Wede, Larson named recipients of annual Clarke Awards; Employee Recognition event honors years of service, promotions and retirement

MITCHELL — Dakota Wesleyan University has announced the annual Clarke Awards for Excellence. Tressa Wede, Mitchell, Associate Professor of Nursing, was awarded the Clarke Award for Teaching Excellence. Director of Marketing & Communications Jan Larson, 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.

Wede joined the DWU Education department in 2021. She holds a B.A. degree from DWU, an M.Ed. from South Dakota State University, and an Ed.D. from Liberty University. Wede was a long-time teacher at L.B. Williams Elementary School in Mitchell where she was awarded LBW Teacher of the Year in 2007.

In nominations from both faculty and students, Wede was referred to as “enthusiastic,” “dedicated,” “supportive,” with a “heart for teaching.” Wede’s students know her as someone with a creative, student-centered approach to teaching.

Dean of the Dean of the Ron and Sheilah Gates College of Business, Education and Social Science Dr. Ashley Digmann, in her remarks recognizing Wede at the commencement ceremony, stated, “Dr. Wede works tirelessly to support her students in reaching their goals and preparing for their future careers. Her commitment to mentoring includes staying after hours to meet with students and spending time in elementary classrooms modeling lessons for student teachers. She walks side-by-side with her student teachers, guiding them through every step of their journey.”

Larson heads the university’s marketing efforts, a position she has held since 2018. She was previously at TrioTel Communications where she served as director of internal operations and as marketing supervisor for ten years. Larson earned a B.S. from the University of South Dakota and an M.B.A. from Golden Gate University. She also holds a certificate in Digital Marketing, Customer Engagement, Social Media, Planning and Analytics through Columbia University and is a graduate of the South Dakota Leadership Academy.

When announcing Larson’s selection at the annual employee recognition event, DWU President Dan Kittle said, “In her tenure, DWU has seen increased brand visibility, and improved engagement among all our constituents. Jan has consistently demonstrated her strategic acumen in developing and executing marketing and communication strategies that align perfectly with our goals and values, while working to enhance the culture of DWU.”

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

Dr.Vince Redder, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities and Professor in the Department of English and Languages, and Judy Lehi, McGovern Library Circulation, Acquisitions and Interlibrary Loan Supervisor, 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 45 years:
Jody Strand, Associate Registrar

Recognized for 35 years:
Louie Schoenfelder, Associate Physical Plant Director
Marlene Warnke, Athletics Business Manager

Recognized for 25 years:
Laurie Langland, Archivist

Recognized for 15 years:
Jason Christensen, Associate Director of Athletics for Fundraising & Facilities and Head Women's Basketball Coach
Ross Cimpl, Director of Athletics
Dr. Clinton Desmond, Director of Choral Activities and Department Chair
Christine Mauszycki, Associate Professor of Accounting and Keith B. Miller Endowed Chair of the Musick Family Department of Business

Recognized for 10 years:
Erik Gislason, Associate Director of IT Support
Stacey Patzlaff, Associate Professor of Nursing

Recognized for 5 years:
Laurie Martin, Enrollment Services Specialist
Diane Morgan, Custodian

Also announced were appointments, promotions and tenure awards. Assistant Professor Jessica Dollahon was appointed Director of the MBA program. Professor Kyle Herges was appointed Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. Kyle Hobbs was appointed Assistant Professor of Sport, Exercise and Wellness. Assistant Professor Stephanie Gelderman was named chair of the Education Department.

Mindy Childs was promoted to Associate Professor of Education. Erin Desmond was promoted to Associate Professor of Music. Sam Nicholson was promoted to Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Dr. Diana Goldammer, Kelley Center Director, and Dr. Penny Tilton, Director of Nursing, were both granted tenure.