a publication for alumni, family, and friends

Any college campus is only as good as the faculty who teach there. At DWU, we have fabulous faculty. They are witty, wise, brilliant, brash, meticulous and memorable. Any number of adjectives could be used to describe these people who guide the lives of our students. Here is a personal look at each of them. We've listed their academic credentials and the year they started at DWU. We've also offered them the opportunity to answer some personal questions that will help you learn what makes them tick.

Michael N. Farney
Professor of Mathematics, 1979
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1966, University of California-Santa Cruz; M.A., 1970, California State College-San Jose; Ph.D., 1980, Nova University
When you were a student, what was your favorite class?
I had two: Classical Electromagnetic Field Theory as an undergraduate and Optics as a graduate. Had it not been for those classes, I'd not be producing computer-generated holograms this summer.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
South Dakota hilltop, telescope, late autumn night, clear sky.

Robert M. Sprang
Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education/Sports Medicine, 1994
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1965, Huron College; M.Ed., 1970, South Dakota State University.
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
Travel, camp and attend sporting events.
What were you like as a student?
I was a good student, always interested in learning, took lots of notes and usually sat in the front row.

Rochelle Von Eye
Assistant Professor of Mathematics, 1985, except for 1994-1996
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1970, and M.A., 1984, South Dakota State University; E.D.S., 1996, University of South Dakota
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
Too much TV, video games, not enough thinking skills.
What were you like as a student?
I was an overachiever. I worked hard at everything and took too many courses too fast - did not take enough time to have fun.

R. Douglas Martin
Head Men's Basketball Coach/Instructor, Physical Education/Assistant Athletic Director, 1988
Academic Credentials:
B.S., 1959, University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse; M.S., 1966, Southern Illinois University; additional studies, University of South Dakota
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
Determining a major area of study. Is it based on a passion for the area of study or for financial security when the student enters the work area?
What was your favorite class as a student?
Mathematics.

Wyonne J. Kaemingk
Assistant Professor of Nursing, 1984
Academic Credentials:
A.A., 1976, and B.A., 1977, Dakota Wesleyan University; B.S., 1989, South Dakota State University; M.S., 1993, Andrews University
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
The biggest issue for students is the threat to our peace. With the terrorist attacks and the unrest in the Middle East, I feel the students wonder what lies ahead. They may say they do not worry about it being in the Midwest, but underneath I feel they do. The second issue is the economy; will my education help me get a job or will I be left with loans and a low paying job?
What were you like as a student?
As a student I seldom missed class (still bugs me today when students do) but, I procrastinated a lot, let things go until the last minute. Even in the master's program I was printing a paper at 4:30 when it had to be to the post office and in the mail by 5 p.m.

Pamela Nielson Boline
Assistant Professor of Human Services, 1980
Academic Credentials:
B.S., 1977, and M.A., 1979, University of South Dakota
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
A remote cabin retreat with a fabulous view.
What was your favorite class as a student?
Western Civilization.

Sean J. Flynn
Assistant Professor of History, 1999
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1985, South Dakota State University; M.A., 1988, and Ph.D., 1999, Texas Tech University
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
They're an impatient lot, a consequence of their growing up in the Information Age, at a time when technological skills are too often seen as the end of, rather than a means to, knowledge and wisdom. Our duty as faculty is to make them more evaluative, more critical, more deliberative. Very few problems can be solved with a push of the "enter" key. Solving problems takes time and sweat and involves trying and retrying and a certain degree of failure. But that's what "Sacrifice" and "Service" are all about. Nothing satisfying in life ever comes easy. Satisfaction is earned.
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
At the moment, I'm researching and writing, improving my fly-fishing skills, and immersing myself in Irish history and poetry.

Jerry L. Luckett
Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Economics, 1990
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1989, Dakota Wesleyan University; M.A., 1992, Northern State University
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
Spending time with family and friends while watching my kids compete in rodeos or just spending time as a family.
What were you like as a student?
When I came to DWU my goal was to graduate with honors. I was a parent with four children and I wanted to show them that working hard on my education would benefit our entire family. It also meant my entire family had to make sacrifices. I would start homework late at night, after the kids went to bed and get up early in the morning to do the things a mom does for her family. I was a mom first and a student second, but I also had to work part time. They saw that with hard work, dedication and perseverance dreams do come true.

