From Student to Faculty

Academic Program and Graduation Year: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, 2017.

Additional Education: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Augustana University; M.Ed. in Student Affairs Administration from South Dakota State University

Industry Experience: While attending and after graduating from STC, Dan worked for Krier & Blain. A few years later, he was contacted about an instructor position at STC. "Considering my entire educational career, I felt teaching would bring together my technical, philosophical and student affairs training."

What made you want to come back to teach at STC? “STC prepares students for rewarding and lucrative careers. I am proud of my students and what they can achieve in their careers beyond STC.”

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach? “My perspective is unique, in that I obtained my AAS after I earned my bachelor's and master’s degrees. I completed degrees at private, public and technical institutions, and often attest that the HVAC/R program offered me an opportunity to learn technical skills that are transferable, highly valued and well paid.”

Hands-on work: Before applying to STC, Dan volunteered for eight months at a small university in Carmen Pampa, Bolivia. While there, he realized that hands-on work was rewarding to him and worth pursuing a career.

Academic Program and Graduation Year: Collision Repair and Refinish; formerly named Autobody and Refinish, 1995

Additional Education: Industry training and certifications from Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR)

Industry Experience: Dana has 30 years of experience in the collision industry, having worked as a body technician, paint technician, estimator and shop manager. He was formerly employed at Billion Automotive, Sioux Falls Ford and Luxury Auto Mall.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC? “I wanted to improve student skills and share experiences that have shaped me and my career choice. I enjoy teaching and mentoring in all aspects of life - it’s a journey, enjoy the ride!”

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach? “I have experience in many positions available in the industry and have done them with great success. I am a life-long learner and share my experiences with students on enjoying a trade and being successful.”

Academic Program and Graduation Year: Licensed Practical Nursing, 2013; Registered Nurse, 2016

Additional Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Clarkson College and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Capella University

Industry Experience: Diana spent 10 years at the Sioux Falls Veterans Affairs Hospital. She started as an LPN on the long-term care floor and then began on the medical-surgical floor when she earned her RN degree. She also has experience as a critical care nurse in the intensive care unit, emergency room and in gastrointestinal procedures. Beyond her bedside career, she has worked as an emergency room unit educator and a clinical educator.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC?  "I wanted to make a difference in nursing, and I figured the best way I could do so would be to help produce the best students. I wanted to utilize my years of experience at the bedside to make relatable content for nursing students."

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach? "I have gone through the programs that my students are currently enrolled in and can show students how much they can achieve. Not only did I complete both programs, but I went on to have a successful career at the bedside and obtained my master’s degree."

Academic Program and Graduation Year: Architectural Engineering Technology, 2016

Industry Experience: Greg spent 8 years in industry before teaching. Through internships, full-time employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, he created connections across multiple disciplines in the construction industry. Greg has experience with residential, commercial and civil projects and has continued part-time self-employment work keeping fresh with the latest trends in industry.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC? “STC provided me all the tools that I needed to succeed, and I wanted to help provide students gain the same opportunities and education.”

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach? “I’m fresh out of industry and still have strong ties, so I can instruct with the latest industry needs and techniques in mind.”

Academic Program and Graduation Year: Automotive Technology, 2008

Additional Education: Master Certified for FCA and Fiat

Industry Experience: Jeremy had 19 years of industry experience when he began teaching at Southeast Tech. Starting at Manley Tire in 2005 installing tires, Jeremy worked his way up to one of their top technicians. In addition to installation work, Jeremy worked in parts, as a technician and as a manager. While working at Billion Dodge, he earned his Master Certification in Dodge/Jeep/Ram/ Chrysler and eventually became the only Fiat Master tech in the state.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC? “In 2020, I was working at Schulte Subaru and had the opportunity to train people while I was out with an injury. It was then that I realized how much fun it is to train people.”

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach? “I have worked in small shops as well as larger dealerships and followed a different career path than other instructors. It has given me a unique perspective and allows me to give advice from a different point of view.”

It’s a Classic: Jeremy owns his dad’s classic Mustang and enjoys keeping it on the road. “My kids can ride around in the same car I did growing up.”

Academic Program and Graduation Year: Surgical Technology, 2014

Additional Education: Bachelor of Science in Surgical Technology from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Mich.

