Wagner, Giblin named recipients of annual Clarke Awards at DWU; Employee Recognition event honors years of service, retirements

May 12, 2026

Dakota Wesleyan University has announced the annual Clarke Awards for Excellence. Dr. Dan Wagner, Mitchell, Professor of Athletic Training, was presented the Clarke Award for Teaching Excellence. Associate Director of Admissions Rachel Giblin, Mitchell, received the Clarke Award for Staff Excellence.

The Clarke Award, first instituted in the 1996-97 year, was endowed by John and the late Vicki Clarke as an award to be given annually to a Dakota Wesleyan University faculty member for excellence in teaching, serving the needs of students and service to the university and community. The staff award was added in 2019. Nominations are solicited from the DWU campus community.

Wagner has been a member of the DWU Athletic Training department for 25 years. He holds a B.S. degree from South Dakota State University, an M.S. from Indiana State University, and an Ed.D. from the University of South Dakota. Wagner is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association and the South Dakota Athletic Trainers Association.

In nominations from both faculty and students, Wagner was referred to as “influential,” “accessible,” “committed,” and “caring.” Wagner’s students say that he is a strong advocate for the Master’s of Athletic Training program and for DWU as a whole.

DWU President Dan Kittle, in his remarks recognizing Wagner at the commencement ceremony, stated, “Dr. Wagner was a key player in the transition from a bachelor's program to a Master’s program and with the program’s recent accreditation. Additionally, he has done an amazing job of preparing his students for future careers in athletic training and in sports medicine in general.”

Giblin helps lead many of the university’s admissions efforts, a position she has held since 2021. She previously worked at Avera Queen of Peace as a radiologic technician. Giblin earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Sioux Falls and her radiology certification from the Avera McKennan School of Radiologic Technology. Giblin and her husband co-own Tobin Transfer in Mitchell.

When announcing Giblin’s selection at the annual employee recognition event, Kittle said, “Rachel has played a significant role in the new Mitchell Scholars program, helping both students and colleagues navigate the new pathway. She and her family also serve as a host family for students from faraway, creating a welcoming, home-like environment. She supports her host students by attending their events and making them feel like part of her family.”

Each Clarke honoree received an engraved plaque and a cash award.

Dr. Michael Catalano, Dean of the Donna Starr Christen College of Healthcare, Fitness and Sciences and Professor in the Department of Mathematics, and Dr. Tim Mullican, Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, were honored for their retirements at the end of this school year.

Also recognized were a number of employees for their years of service to DWU:

Recognized for 25 years:
Dr. Dan Wagner, Professor and Program Director of Athletic Training

Recognized for 20 years:
Emily George, Executive Administrative Assistant
Dr. Diana Goldammer, Associate Professor and Director of the Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship
Daniel Miller, Professor of Theatre and Chair of the Ron and Sheilah Gates Department of Theatre

Recognized for 15 years:
Dr. Bethany Melroe Lehrman, Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Paula Mazzer, Professor of Biochemistry
Kristy Ehlebracht, Associate Director of Financial Aid
Dr. Joel Allen, Professor of Religion and Director of the McGovern Center
Kitty Allen, Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Recognized for 10 years:
Sandra Byrd, Custodian
Jory Hansen, Director of Development
Eric Lofgren, Maintenance Technician

Recognized for 5 years:
Julie Brookbank, Associate Director of Communications
Charlie Dubanoski, Head Baseball Coach
Kerri Fahey, Accounts Receivable Specialist
Paige Gau, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Rachel Giblin, Associate Director of Admissions
Wendy Helleloid, Nursing Administrative Assistant
Ben Johnson, Assistant Baseball Coach
Stuart Keenan, Assistant Professor of Business
Renae Koerner, Campus Visit Coordinator
Alex Kulm, Database Report Writer
April Teel, Education Support Specialist
Dr. Tressa Wede, Director of Education and Community Engagement and Associate Professor of Education
Jodi Wilson, Director of TRIO