making, student success, campus safety and continuous improvement. Additional information is available at northern.edu/student-affairs-strategic-plan, including the public KPI Dashboard, which provides transparent updates on institutional progress. Printed copies of the plan are available in Student Center Suite 222. To request a presentation for your department or organization, contact Jerilyn Mielke at jerilyn.mielke@northern.edu or call 605-626-3007. A YEAR OF SUCCESS Student Affairs achieved 34 Key Results during the first year of its updated Strategic Plan (2025-30), which utilizes the Objectives and Key Results (OKR) planning model. This approach breaks large strategic priorities into measurable, achievable milestones that promote transparency, accountability, and progress. Objectives define the division’s broad goals related to student success, recruitment, and retention, while Key Results provide measurable outcomes that track progress toward those goals. By focusing on specific Key Results each semester, Student Affairs maintains momentum and advances its strategic priorities in a deliberate and measurable way. Objective 1. Advance Student Success Key Result Description Status Key Result 3 Working with Institutional Research and the Student Success Center, create a predictive retention model and assign each FTFT incoming student a retention predictor score with tailored interventions. In Progress. Retention Model Built. Need to assign each FTFT incoming student a retention predictor score with tailored interventions. Key Result 4* With the Student Success Center, create an institutional Graduation Report that will provide insight for key staff and administrators on progress toward our 38% graduation goal. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 6* Work with the Student Success Center to provide access to Navigate for Student Affairs employees who work directly in retention efforts. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 8* With partners, host a “100 Days Until Graduation!” event to promote applying for graduation. ACCOMPLISHED Notes: 1. Rows with astrisk in yellow include key results that have been accomplished. Objective 2. Enrich the Residential Experience Key Result Description Status Key Result 13 Fully implement StarRez (student housing platform) to automate occupancy management, facilitate everyday business processes, and improve communications to provide students with exceptional housing experiences. Nearing Completion. Will go live July 2026. Key Result 14 Administer the Benchworks Residential Assessment in Spring 2026 and 2028, use the results to identify additional efforts to improve the residential experience. In Progress. Reviewing Data and Preparing to identify specific interventions. Key Result 17* Increase student satisfaction with the timeliness of repairs in the residence halls from a mean of 4.95 (2024) to 5.15 (all-institution mean) by 2026, as measured by the Benchworks Residential Assessment. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 29* Design and launch the Dean’s Residential Scholarship Program, awarding the first cohort of recipients by Fall 2026. ACCOMPLISHED Notes: 1. Rows with astrisk in yellow include key results that have been accomplished. Student Affairs Annual Report Executive Summary 2025-26 4
Objective 3. Drive Excellence in Student Services Key Result Description Status Key Result 34* Working with Institutional Research and Technology Services, create and publish a dashboard to track progress on the Student Affairs Strategic Plan Key Performance Indicators. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 35* Enhance the efficiency and utilization of ACCESS Northern by leveraging its features to allow faculty to securely transmit testing information, receive and store confidential data, sync with Microsoft Outlook, and enable students to schedule appointments through the platform. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 39* Bring back the eco-friendly “Green Box Program” to the Wolves Den. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 43 Write, update, and/or institutionalize 10 Student Affairs policies and share them with campus. In Progress. Hazing and Student-Athlete Serious Misconduct Approved. ADA, Student Death Response and Postvention pending approval. Notes: 1. Rows with astrisk in yellow include key results that have been accomplished. Objective 4. Support Human Capital Key Result Description Status Key Result 50* Update the position description and classification for the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities and Title IX Coordinator. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 52* Work with the Foundation to add a standing member from the Foundation to the Student Affairs Council. