Contact Us - College of General Studies - South Dakota State University

Mailing Address:
College of General Studies
1047 Medary Avenue, Box 511
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007-0298

Directions:
The College of General Studies is located on the second floor in Medary Commons on the west side of campus.


	Keith Corbett, Ed.D. Dean SMC 120 Keith.Corbett@sdstate.edu Dr. Keith Corbett has worked with students at SDSU for over 25 years, serving as an Assistant to the Dean, Department Head and Professor in four colleges. Dr. Corbett earned his B.S. in Chemistry, his M.Ed. in Adult and Higher Education Administration, and M.S.S. in Strategic Leadership and his Ed.D. in Educational Administration. Dr. Corbett's interest are student retention and academic success.

	Denise Peterson, Ed.D. Assistant to the Dean SMC 120 Denise.Peterson@sdstate.edu Dr. Peterson teaches courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level in the College of General Studies and the College of Education. She also provides support in advising students. She assists the Dean of the College of General Studies with the daily operations including scheduling of courses, assessment, and overseeing Graduate Assistants. Dr. Peterson researches in the area of group dynamics and student engagement. Associate Professor of Education and Counseling Appointed 1997 Ranked 1998 B.A., University of South Dakota, 1986 M.A., 1988 Ed.D., 1998

	Kathie Erdman, Ed.D. Assistant Professor/Career Development Specialist SMC 120 Kathie.Erdman@sdstate.edu Dr. Erdman provides students with individual career counseling and assessment at the Career and Academic Planning Center and teaches two courses in General Studies (GS 101, Academic & Career Exploration and GS 143, Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills). In addition, she advises students who are undeclared. Dr. Erdman is an active member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), the American College Personnel Association (ACPA), the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the National Career Development Association (NCDA), and the South Dakota College Personnel Association (SDCPA). Dr. Erdman received her M.S. in Counseling/College Student Development from Mankato State University and her Ed.D. in Educational Administration/Adult and Higher Education from The University of South Dakota. Her experiences include various career center, first-year experience, admissions, and orientation roles. She joined the SDSU community in 1994. Professional Interests: Academic Advising Student Success Online Instruction and Services

	Kami Kurtenbach Instructor/Academic Advisor SWE 306 Kami.Kurtenbach@sdstate.edu Ms. Kurtenbach is an Instructor for the College of General Studies teaching the following courses: GS 143 – Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills, GS 101 Career Exploration and GS 489 Transition to Careers. She is also an Advisor for General Studies students. Ms. Kurtenbach is also a career counselor and Strong Interest and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator administrator and interpreter. BS - Sociology (86), MEd (87) – Counseling, Guidance and College Student Personnel - both from South Dakota State University. Qualified Certification in Strong Interest Inventory Interpretation since 2004. Qualified Certification in Myers Briggs Type Indicator 2007. Member of South Dakota College Personnel Association (SDCPA). Member of NACADA Previously at University of Southern Colorado – Pueblo, CO. Assistant Director of Career and Counseling Center. Professional Interest Areas: Student Success College Student Retention MBTI & SII Applications Academic Advising

	Amy Pedersen Instructor/Academic Advisor SWE 310 Amy.Pedersen@sdstate.edu Ms. Pedersen is an instructor for GS 143 Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills, GS 101 Academic and Career Exploration, and GS 489 Transition to Career. She also serves as an academic advisor for undeclared students within the College of General Studies. Ms. Pedersen is a Career consultant and Strong Interest Inventory interpreter for students on campus. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies and Theatre from SDSU in 1990 and her Master of Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction in Adult and Higher Education from SDSU in August 2006. She is a member of the South Dakota College Personnel Association (SDCPA) and was recently appointed to the new Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) Council at SDSU.

	Mark Binkley Instructor/Academic Development Specialist SMC 120 Mark.Binkley@sdstate.edu South Dakota State University employed 21 years, 3 years as admissions counselor and past 18 years at the College of General Studies as Instructor/Academic Development Specialist. BS Wildlife & Fisheries Biology in 1978, M.Ed. in Counseling, Guidance, and Personnel Services in 1986, both degrees from SDSU. Instruct GS 143-Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills fall and spring semesters, assist campus community with study skills related issues, assist students who fail to pass all sections of the BOR Proficiency Exams, advise College of General Studies undecided, interdisciplinary studies and pre-mortuary students, Academic Advising Committee member, and College Athletic Representative.