Vince Redder
Assistant Professor of English and Languages, 2001
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1979, University of Dallas; M.A., 1997, Midwestern State University
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
I have a collection of old pocket watches and clocks I like to tinker with. And of course, I have two kids who like me to play with them.
What were you like as a student?
As an undergraduate, more mediocre than I would like to admit. In graduate school, I finally learned to get with the program and I did much better academically.

Patricia M. Twedt
Associate Professor of Nursing, 1974
Academic Credentials:
Diploma, 1965, Methodist School of Nursing; B.S., 1965, Dakota Wesleyan University; M.Ed., 1973, and M.S., 1987, South Dakota State University; additional studies, Marquette University
What is your favorite movie?
"Gone With the Wind."
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
Seeing all my children and going to several rummage sales and getting a "snappy deal."

Kathy Budahl
Assistant Professor of Education, 2001
Academic Credentials:
B.S., 1977, Dakota State University; M.A., 1991, Dakota Wesleyan University

What is your favorite movie?
"Patch Adams."
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
My idea of a perfect weekend would be to sleep until nine, exercise, read a book, and have someone else clean my house and make my meals.

Gary L. Gibson
Associate Professor of Business Administration, 2000
Academic Credentials:
A.S., 1973, Somerset Community College; B.S., 1975, University of Kentucky; B.A., 1991, Lincoln Memorial University; M.A., 1992, University of Tennessee
What is your favorite movie?
"Other People's Money," starring Danny DeVito.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
A tour of the Smokey Mountain National Park in early May.

Melissa R. Gibson
Assistant Professor of Computers and Technology, 2001
Academic Credentials:
A.S., 1973, Somerset Community College; B.M.E., 1975, Eastern Kentucky University; M.S., 1980, Union College; M.L.S., 1995, University of Kentucky
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
The beach!
What were you like as a student?
I was a nerd - very conscious of getting good grades.

Michael Catalano
Associate Professor of Mathematics, 1992
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1984, St. Olaf College; M.S., 1988, and Ph.D., 1992, University of Minnesota
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
One big problem I see is the tendency of our culture to become shallower, more consumer-oriented, and more focused on what I would call the 'celebrity culture.' The converse is that we are becoming less thoughtful, less introspective, less focused on enduring values, less aware of our history and how it has influenced the way the world is today, and possibly less faithful. It also seems to me that we, as a culture, are valuing real education less and less, in the sense that we are willing to devote less of our time and resources to the endeavor. I believe this tendency will be a major issue as today's students become tomorrow's leaders and have to wrestle with all kinds of political, social and economic problems, even if this issue is not explicitly recognized in the discussion of these problems.
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
I spend a lot of time with my family. Also, I like to sing and play the guitar, read, and play the tuba. I've been playing in a brass quintet for about nine years and also play in Mitchell's city band during the summers. Every once in a while, I do a singing gig down at the local coffeehouse or here on campus.

Anne M. Wessels
Assistant Professor of Psychology, 2000
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1996, The Evergreen State College; M.A., 1999, and Ph.D., 2001, University of Nevada at Reno
What is your favorite movie?
"The Lion in Winter."
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
I like to read. Most recently, I read Jonathan Kozol's "Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation." The book comprises a series of interviews with the people of the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx that challenges us to take a look at the hard lives of impoverished children. Powerful stuff! I also like to visit "offbeat" roadside attractions such as Bemidji Bunyan and Babe and the giant attractions that dot North Dakota's Enchanted Highway.

James D. McLaird
Professor of History/Political Science, 1967
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1962, Dakota Wesleyan University; M.A., 1966, University of Wyoming; additional studies, Boston University, Utah State University and South Dakota State University
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
Finding a meaningful relationship between the classroom and the world they see outside.
What is your favorite movie?
Many, not just one. "Lawrence of Arabia," "Reds, "Tom Jones" and "Patton."

Kevin A. Lein
Assistant Professor of Education/Head Women's Basketball Coach/Co-head Women's Softball Coach, 1992
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1981, Mount Marty College; B.S., 1992, and M.A., 1986, University of South Dakota; additional studies, South Dakota State University; doctoral candidate, education, 1996-present, University of South Dakota
What was your favorite class as a student?
Philosophy of Life at 7:45 a.m. with Sister Philomene Kilzer.
What were you like as a student?
Dennis the Menace with a jump shot.