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 57* Update the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities title to Assistant Dean of Students to reduce student and faculty confusion and ensure clear continuity of operations in the Dean’s absence. ACCOMPLISHED Notes: 1. Rows with astrisk in yellow include key results that have been accomplished. Objective 5. Increase Campus Belonging Key Result Description Status Key Result 60 Select a student engagement platform that all of campus will utilize and fully embrace to enhance new student recruitment, current student retention, and advance student persistence to graduation (see the SEM Plan). Selected. Waiting on University Strategic Planning. Key Result 62 Conduct an accessibility review of the Northern campus and create a plan to address accessibility challenges using external consultants from AHEAD. In Progress. Survey Administered. Waiting on data and recommendations. Key Result 66* With Instructional Technology and the Provost’s Office, implement training and support to increase the overall average accessibility score for Northern’s D2L courses to 85% by the end of Spring 2026 (as evaluated by Panorama). ACCOMPLISHED. Weighted Score 90.23% as of 5.7.2026. Key Result 67 With Instructional Technology and the Provost’s Office, increase the overall average accessibility score for Northern’s D2L courses to 90% by the end of Fall 2026 (as evaluated by Panorama). In Progress. Preparing for Fall 2026. Key Result 68 With Instructional Technology, implement training for all administrators and staff to create accessible Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Documents. In Progress. To be offered during Fall 2026 In-Service. Key Result 70 With Facilities Management, create, identify, and publicize one gender-neutral/family restroom in each building on campus. In Progress. Need to publicize. Key Result 72* Develop programming and awareness for National Disability Awareness Month in March of 2026. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 73* Collaborate with Academic Affairs to deliver annual training sessions for faculty and staff on Student Accessibility Services, reasonable accommodations, and utilization of ACCESS Northern. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 75* Install and publicize Aunt Flow’s (or similar) free vending menstrual product dispensers in the women’s restrooms of the Student Center. ACCOMPLISHED Notes: 1. Rows with astrisk in yellow include key results that have been accomplished. Student Affairs Annual Report Executive Summary 2025-26 5
Objective 5. Increase Campus Belonging Key Result Description Status Key Result 76 Add a lactation room (with water) to the Student Center to increase support for pregnant and parenting students, staff and faculty. In Progress. Space identified with support from building managers. Seeking funding. Key Result 80* With Technology Services, purchase ReadSpeaker to add a textreading capability for students testing in lockdown browsers. ACCOMPLISHED Notes: 1. Rows with astrisk in yellow include key results that have been accomplished. Objective 6. Build a Regionally Recognized Campus Recreation & Intramurals Program Key Result Description Status Key Result 100 Partnering with Athletics, market the Fitness Center to general students. Nearing Completion. Need to establish consistency and early marketing. Objective 7. Enhance Community Service and Civic Engagement Key Result Description Status Key Result 102* Create and receive approval for a mission, vision, and learning outcomes for the program. (Civic Engagement) ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 104 Request and receive a GAF and University Budget. In Progress. Received GAF funding for FY 27. Notes: 1. Rows with astrisk in yellow include key results that have been accomplished. Objective 8. Promote Wellness Key Result Description Status Key Result 107 Utilize POSTVENTION A Guide for Response to Suicide on College Campuses (or similar) to host postvention suicide training for key university leaders and stakeholders. In Progress. Presentation developed and piloted. Waiting on Student Death Protocol Policy. Key Result 108 Train all full-time Student Affairs employees in Trauma Informed Care Training through Indiana University Bloomington. Nearing Completion. Only 3 team members need to complete. Key Result 109* Working with community health services partners, bring back “Fight the Flu” and provide an annual vaccination clinic to students that is also open to the public. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 114 Administer the ACHA-National College Health Assessment (a nationally recognized research survey) to collect precise data on a wide range of health and wellness issues that impact Northern students and affect their academic performance. In Progress. Scheduled for Fall 2026. Notes: 1. Rows with astrisk in yellow include key results that have been accomplished. Objective 9. Foster a Culture of Safety Key Result Description Status Key Result 129* With Finance and Administration, establish a dedicated Title IX budget to ensure federal compliance. This budget will fund comprehensive and required trainings, educational initiatives, support services, and ongoing assessment of Title IX programs. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 134* With Athletics, draft and approve a Student-Athlete Serious Misconduct Policy in compliance with SDBOR Policy 3.4.3. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 137* A. Create and implement a new Hazing Policy. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 137* B. Create and publish a new Hazing Transparency Report. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 137* C. Identify Campus Safety Authorities and inform them of their responsibilities through training. ACCOMPLIHSED Key Result 137 D. Establish and offer campuswide, a research-based hazing education and prevention program for students, staff, and faculty. Nearing Completion. AliveTek identified through a SDBOR Process. Implementation Fall 2026. Key Result 138* Working with Aberdeen Police Department and Nursing, offer annual Narcan Administration Training for faculty, staff, and students. ACCOMPLISHED Notes: 1. Rows with astrisk in yellow include key results that have been accomplished. Objective 10. Build a Campus Recreation Facility No progress. Student Affairs Annual Report Executive Summary 2025-26 6
