Three members to join DWU Board of Trustees

MITCHELL – Dakota Wesleyan University announces three new members to its Board of Trustees.

Mark Puetz, Mitchell, is President/CEO of Puetz Design + Build. Puetz has over 20 years of experience in business sales, marketing, and management with 17 years in the construction industry. Prior to returning to the family business, Puetz worked for firms in Minnesota and Washington.

A graduate of Mitchell High School, Puetz holds an associate degree from Hennepin Technical College; a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University and a master of science degree in civil engineering: energy infrastructure from the University of Washington, Seattle.

In his free time, Puetz enjoys music, theatre, travel, and any outdoor adventures. Puetz and his wife, Katie, have two children, Eliza and James.

A second member who will return to the board is Gopal Vyas, also of Mitchell. Vyas previously served as a trustee from 2008-2020. Vyas, now retired, was previously the chairman of Tessier’s Inc. until June 2020. Prior to that he was the executive vice-president and an owner of Tessier’s since 1977.

A native of Jodhpur, India, Vyas holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Jiwaji University in Gwalior, India, and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration from Ohio University and Boston University.

Vyas has served as a volunteer board member for numerous Mitchell and South Dakota entities including the South Dakota Board of Education; Abbott House; Avera Queen of Peace; Association of General Contractors; Prehistoric Indian Village; Mitchell Technical College Foundation; Rotary; American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers; Mitchell Area Development Corporation; Mitchell Catholic Schools and others.

In his free time, Vyas pursues many hobbies including traveling, hiking, walking, biking, golf, scuba diving, cultural and musical activities and gardening.

The final new addition to the Board is Bishop Lanette L. Plambeck who will serve as an ex officio member, replacing retired Bishop Bruce Ough. Plambeck is an Iowa native who joins the Dakota/Minnesota Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church as resident bishop. Her most recent position was assistant to the bishop and director of clergy and leadership excellence for the Iowa Conference.

Plambeck holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morningside College, a Master of Divinity from the Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Mo., and a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Plambeck has participated in numerous national leadership and faith conferences and seminars. Her professional work across Iowa consisted of serving churches in Council Bluffs, Atlantic, Manning, Sioux City and Granger. She has led urban, rural and college congregations. She has recently served on the boards of the Simpson Youth Academy, Sister to Sister Justice Ministries and SoldierOn.

Her free time is spent book and antique shopping, enjoying board games, traveling, creating in the kitchen and serving on annual mission trips. Plambeck has an adult daughter, Meghan.