	Christy Osborne Student Services Advisor SMC 120 Christy.Osborne@sdstate.edu Ms. Osborne has been employed at South Dakota State University since 1988. Ten years in the SDSU Admissions Office as an Admissions Counselor and Assistant Director and the last ten years as an advisor/instructor in the College of General Studies. She is a 1982 SDSU graduate and received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Ms. Osborne advises the associate of arts degree students as well as undeclared students. She is also an instructor for GS 100 University Experience class. She coordinates various recruitment events for General Studies with the admissions office. In addition, she coordinates the College of General Studies new student orientation program. Organizations and Professional Affiliations: South Dakota College Personnel Association (SDCPA), SDCPA 2008 Conference Co-chair, National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) co-chair and past presenter.

	Janet Johnson, Ed.D. Assistant Professor/Language Specialist SWE 308 Janet.Johnson@sdstate.edu Dr. Johnson has been an educator for over 30 years. She earned a doctoral degree in Adult and Higher Education from the University of South Dakota, an M.A. degree in Russian Linguistics and Literature at the University of Iowa, an M.A. degree in Education (Reading Specialist Program) from Virginia Tech, and a B.A. degree in English from Augustana College. During her career at SDSU since 1990, she has worked as an English and Russian instructor, a distance education specialist, an ESL instructor, a reading specialist, and a coordinator of SDSU’s Teaching Learning Center. She is also certified to teach in the public schools. Her personal interests include reading, music, film, foreign cultures, and digital photography. Dr. Johnson has taught in the College of General Studies since 2003 and has created and piloted the READ-041 course, Reading for College Success. She and her husband, Distinguished Professor of Ecology, W. Carter Johnson, have lived in Brookings since 1989 and have raised two sons.

	Angela Daly Instructor/Academic Advisor SWE 310 Angela.Daly@sdstate.edu Ms. Daly is currently an Instructor and Academic Advisor for students in the College of General Studies. She teaches READ 041: Reading for College Success and GS 143: Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills. Her background is in Speech/Language Pathology with a strong interest in helping students develop higher level reading skills. Ms. Daly has maintained the Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech Pathology from the American Speech and Hearing Association (CCC-SLP) since 1995 as well as being an active member of the South Dakota Speech Language and Hearing Association. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Speech Communication in 1989 and a Master of Arts in Communication Disorders in 1994.

	Becky Kjelden Academic Success/Academic Advisor/Instructor SWE 302 Becky.Kjelden@sdstate.edu Ms. Kjelden teaches GS 143, Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills on-campus and online. She also teaches GS 100, University Experience and is an advisor for the College of General Studies. Ms. Kjelden started her career with the Career and Academic Planning Center and the College of General Studies as a Graduate Assistant in 2002 and is now working as an instructor and advisor. Ms. Kjelden graduated from SDSU in 2001 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. She also earned a M.S. from SDSU in Counseling and Human Resource Development in 2003. She is a member of the South Dakota College Personnel Association (SDCPA) and the South Dakota Counseling Association (SDCA).

	Shelly Bayer Instructor/Academic Advisor SWC 209 Shelly.Bayer@sdstate.edu Ms. Bayer is currently an Instructor and Academic Advisor for students in the College of General Studies. She teaches READ 041: Reading for College Success and GS 100: University Experience. Ms. Bayer earned her B.A. in English Education from South Dakota State and her M.Ed in Literacy from the University of Nevada - Las Vegas. Passionate about students and the reading/thinking process, teaching advanced comprehension skills is her area of expertise. Prior to instructing in the College of General Studies, Ms. Bayer taught in several public schools and also spent five years as Head Fastpitch Softball Coach and HPER Instructor at SDSU. Due to her athletic background, Ms. Bayer specializes in advising student-athletes and teaching GS 100 sections designated for student-athletes only. Go, Jacks! Ms. Bayer also represents the College of General Studies on the University Assessment Committee