Objective 11. Foster a Culture of Safety Key Result Description Status Key Result 147* Working with Finance and Administration, improve the dumpster space next to the Student Center during the construction of the Business and Health Innovation Center. ACCOMPLISHED Notes: 1. Rows with astrisk in yellow include key results that have been accomplished. Objective 12. Create High Quality Student Environments Key Result Description Status Key Result 156* Level out the Washington Street Parking Lot entrance at Wolves Memorial Suites consistent with the Master Plan (65, December 2023). ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 158* Working with the City of Aberdeen, spray for mosquitoes right before opening weekend so that students can enjoy outdoor campus activities during Wolf Pack Welcome. ACCOMPLISHED Notes: 1. Rows with astrisk in yellow include key results that have been accomplished. Objective 13. Encourage Student Engagement Key Result Description Status Key Result 166* Partnering with Marketing and Communications, offer a “Headshot Day” for student organization members and Student Affairs student employees to provide professional photos for use in promoting materials, professional social media profiles, organizational branding, and personal career materials. ACCOMPLISHED. Will continue once a semester and partner with Career Services. Key Result 174* Begin HOWL (Helping Our Wolves Learn) new student orientations after spring graduation. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 178* Working with the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Dining Services, expand Late Night Breakfast into the spring term. ACCOMPLISHED Notes: 1. Rows with astrisk in yellow include key results that have been accomplished. Objective 14. Increase Revenue Key Result Description Status Key Result 183 Work with Finance and Administration to restore credit card payment options at the Northern Post Office. In Progress. Working with Finance and Administration. Key Result 186 Publicize the faculty and staff meal plan to the campus community with professional marketing materials. Nearing Completion. Marking Ready. Roll out Fall 2026. Key Result 187 Add boba drinks and smoothies to the Grid Market in Great Plains East. Nearing Completion. Operating. Need to market. Key Result 188* Offer 24-hour access to freshly baked items to residential students through “Just Baked” vending in the Great Plains East Lobby. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 189 Working with Arts and Sciences, install a Starbucks coffee machine in the Harvey S. Jewett Science Center. In Progress. Need Thunder Bucks and Marketing. Key Result 191* Eliminate tuition-funded room waivers. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 201* Working with Finance and Administration, eliminate the reduced parking rate for residents of Wolves Memorial Suites and Great Plains West. ACCOMPLISHED Key Result 202* Return to the practice of inflationary increases to the General Activity Fee (GAF) consistent with SDBOR Policy 5.5.4 Tuition and Fees. ACCOMPLISHED Notes: 1. Rows with astrisk in yellow include key results that have been accomplished. Objective 15. Improve Parent and Family Engagement Key Result Description Status Key Result 207 Create a Northern Welcome and Exam Care Package Program for families to buy for students. In Progress. Key Result 212 Create a Parents Listserv to facilitate regular communication with families. In Progress. Working through Slate Queries Student Affairs Annual Report Executive Summary 2025-26 7
ADVANCING OUR STRATEGIC VISION: LAUNCH OF THE STUDENT AFFAIRS KPI DASHBOARD February 2026 - Student Affairs launched its new KPI Dashboard, providing real-time visibility into progress on the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (202530) Key Performance Indicators. The dashboard advances the division’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and data-informed decision-making by making performance data accessible and actionable. The dashboard serves as a centralized resource for tracking progress toward strategic goals related to student success, student experience, operational excellence, and institutional stewardship. Its launch fulfills Key Result 34 of the Strategic Plan and reflects the value of collaboration across campus. This achievement was made possible through the leadership and expertise of Brenda Mammenga, Joe Zimmerman, and former President Nichols, whose vision helped create Northern’s first Student Affairs KPI Dashboard. As implementation of the Strategic Plan continues, the dashboard will help guide future improvements while highlighting progress toward student success and organizational excellence. NEW EMPLOYEES Student Affairs welcomed 3 new team members, while saying goodbye to 2 colleagues during the 2025-26 year. Dominique Tigert was named coordinator for student wellness and prevention and was later appointed as a part-time staff counselor in Counseling Services. Prior to joining Northern, she led suicide prevention, mental health education, and wellness initiatives with Signet Health and Catholic Social Services. Tigert earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from South Dakota State University and provides leadership for student wellness, prevention, and student success initiatives across campus. She began her duties on August 25, 2025. Dakarai Allen was named coordinator for student activities and intramurals in February of 2026. Prior to joining Northern, he served as a special education assistant at Holgate Middle School in Aberdeen, SD. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in General Studies through Northern State University’s online program in May 2026. In addition to his professional role, Dakarai has served as a football skills camp coach in Vermillion and is a former collegiate athlete. He began his duties on February 17, 2026. Trapper McLean was named director of residence life and the student center. He brings more than 15 years of experience in housing, residence life, and community standards, most recently serving as director of community standards and residential life at the University of Providence. McLean holds a master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from the University of South Dakota and began his role at Northern on June 22, 2026. Marty L. Sabolo, director of residence life and dining services, announced his retirement in October 2025 after 38 years in higher education and returned to the St. Louis area to be closer to family. Under his leadership, Northern constructed three new residence halls, enhanced the Residence Life program, advanced Student Affairs Strategic Plan Key Results, and championed the student voice through residence hall satisfaction surveys. His contributions also include four popular student traditions: The Haunting of McWelsh, Howling for the Holidays, the Lighting of the Green, and Late-Night Breakfast. Prior to Northern, Marty served at Blackburn College, Dickinson State University, Arkansas Tech University, and MacMurray College, where he was Dean of Students. Over his career, he mentored countless students, answered hundreds of late-night calls, and welcomed thousands to their first home away from home. CarLee S. Mechels, coordinator for student activities and intramurals, announced her departure in November of 2025 to pursue new opportunities in Sioux Falls. Mechels joined the Student Affairs team in February of 2025. Prior to Northern, Mechels was a special education assistant at Simmons Middle School in Aberdeen. She is an alum with a Master of Science in Education in sports performance and leadership from Northern State University. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in kinesiology and sport management from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD, where she also served as an intramural supervisor. Her positive contributions to the Campus Recreation and Intramurals will be felt for years. Student Affairs Annual Report Executive Summary 2025-26 8
In addition to the core Wolfy Awards, Admissions, Residence Life, and Campus Recreation and Intramurals joined in recognizing students within their areas for excellence and achievement. The evening served as a powerful reminder of the diverse ways students lead, serve, and inspire their peers. Special thanks goes to Alison Kuch and Krista Bau for their leadership in planning and hosting this year’s celebration. Their efforts ensured the Wolfys were not only a recognition event, but a true reflection of the spirit and vibrancy of student life at Northern. See the full list of 2025–2026 award winners below. Individual Awards: Champion for Inclusion: Andrea Phillips Excellence in Student Government: MacKenzie Turner Servant Leader of the Year: Abiah George Student Employee of the Year: Natalia Szybinska Student Organization Advisor of the Year: Hannah Walters Emerging Leader of the Year: Tessa Sieh Student Leader of the Year: Harley Davis Admissions Awards: Most Improved STAR: Taylor Elsenpeter STAR Energy: Greta Brooks STAR of the Year: Ann Sarah Paul Residence Life Awards: Community Builder of the Year: Sarah Osborne Residence Life Rising Star: Tevyn Lutz and Chi Ukegbu Community Assistant of the Year: Claire Haas Student Organization Awards: Community Engagement Project of the Year: Culture Fest Most Improved Student Organization: SGA Program of the Year: Honor’s Quiz Bowl Student Organization of the Year: Speech & Debate CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING SENIORS May 2026 Graduates Colton Wicks and Abiah George demonstrate the impact engagement and service have on the undergraduate experience. Colton Wicks, from Nunda, SD - yes, it’s a real town - graduated in May with a double major in elementary education and special education with a minor in history. Colton has been an active member of the Northern campus community serving as a Trio mentor and getting involved with the Trio Scholars Association. Colton’s leadership continued by being a Community Assistant, Senior Community Assistant, and serving as SGA Senator. Colton has been a valuable part of Student Affairs, working as a student office assistant for 3 years. Colton is kind to everyone and leads humbly from the middle in ways that often go unseen. In addition, he participated in Awaken Bible Study, Cru Bible Study, College Republicans, and the School of Education Club. In