Daniel M. Wagner
Assistant Professor of Athletic Training/Director of Athletic Training Program, 2001
Academic Credentials:
B.S., 1992, South Dakota State University; M.S., 1994, Indiana State University; Ed.D., 2002, University of South Dakota
What is your favorite movie?
Anything with Clint Eastwood.
What was your favorite class as a student?
Anything to do with physiology.

Sylvia J. Street
Administrative Chair of the Education Department/Associate Professor of Education, 1997
Academic Credentials:
B.S., 1969, Black Hills State College; M.S., 1983, and M.S., 1989, South Dakota State University; Ed.D., 1994, University of South Dakota
What is your favorite movie?
"Mr. Holland's Opus." This film retells my own story. Just like Mr. Holland, I entered teaching because the major was convenient and could help us financially until I could do what I really wanted to do, radio and television broadcasting. However, once in a kindergarten classroom in 1968 and over the past 34 years, I have learned to savor my moments with students, the very best audience. Some of us cannot resist the "calling to teach."
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
I love to knit, entertain friends in my home, watch baseball and spend time with my grandson, Dillon.

Robert E. Tatina
Professor of Biology, 1975
Academic Credentials:
B.S., 1965, Northern Illinois University; M.A., 1972, and Ph.D., 1981, Southern Illinois University
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
I think there are several: overpopulation; air, water and land pollution; global warming; and curbing an insatiable appetite for natural resources.
What was your favorite class as a student?
There were many including microtechnique, anatomy, comparative anatomy, poetry and microbiology.

Jodie Barker
Assistant Professor/Public Services Librarian, 1998
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1995, Smith College; M.L.S., 1998, Indiana University
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
I don't actually teach (everyone else's assignments keep me pretty busy in the library), but I do have a number of hobbies. Knitting I learned as a child and picked up again in college. Spring, summer and fall, weather permitting, I spend as much time as I can out horseback riding, and of course, I read a lot.
What were you like as a student?
As a student I was probably fairly ordinary. The first year I spent a lot of time being terrified that I was: a) going to get lost; b) going to miss a class; c) never going to get through all assigned reading, multiple 10-page papers, midterms, finals, etc. or going to miss my bus/flight home on breaks and be stuck on campus.

Susan Almjeld
Assistant Professor of Music, 1999
Academic Credentials:
B.M., 1981, Lawrence University; M.M., 1999, University of South Dakota
What is your favorite movie?
"Amadeus."
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
Seventy-five degrees, sunshine, light breeze, flowers to plant, a good book to read while lazing on the porch swing, my family and dog around me doing what makes each of them happy.

Vicki A. Welch
Assistant Professor Communication/Theater, 1991
Academic Credentials:
B.S., 1974, and M.S., 1976, South Dakota State University
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
Rain.
What was your favorite class as a student?
Any class about English literature.

Diane Sandhoff
Assistant Professor of Nursing, 1989
Academic Credentials:
Diploma, 1973, St. John's School of Nursing; B.S., 1989, and M.S., 1993, South Dakota State University
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
I think one of the biggest challenges for today's students is finding a balance among work, school and play. Many students work so many hours at jobs to pay bills and keep insurance that their study time is not priority No. 1. With this schedule, the time to relax and unwind is minimal to none. Without balance the stress level becomes very high.
What was your favorite class as a student?
I enjoyed all my nursing classes and the one painting class that I took.

Paul F. Almjeld
Associate Professor of Music, 1997
Academic Credentials:
B.S., 1964, and M.M., 1973, Mankato State University; D.M.A., 1988, University of Illinois
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
Restoration of British sports cars, specifically the Sunbeam Alpine. Fishing, reading and spending time with my family.
What were you like as a student?
Depends on the level. As a high school student I was probably a challenge to my teachers. I was a good undergraduate student, if academic growth is any measure. I was an excellent graduate student.

Tim R. Mullican
Professor of Biology, 1989
Academic Credentials:
B.S., 1982, Lewis and Clark College; M.S., 1985, and D.A., 1987, Idaho State University
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
I think the biggest issue facing students today is writing. Students need to get past the "cut and paste" habits that many of them have learned. Also, many are relying too much on unreliable sources on the Internet for information.
What is your favorite movie?
"Lonesome Dove."