	Camilla (Cami) Veire Instructor/Academic Advisor Internship Coordinator SMC 120 Camilla.Veire@sdstate.edu Ms. Veire is currently an Instructor and Academic Advisor for students in the College of General Studies. She teaches GS 143 on campus and at the University Center in Sioux Falls. Ms. Veire also teaches GS 100. Additionally, she advises students with undeclared majors. Ms. Veire earned her B.S. in Sociology and Education from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and her M.S. in Counseling and Human Resource Development from South Dakota State University. Most recently Ms. Veire has earned her M.B.A. from the University of Sioux Falls. Her thesis is centered around the Growth and Learning Driver of the Balanced Scorecard – a Strategic Management Process. Prior to instructing at the College of General Studies, Ms. Veire has spent the past 10 years in leadership roles for various non-profit organizations in the areas of Development and Management. Prior to these assignments, Ms. Veire owned and operated her own Professional Speaking, Training and Consulting business. Ms. Veire is a member of the South Dakota College Personnel Association. She is certified as a BCR (Building Constituent Relationships) and MCR (Managing Constituent Relationships) Trainer. In addition, Ms. Veire is certified in the field of Management. Ms. Veire’s interests are student success and leadership.

	Jody Owen Tutoring Coordinator/Instructor Wintrode Success Center Jody.Owen@sdstate.edu Ms. Owen coordinates SDSU’s tutoring program, teaches various General Studies courses (GS 100 – University Experience, GS 143 – Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills, GS 282 – Tutoring the College Student and GS 399 – Applied Peer Assistant Training III), and advises students who are undecided about their major. She assists students with their transition to SDSU and with developing study skills to help them achieve success in college. Ms. Owen obtained her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies in 1996 and her Master of Science in Counseling and Human Resource Development in 2002, both degrees from SDSU. Professional Memberships: National College Learning Center Association College Reading and Learning Association South Dakota College Personnel Association Professional Certifications: Certified Learning Center Leader Certified Supplemental Instruction (SI) Trainer

	Greg Heiberger Coordinator and Advisor for Pre-Health Professionals SWC 218 Greg.Heiberger@sdstate.edu Mr. Heiberger earned a B.S. in Mathematics and a M.S. in Student Affairs Administration from South Dakota State University. Since 2003 he has worked with the New Student Orientation program at SDSU and now currently advises all incoming Pre-Health Professional students. He also teaches Biology 290 and General Studies 100, and is an active member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the American College Personnel Association (ACPA), and the National Association of Advisors of Health Professionals (NAAHP). His research interests include increasing student engagement through the use of technology.

	Lisa Otterson Instructor/Academic Advisor SWE 308 Lisa.Otterson@sdstate.edu Ms. Otterson teaches Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills (GS 143), University Experience (GS 100) and advises students who are undeclared in their majors. She received her B.A. in history and philosophy from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN and her M.A. in Modern European Intellectual & Cultural History from Drew University in Madison, NJ. She taught history and humanities at SMSU in Marshall, MN and at various community colleges in Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota before her work at SDSU. She also served on the Wahpeton City Council for four years in Wahpeton, ND.

	Brooke Sydow Instructor/Academic Advisor SWE 308 Brooke.Sydow@sdstate.edu Ms. Sydow currently acts as an academic advisor and instructor for the College of General Studies. She teaches READ 041 (Reading for College Success) and GS 143 (Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills.) In addition, she coaches the Brookings High School Competitive Cheer and Dance Team. Ms. Sydow graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies and Theatre (2005) and a Masters of Science in Communications Studies and Journalism (2008). Prior to the College of General Studies Ms. Sydow taught Fundamentals of Speech at SDSU and Spanish I at New Caney High School. Ms. Sydow’s areas of Academic Interests are: Modern Language/Culture, Study Abroad, Communication Studies, Learning Styles, Classroom Environment, and Student Motivation.

	Tony Martinet Instructor Tony.Martinet@sdstate.edu

	Julie Abraham Instructor Julie.Abraham@sdstate.edu

	Linda Nelson Program Assistant I SMC 120 Linda.Nelson@sdstate.edu Ms. Nelson has been with SDSU and the College of General Studies since 1990. Ms. Nelson provides support to the college, career center, faculty, staff, and students. She coordinates student and course information for the college, including advisor assignments; petition, admission referral, and change of major forms; assists with student schedules; oversees the graduation application process; and new student orientation. Ms. Nelson manages enrollment numbers, student opinion surveys, syllabi and final grades for the General Studies courses. She also manages payroll, financial reports, designs and produces materials for the college.