the fall of 2024, Colton was one of our Homecoming King Candidates. Anyone who knows Colton knows he is passionate about his sheep and loves to talk about them. During his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities such as pickleball and frisbee golf. Colton’s efforts have helped make our campus a brighter and kinder place. With a deep passion for teaching, he is certain to change the lives of many young people in the years ahead. Colton will begin his career this fall in Lake Preston, SD teaching special education to middle school students. Colton’s advice to incoming freshmen is “The more you buy into the college experience, the more connections and enjoyment you will find from the experience!” THE WOLFY STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AWARDS: CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP AND INVOLVEMENT April 2026 — The 39th Annual Wolfy Student Engagement Awards lit up campus on April 26, 2026, celebrating the outstanding contributions of students who have made a meaningful impact on campus life. From leadership and service to creativity and involvement, the Wolfys recognize the many ways students shape the Northern experience. Through participation in student organizations and leadership opportunities, students develop valuable skills in leadership, conflict management, event planning, fiscal management, and team building, preparing them for success well beyond graduation. The Wolfys highlight and celebrate these student achievements and the positive impact they have on the campus community. This event is part of Key Result 97 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021–2025): “Create a campuswide, end-of-the-year student leadership recognition event.” The Wolfys have long been a tradition at Northern, but this renewed focus elevated the event’s visibility and impact across departments. Student Affairs Annual Report Executive Summary 2025-26 9
Abiah George, from Aberdeen, SD, has been selected as the 2026 Graduating Senior of the Year in recognition of her outstanding leadership, service and lasting impact on the Northern community. Abiah’s resume is exceptionally impressive. Throughout her time at Northern, she has generously offered her time, energy and leadership to Active Minds, the Debate Team and the Student Government Association. Across each of these roles, Abiah has demonstrated what it means to lead with integrity, compassion and purpose. A true measure of student leadership is the longevity and impact of the work a leader leaves behind. Abiah’s contributions will continue to shape the student experience well beyond her time on campus. Through her leadership in mental health initiatives, her work to strengthen a more transparent and well-functioning Student Government Association, and her role in developing WolfLine, Abiah has created meaningful change for her peers. One of her most impactful initiatives, WolfLine, provides free weekly transportation for students to access essential resources such as grocery stores. This partnership has been especially meaningful for international students and others who face transportation barriers, particularly during the winter months. Abiah also helped advance community care through initiatives such as a campuswide feminine hygiene product drive in partnership with local organizations, addressing period poverty and helping ensure essential resources reached those in need. Beyond her formal accomplishments, Abiah is known for her intentional care for others. She checks in on team members, encourages collaboration and fosters a culture of appreciation, accountability and belonging. Her leadership is not only effective; it is deeply human. Bright, passionate, genuine and kind, Abiah George represents the very best of Northern student leadership. We are exceptionally proud of all she has accomplished and cannot wait to follow and celebrate her many future successes. She is truly deserving of this recognition as the 2026 Graduating Senior of the Year. KENDALL NAMED STUDENT AFFAIRS STAFF PARTNER OF THE YEAR Brian Kendall has been selected as the 2026 Student Affairs Staff Partner of the Year in recognition of his exceptional service, authentic partnership and meaningful impact on the student experience at Northern. Brian began working in the Student Center during a time of significant transition, as Lincoln Hall was being demolished and campus operations were shifting in major ways. From the very beginning, Brian stepped in with care, consistency and a deep commitment to supporting students, Student Affairs and the Student Center. His work helped ensure that the building remained welcoming, functional and ready to serve as a central gathering place for campus life. Known for his strong communication and solution-oriented approach, Brian has been a trusted partner in helping events run smoothly. Whether coordinating details behind the scenes, responding to unexpected challenges or finding flexible ways to support student-centered programs, he consistently brings a calm, helpful and thoughtful presence to his work. Brian’s care for the Student Center was so evident that Student Affairs staff often joked about trying to bribe him not to leave for the new Business Building. While said in fun, the sentiment reflects the sincere appreciation felt by those who worked alongside him. His pride in the building, attention to detail and genuine