Kristin Shauck
Assistant Professor of Art, 1998
Academic Credentials:
B.F.A., 1989, Baylor University; M.F.A., 1993, Texas A&M-Commerce
What is your favorite movie?
I love many different movies, but Fellini is one of my favorite directors because his films are so beautiful and visual. "La Dolce Vita" is a perfect example.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
A perfect weekend for me is always different, because I love adventure and traveling, but I always love to spend time with my family and friends, enjoy good food and conversation, and (of course) making art.

Elizabeth A. Hoffman
Assistant Professor of Nursing, 1990
Academic Credentials:
B.S.N., 1968, University of Nebraska; M.S., 1996, South Dakota State University
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
Although many students come from stable intact families with two parents, I think the breakdown of the family has created many problems for young people and for society in general.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
Quiet time at home or a short road trip.

George E. Nielson
Professor of Sociology/Human Services, 1971
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1952, Gustavus Adolphus College; M.T.H., 1957, Augustana Seminary; M.A., 1969, M.Phil., 1970, and Ph.D., 1971, University of Kansas
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
Read, write, travel and put up hay.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
Being in Paris, Rome or London.

Scott Gines
Director of Athletics and Sport Sciences, 2000
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1983, Virginia Military Institution; M.Ed., 1986, University of Virginia
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
a) What the life's calling, mission and vocation are going to be; b) what type of person (spouse) they will spend the rest of their life with; c) what place God is going to have in their life, if any.
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
The hobbies get squeezed out too frequently, but I love to go on very long runs, read, cook and bake (yes, bake), and more than anything, be with my family.

Mike Schadwinkel
Head Wrestling Coach/Physical Education Instructor, 1999
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1998, and M.A., 1999, Adams State College
What is your favorite movie?
"Shawshank Redemption" and the Star Wars movies.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
Going to a wrestling tournament all day on Saturday and hunting pheasants all day the next.

Adam Neisius
Head Baseball Coach/Physical Education Instructor, 1998
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1995, Dakota Wesleyan University; M.A., 1997, University of Northern Colorado
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
Playing a double header on Saturday and Sunday. One catch, we would win all four games.
What was your favorite class as a student?
Sociological Kinesiology.

Geno Frugoli
Head Volleyball Coach/Sport and Exercise Instructor, 2000
Academic Credentials:
B.S., 1992, and B.S., 1997, University of Nevada; M.A., 2002, University of Sioux Falls
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
I play competitive sports like volleyball, basketball and tennis. I also like to read coaching autobiographies and I recently took on the project of learning Italian.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
A day on the beach playing volleyball followed by a tasty barbecue; then do it again the next day!

Lori J. Bork
Instructor of Nursing, 2001
Academic Credentials:
A.A., 1985, Dakota Wesleyan University; B.S., 1999, South Dakota State University
What was your favorite class as a student?
Pharmacology - medicines fascinate me.
What were you like as a student?
I was just a big pain.

Gloria G. Leonard
Associate Professor of Education, 1983
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1972, Dakota Wesleyan University; M.A., 1985, Highlands University; Ed.D., 1992, University of South Dakota
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
Tendency to look for the fastest and easiest way to obtain things, including degrees.
What is your favorite movie?
"Gone With the Wind."

Ralph G. Roth
Associate Professor of Business Administration and Economics, 1984
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1953, Huron College; M.A., 1955, University of South Dakota; additional studies, University of Wisconsin and South Dakota State University
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
Spending time with my family.
What were you like as a student?
I was a veteran of World War II; I went to school and studied.

James L. Lefferts
Associate Professor of Chemistry/Physics, 1987
Academic Credentials:
A.B., 1972, Bowdoin College; Ph.D., 1976, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
I love to read science, both fiction and nonfiction. I do cryptic crossword puzzles and math puzzles. I like being out of doors (camping, scenic places).
What were you like as a student?
People thought I was a nerd, but I was really just smart and could remember things easily. I didn't study any longer than any of my friends, but I studied with a pencil "at the ready." I loved correcting mistakes in textbooks and still do, but now it's a necessity instead of a crazy indulgence.

