Kelley Center Staff

Bryan Hisel - Executive Director
Bryan Hisel was named the executive director of the DWU Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship in the fall of 2004.

He continues to serve as the executive director of the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mitchell Area Development Corporation, positions he has held since May 1985.

He began his career as a regional planner in Watertown and served in state government for four years as deputy director of the S.D. Office of Energy Policy, deputy secretary of the S.D. Department of Commerce and as a special assistant to Governor Richard Kneip.

Bryan also worked in development and planning in Yankton.

A native of Centerville, Bryan grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. His father and mother each owned retail businesses in his hometown.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota in 1973. He later earned a master’s degree in public administration from USD and was named the Outstanding Graduate Student at the University in 1982. He was awarded the United States Presidential Internship from 1982-1984.

Bryan is married to Julie Johnson. He has two grown children and two grandchildren.

Rhonda Pole

Rhonda joined Dakota Wesleyan University in July 2005 to direct the day-to-day operations of the Kelly Center. She also serves as DWU Director of Internships.

Rhonda has served in a variety of leadership roles in academics and business, giving her experience and expertise in human resource management, career counseling and experiential education. She holds her Professional in Human Resource Management certification and she is certified to administer the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Her experience in human resources and career development is a strong asset to building the valuable relationship between DWU's academic initiatives and the Kelley Center’s mission for students.

Rhonda holds memberships in the Society of Human Resource Management, National Association of Colleges and Employers, and the National Society of Experiential Education. She continues to serve as a human resources consultant for several organizations in the Midwest working in both the non-profit and for-profit sector. Rhonda earned her undergraduate degree in communication from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., and she is currently completing her master’s degree in Education.

Rhonda is married to Brad Pole and they have three sons.