investment in the people it served made a lasting impression. For being an authentic partner, a steady supporter and a truly wonderful human being, Brian Kendall is exceptionally deserving of this recognition. We are grateful for his service to Northern and proud to honor him as the 2026 Student Affairs Staff Partner of the Year. KIESOW NAMED STUDENT AFFAIRS FACULTY PARTNER OF THE YEAR Student Affairs is fortunate to work alongside exceptional faculty and academic leaders who share a commitment to student success. Each year, the Faculty Partner of the Year Award recognizes an individual whose collaboration, advocacy, and dedication have strengthened the student experience at Northern. The 2025-26 recipient, Dr. Alyssa Kiesow, exemplifies those qualities. As dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Kiesow was a consistent and trusted partner in advancing student-centered initiatives. Over the years, Student Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences collaborated on numerous projects, including the development of two living-learning communities, efforts to support a degree-in-three pathway, expanded support for Student Accessibility Services, and many other initiatives that often occurred behind the scenes. Whether serving as a sounding board for new ideas or providing direct and thoughtful feedback, Kiesow helped strengthen countless programs and processes that benefit Northern students. 10 Student Affairs Annual Report Executive Summary 2025-26
KIESOW NAMED STUDENT AFFAIRS FACULTY PARTNER OF THE YEAR CONTINUED 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. ASSESSING ACCESSIBILITY THROUGH NATIONAL STANDARDS April 2026 - As part of Key Result 62 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025-30), Student Accessibility Services completed the first phase of a comprehensive program evaluation using standards developed by the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD). These nationally recognized standards outline best practices for supporting students with disabilities and provide a framework for assessing the effectiveness of disability services programs in higher education. In April 2026, Student Accessibility Services distributed a campuswide survey to students, faculty, deans, directors, and other stakeholders to evaluate Northern’s performance across eight key areas: consultation and collaboration, information dissemination, faculty and staff awareness, academic adjustments, counseling and self-determination, policies and procedures, program administration and evaluation, and training and professional development. The survey was designed to measure current strengths, identify opportunities for improvement, and better understand campuswide accessibility needs. The completion of the survey represents an important milestone in Northern’s ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment. A total of 121 members of the campus community participated, including 28 or 49 deans and directors, 44 of 92 faculty members, and 49 of 172 students who receive services from Student Accessibility Services. Special thanks to Cassandra Maillet, who led this initial assessment effort and helped gather valuable feedback from the university. Data analysis and the identification of future improvement initiatives will continue during the next year. Student Accessibility Services will work with a consultant assigned through AHEAD to interpret the survey findings and identify priorities for future planning. This collaborative process will help guide strategic decisions, strengthen support services, and ensure Northern continues to remove barriers and expand opportunities for students with disabilities. Through this work, Student Accessibility Services is advancing a culture of access and inclusion that supports student success and aligns with the university’s mission and values. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Northern State University (Northern) acknowledges South Dakota as the ancestral territory of the Santee, Yankton, and Teton Lakota, which is an alliance known as the Oceti Sakowin (o-che-tee sha-koh-ween) (Seven Council Fires). Oceti Sakowin is historically known as the Sioux by non-Native people. The nine Native Nations that share the state’s geography include: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Yankton Sioux Tribe. Northern State University acknowledges that before this land was called South Dakota, it was home to many Native Nations indigenous to this area. It is with profound respect that we acknowledge the indigenous peoples of this land past, present and future. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, NON-DISCRIMINATION, CIVIL RIGHTS, AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION The institutions under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents shall offer equal opportunities in employment and for access to and participation in educational, extension, and other institutional services to all persons qualified by academic preparation, experience, and ability for the various levels of employment or academic program or other institutional service, without discrimination based on sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status or on any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination. Student Affairs Annual Report Executive Summary 2025-26 11
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