
SDSU Home
|
Contact
Us

SDSU Home
Mailing Address:
College of General Studies
1047 Medary Avenue, Box 511
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007-0298
605-688-4153
Fax: 605-688-5631
Directions:
The College of General Studies is located on the second
floor in Medary Commons on the west side of campus.
Interactive SDSU Map
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
College of General Studies
Faculty and Staff:
|
|
 |
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.eduMs.
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.eduDr.
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.eduMs.
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.eduMs.
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. |


|
|