Industry Experience: Josie began teaching at STC in 2021 with 10 years’ experience as a surgical technologist. She worked for Sanford Health and specialized in heart and vascular surgery, as well as in ear, nose and throat and pediatric surgeries. She also spent 5.5 years at Vance Thompson Vision, specializing in eye surgery and transplants. Before becoming program director, Josie was a clinical instructor.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC? “I’ve always felt a deep connection with Southeast Tech as an institution, as it played an instrumental role in shaping my personal and professional journey. The foundational skills I gained at STC propelled me forward. I also have a desire to meaningfully contribute to STC’s core values through teaching, influencing culture and elevating patient care.”

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach? “I bring varied perspectives to the classroom that I have gained through both my professional background and my deep-rooted commitment to surgical technology as a profession. My journey has equipped me with invaluable insights into both surgical technology and healthcare. Past successes and challenges have equipped me with a pragmatic approach to teaching that is grounded in real-world relevance.”

Academic Program and Graduation Year: Licensed Practical Nursing, 2009

Additional Education: Bachelor in Science in Nursing from Presentation College and a Master of Nursing Education from Aspen University

Industry Experience: Michelle started her career as an LPN at a family practice clinic at Interlakes Clinic in Madison, S.D., then as a pediatric clinic at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls. After earning her BSN, Michelle moved to Acute Care at Sanford Health and started teaching at STC as an adjunct instructor in 2015. In 2018, she became a full-time instructor and earned her master’s degree in nursing education in 2021.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC? “While working at Sanford, I became a preceptor for practicum nursing students and found my passion for education. I enjoy working with future nurses and being there for the moments when they connect theory with practice.”

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach? “I believe we are lifelong learners, and I bring experience and perspective from years in industry and teaching adult learners. There is always room for growth and development. I strive to create a safe learning environment where students are comfortable to engage in hands-on learning and ask questions.”

Goal!  Michelle is the intramural soccer advisor at STC and plays in an adult league year-round.

Academic Program and Graduation Year: Network Administration AAS, PC Support Diploma, 2002; Automotive Technology, 2006

Additional Education: Attended SDSU and USF in 2009-12 to earn a Career Technical education credential to teach high school

Industry Experience: While enrolled in STC’s Automotive Technology program, Terry worked at Jay Egge Automotive Service, a position he held for seven years. Terry also taught automotive, small engines, welding and CAD classes at Roosevelt High School before starting at Southeast Tech.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC? “The day I graduated from STC, my instructor said I would be back to teach soon. I didn’t feel it was in my plan, but, in 2011, I learned of an opening due to retirement, and here I am.”

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach? “I continue to work in Industry when I’m not in class and during breaks. This keeps me up to date on real world perspective of what’s going on in today’s industry.”

Academic Program and Graduation Year: Media Design Technology, formerly Graphic Communications, 1998

Additional Education: Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sioux Falls

Industry Experience: Tony racked up more than 10 years of experience working in industry in media, graphic design, commercial printing and custom cabinetry.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC? “My father taught here his entire career, and my brother taught adjunct here before eventually becoming the principal at Jefferson High School. I enjoyed my experience as a student, and I've always enjoyed sharing what I've learned with others.”

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach? “I try to make learning enjoyable. I believe in establishing a strong foundation for students to build their skills and futures upon. Being able to adapt to new technologies and trends while understanding the variety of mediums used will keep students relevant and successful in this constantly changing field.”

Academic Program and Graduation Year: Licensed Practical Nursing, 2013; Registered Nurse, 2016

Additional Education:  Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Dakota; currently enrolled in a master’s program at Walden University

Industry Experience: After graduating from Southeast Tech, Tori worked in family practice, in post-surgical trauma and served as a military medic.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC? “I appreciate STC so much after entering the workforce, as they do a fantastic job preparing students. I am excited to work at STC and be part of that.”

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach? “Nursing is a challenging program and a challenging career. I can relate to my students as they go through the program, having completed it myself. I enjoy comforting students that achieving an 85% is a big goal, but it's achievable with hard work and dedication.”

Globetrotter: Tori spent nine months in Qatar and three months in Germany for deployments! “I enjoy traveling and seeing the world!”