	Traci Johnson Secretary SMC 120 Traci.Johnson@sdstate.edu Ms. Johnson began her career at South Dakota State University in 1989 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Office Administration from Southwest State University, now Southwest Minnesota State University. Over the years, she has provided service to the College of Engineering, College of Nursing, College of Education and Counseling, and now the College of General Studies. Ms. Johnson provides the first line of contact for the College of General Studies and provides support, specifically assisting with career and employment development events.

	Marj Thompson Accounting Assisting SMC 120 Marjoanne.Thompson@sdstate.edu Ms. Thompson graduated May 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science at SDSU. She is currently pursuing a Masters in M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction Adult and Higher Education specialization here at SDSU. Ms. Thompson started work with General Studies in October 2007. Her duties include providing secretarial services to the College of General Studies, managing the Education Reference Files, monitoring and projecting fiscal year finances for the College of General Studies, Pre-Professional Health advising, Employment Planning service, Career Planning service and the Wintrode Success Center.

	Carey Kilmer Sr. Computer Support Specialist SWC 224 Carey.Kilmer@sdstate.edu Ms. Kilmer has been with SDSU since July 2001 as Sr. Computer Support Specialist. She now serves a joint position with the College of General Studies and the Office of Continuing and Extended Education. She has earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies and is working towards a B.S. in Sociology.

Graduate Assistants:


	Deborah Dyer SMC120 Deborah.Dyer@sdstate.edu Ms. Dyer graduated from Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, TX, in May 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Business with an emphasis in Human Services. After working in the business sector for 12 years, Ms. Dyer is now pursuing a Master of Science degree in Counseling. As a Graduate assistant in the College of General Studies, Ms. Dyer, provides administrative support to the College of General Studies, teaches GS 100, advises students, conducts practice interviews and resume reviews with students, assists with Academic Success and the Pre-professional Program, and helps with various departmental projects.

	Laura Kinslow SMC 120 Laura.Kinslow@sdstate.edu Ms. Kinslow graduated from South Dakota State University with a B.S. in Liberal Studies with a major emphasis in Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics. Before pursing her undergraduate degree, Ms. Kinslow was a member of the South Dakota Army National Guard and Correctional Officer for both Minnehaha and Brookings Counties. Ms. Kinslow is currently pursuing her Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Student Affairs Administration. As a Graduate Assistant in the College of General Studies, Ms. Kinslow advises students, helps with departmental projects, and conducts practice interviews and resume reviews with students.

	Ryan Knigge Wintrode Success Center Ryan.Knigge@sdstate.edu Mr. Knigge graduated from SDSU in December, 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. He has worked for the College of General Studies since September, 2004, when he started his undergraduate degree. Mr. Knigge has also been involved with other SDSU student support services on campus. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling. As a Graduate Assistant in the College of General Studies, Mr. Knigge provides support to the Wintrode Tutoring Program, teaches GS 299 (Applied Peer Assistance Training Level 2), advises students with undeclared majors, and participates in student recruitment and retention programs.

	Linde Murray SMC 120 Linde.Murray@sdstate.edu Ms. Murray graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Student Affairs. As a Graduate Assistant with the College of General Studies, Ms. Murray teaches GS 100, advises students, assists with the Academic Success Program, and works in Employment Development by conducting resume reviews and practice interviews with students.

	Dannica Bunkers SMC 120 Dannica.Bunkers@sdstate.edu Dannica Bunkers graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. Upon graduation, Ms. Bunkers worked as an admissions counselor for St. Cloud State University before attending SDSU in 2008 to pursue a Master’s degree in Counseling with an emphasis in school counseling. As a graduate assistant, Ms. Bunkers teaches GS 100 University Experience and provides support for Undeclared students. She works in Employment Development conducting practice interview sessions and resume reviews to students, as well as presenting classroom career planning presentations. Ms. Bunker’s interests are advising and student retention.