DWU announces new faculty, promotions

Aug. 17, 2026

MITCHELL— Several Dakota Wesleyan University faculty members have been promoted, and new faculty members and a new provost have joined the university prior to the start of the school year.

Dr. Michelle “Mickie” Metzinger has recently joined the DWU administration as Provost. An Ipswich, S.D., native, Metzinger comes to DWU with 30 years of experience in education including nine years as provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Saint Mary in Kansas. Prior to that, she served in several roles at Presentation College for 18 years, including ten years as vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Metzinger holds B.S. and M.A. degrees from Northern State University and a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Capella University. As DWU provost, Dr. Metzinger will provide leadership for academic affairs and student life, oversee the University’s three colleges, academic support programs, student life, campus ministry and collaborate with faculty, staff, trustees and students to advance DWU’s strategic priorities and mission.

Several faculty members have received promotions:

• Penny Tilton, DNP, M.S.N., RN, Associate Professor of Nursing and Administrative Chair of Nursing, has been appointed Dean of the Donna Starr Christen College of Healthcare, Fitness and Sciences.
• Christine Mauszycki, M.P.A., CPA, has been promoted to Professor of Accounting. Mauszycki will continue in her role as the Keith B. Miller Endowed Chair of the Musick Family Department of Business.
• Stacey Patzlaff, M.S.N., RN, OCN, has been promoted to Professor of Nursing.
• Matthew Zens, DPT, has been promoted to Professor of Athletic Training.
• Paige Gau, M.S.N., RN, CPN, has been promoted to Associate Professor of Nursing.
• Rebecca Buchholz, DAT, has been promoted to Assistant Professor of Athletic Training.
• Angela Klumb, M.S.N., B.S.N., RN, has been promoted to Assistant Professor of Nursing.
• Sarah Raml, M.S.N., M.A., RN, has been promoted to Assistant Professor of Nursing.

New faculty members hired for the 2026-2027 school year include:

• Lori Bork, Associate Professor of Nursing
• Amy Hodge, Assistant Professor of Nursing
• Nathan Leonard, Assistant Professor of Nursing
• Jacob Menix, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
• Craig Mock, Assistant Professor of Education
• Katie Schroeder, Assistant Professor of Education
• Kat Sestrick, Assistant Professor of Biology
• Breanna Price, Instructor of Nursing

Additionally, the Rev. Matt Morrison, M.Div., of Sioux Falls, has been appointed director of DWU’s Practical Church Leadership program.