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A message from interim dean Jill Nelson
Since January 1, 2020, Jim Deal and I co-led the College of Human Sciences and Education as interim deans. We both anticipated being in this role for a few months, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic and Dean Margaret Fitzgerald transitioning into the role of Provost, we have been in our co-Dean roles for two and a half years. We turn the reins over June 1 to incoming dean Ronald Werner-Wilson. You’ll learn more about him in next month’s newsletter.
Leading a college through a pandemic was a challenge, but the resourcefulness and talent of our staff and faculty made it as easy as it could be. The first few months of our tenure were focused on the transition to online learning and welcoming a new class of first year students using Zoom. Things soon transitioned to a new normal way of doing things, however. Despite challenging circumstances, the college has continued to thrive.
In collaboration with the NDSU foundation, we have raised over $2.5 million for student scholarships, faculty support, programs and renovation projects. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting scores of supporters and alumni of this fantastic college. It’s been an absolute pleasure and I appreciate everyone who made me feel welcomed and who entrusted us with your gifts.
We’ve welcomed several new faculty to the college in the last three years. These faculty have had an experience like no other. Some of them interviewed online and only saw Fargo when they moved here. They have been a joy to work with and have enriched our college in many ways.
Research remains an important part of what we do. Despite the pandemic and the issues that came with it, faculty productivity remained high. As a college, we published over one hundred refereed journal articles and received more than $250,000 in external funding each of the last two years.
Students are the reason we are here and we have helped prepare many classes of talented individuals for the real world. Since January 2020, 857 undergraduate and 316 graduate students have earned their degree from the College of Human Sciences and Education. It is always bittersweet to see students graduate. We love getting to know them while they are here, but are so proud of all they will accomplish with the new knowledge they’ve learned while earning their NDSU degree.
We started out this journey with the goal of keeping the college running and not breaking anything. We complete our journey with a college in great shape, poised to take on the challenges of the future. Jim and I will continue our work as associate deans in the college, doing what we can to support the faculty, staff and incoming dean Werner-Wilson. As the Grateful Dead said: “What a long, strange trip it’s been.”
Faculty and staff recognized during annual awards ceremony
The College of Human Sciences and Education held its annual celebration of excellence on May 9, 2022. Faculty and staff within the college were recognized for their hard work and dedication.
Below is the list of award recipients. Please join us in congratulating them on their achievements.
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Exceptional contributions for collaborative efforts
Meagan Scott Hoffman, 4-H youth development specialist/assistant professor
Awarded to members of a committee, task force, special group or department working to advance the mission of the university.
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Exceptional contributions to faculty and student mentoring
Dena Wyum, senior lecturer of human development and family science
Awarded to a faculty member who has provided guidance and support for other faculty and students to succeed in their development as instructors, researchers and leaders.
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Exceptional contributions to learning
Melissa O’Connor, associate professor of human development and family science
Awarded to a faculty member who has been in their position for more than five years and demonstrates excellence in teaching, receipt of teaching awards, engaged learning, curriculum design, supervision and other activities that contribute to learning.
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Exceptional contributions to research
Christi McGeorge, professor of human development and family science
Awarded to a faculty member who has established a research program and demonstrated excellence through publications or presentations beyond those expected, selected to serve as editor or on an editorial board of professional publication or receipt of significant grant funding from sources outside the university.
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Exceptional contributions to service or outreach
Sue Quamme Wehlander, extension specialist and 4-H youth development specialist
Awarded to a faculty member leading an exemplary community-engaged scholarship effort that involves the creation of knowledge for public purposes through a reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnership with the public.
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Exceptional contributions towards internationalization
Florin Salajan, professor of education
Awarded to a faculty member who has made outstanding contributions towards fostering internationalization in the college in its many forms. Contributions may range from including international perspectives in the curriculum to working on international collaborative research to working on international outreach.
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Staff distinguished achievement
Holly Halvorson, administrative secretary in Extension Center for 4-H Youth Development
Awarded to a staff member who demonstrates outstanding performance on the job, promotes the image of the department or university through continued contacts with those being served, consistently promotes excellence, initiates or recommends innovative ideas that result in better service or efficiency and exhibits grace under pressure.
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Exceptional contributions as an emerging researcher
Laura Dahl, assistant professor of education
Awarded to a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in establishing a research program through submitting grants, publications and presentations; participation in national organization to promote scholarship.
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Exceptional contributions as an emerging teacher
Jessica Danielson, assistant professor of practice in counselor education
Awarded to a faculty member who has been in their position for five years or less, and demonstrates excellence in teaching, receipt of teaching awards; engaged learning, curriculum design, supervision and other activities that contribute to learning.
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Dr. Jim Deal, Interim Dean Email: Jim.Deal@ndsu.edu | Dr. Jill Nelson, Interim Dean Email: Jill.R.Nelson@ndsu.edu |