David B. Mitchell
Professor of Business Administration and Economics, 1972
Academic Credentials:
B.M.E., 1959, and M.I.E., 1960, Cornell University; S.T.B., 1969, and Ph.D., 1978, Boston University
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
How to help their generation redevelop a sense that they can have an impact on how our society develops, and that they need to take the responsibility to make that impact.
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
Travel, model trains.

Joseph M. Ditta
Professor of English, 1983
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1969, Adelphi Suffolk College, Adelphi University; M.F.A., 1971, University of Iowa; Ph.D., 1982, University of Missouri
What was your favorite class as a student?
The college I attended required all students to take a full year course in Western Civilization. We started with the ancient Greeks and read up to the present. The class was divided into sections that met on Mondays and Fridays, and on Wednesdays the whole freshman class met for a general lecture by one of the involved faculty on a subject for that week. This was my most important learning experience, one from which I still draw all these years later.
What were you like as a student?
I was highly motivated, enjoyed studying, and was part of a group of like-minded students who used to meet every day to discuss our lectures and readings. I loved college. That's why I'm still at one.

Michael J. McGreevy
Professor of Criminal Justice, 1993
Academic Credentials:
B.S., 1962, South Dakota State University; B.J., 1965, University of Missouri; J.D., 1969, University of South Dakota; M.S., 1977, Central Missouri State University
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is "Paint Your Wagon."
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
A perfect weekend would include a quick trip somewhere within reason like Minneapolis, northern Minnesota, Kansas City, etc.

Roger Allen
Assistant Professor of Communication/Theater, 1998
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1960, Dakota Wesleyan University; M.A., 1963, University of South Dakota
What is your favorite movie?
"Auntie Mame."
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
Refinishing furniture.

Harold L. Hynick
Assistant Professor of Communication/Theater and Director of Theater, 2000
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1989, Central College; M.F.A., 1995, University of South Dakota
What is your favorite movie?
"A Clockwork Orange."
What were you like as a student?
During undergrad, I was awful. A change in air pressure was a good enough excuse to skip class. I waited until I was more mature before beginning grad school. In grad school it was about the art.

Kevin J. Kenkel
Assistant Professor/Director of Learning Resources, 1996
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1986, St. John's University; B.S., 1989, St. Cloud State University; M.A., 1993, University of Iowa
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
The biggest issue facing today's generation of students is learning to become good stewards of their time and money. Today's college students have grown up in a culture that increasingly promotes instant gratification. They need to learn the secret of success according to the late entrepreneur Harold Shafer: work. Students must set priorities and goals, and then work to achieve these goals. They must learn to manage their time and to focus on their priorities and goals.
When you're not teaching, what do you like to do?
This summer my family and I entered the wonderful world of camping. We definitely are enjoying exploring different parts of South Dakota and beyond.

Randall L. Sprung
Assistant Professor of Behavioral Sciences, 1980-1983, 1984
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1978, Dakota Wesleyan University; M.S.W., 1979, University of Nebraska; additional graduate work, University of South Carolina
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
Reading a book by the swimming pool and going to a basketball, football or baseball game. I also like to golf.
What was your favorite class as a student?
Comparative Government because it helped to prepare me for graduate school.

Gloria Thompson
Administrative Chair of the Nursing Department/Assistant Professor, 1990
Academic Credentials:
B.S., 1989, and M.S., 1994, South Dakota State University
What is the biggest issue facing today's generation of students?
Finding "balance" in the midst of chaos.
What is your favorite movie?
"Bridges of Madison County."

Lana Loken
Clinical Education Coordinator and Instructor of Athletic Training, 2001
Academic Credentials:
B.S., 1997, South Dakota State University; M.S., 1999, St. Cloud State University
What is your favorite movie?
"Cutting Edge."
What were you like as a student?
Extremely busy.

Jerald K. Lytle
Assistant Professor of American Indian Studies, 1997
Academic Credentials:
B.S., 1988, and M.A., 1997, University of South Dakota

Marv H. Miller
Professor of Religion and Philosophy, 1971
Academic Credentials:
B.A., 1958, Jamestown College; M.Div., 1961, Drew University; Th.D., 1971, Graduate Theological Union

Contact Information
If you'd like to contact a faculty member, visit the faculty and staff directory. We'd love to hear from you!

Dakota Wesleyan University
1200 W. University Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301
800-333-8506