Contact Us - College of General Studies - South Dakota State University

Mailing Address:
College of General Studies
1047 Medary Avenue, Box 511
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007-0298

Directions:
The College of General Studies is located on the second floor in Medary Commons on the west side of campus.

Career Planning Staff:
Note: Contact Ms. Traci Johnson for all appointment inquiries, 605-688-4425 or Traci.Johnson@sdstate.edu.


	Keith Corbett, Ed.D. Director SMC 120 Keith.Corbett@sdstate.edu Dr. Keith Corbett has worked with students at SDSU for over 25 years, serving as an Assistant to the Dean, Department Head and Professor in four colleges. Dr. Corbett earned his B.S. in Chemistry, his M.Ed. in Adult and Higher Education Administration, and M.S.S. in Strategic Leadership and his Ed.D. in Educational Administration. Dr. Corbett's interest are student retention and academic success.

	Denise Peterson, Ed.D. Assistant Director SMC 120 Denise.Peterson@sdstate.edu Dr. Peterson teaches courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level in the College of General Studies and the College of Education. She also provides support in advising students. She assists the Dean of the College of General Studies with the daily operations including scheduling of courses, assessment, and overseeing Graduate Assistants. Dr. Peterson researches in the area of group dynamics and student engagement. Associate Professor of Education and Counseling Appointed 1997 Ranked 1998 B.A., University of South Dakota, 1986 M.A., 1988 Ed.D., 1998

	Kathie Erdman, Ed.D. Assistant Professor/Career Development Specialist SMC 120 Kathie.Erdman@sdstate.edu Dr. Erdman provides students with individual career counseling and assessment at the College of General Studies and teaches two courses in General Studies (GS 101, Academic & Career Exploration and GS 143, Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills). In addition, she advises students who are undeclared. Dr. Erdman is an active member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), the American College Personnel Association (ACPA), the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the National Career Development Association (NCDA), and the South Dakota College Personnel Association (SDCPA). Dr. Erdman received her M.S. in Counseling/College Student Development from Mankato State University and her Ed.D. in Educational Administration/Adult and Higher Education from The University of South Dakota. Her experiences include various career center, first-year experience, admissions, and orientation roles. She joined the SDSU community in 1994. Professional Interests: Academic Advising Student Success Online Instruction and Services

	Kami Kurtenbach Instructor/Academic Advisor SWE 306 Kami.Kurtenbach@sdstate.edu Ms. Kurtenbach is an Instructor for the College of General Studies teaching the following courses: GS 143 – Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills, GS 101 Career Exploration and GS 489 Transition to Careers. She is also an Advisor for General Studies students. Ms. Kurtenbach is also a career counselor and Strong Interest and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator administrator and interpreter. BS - Sociology (86), MEd (87) – Counseling, Guidance and College Student Personnel - both from South Dakota State University. Qualified Certification in Strong Interest Inventory Interpretation since 2004. Qualified Certification in Myers Briggs Type Indicator 2007. Member of South Dakota College Personnel Association (SDCPA). Member of NACADA Previously at University of Southern Colorado – Pueblo, CO. Assistant Director of Career and Counseling Center. Professional Interest Areas: Student Success College Student Retention MBTI & SII Applications Academic Advising

	Amy Pedersen Instructor/Academic Advisor SWE 310 Amy.Pedersen@sdstate.edu Ms. Pedersen is an instructor for GS 489 Transition to Career, GS 143 Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills, GS 101 Academic and Career Exploration and GS 100 University Experience courses. She also serves as an academic advisor for undeclared students within the College of General Studies. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies and Theatre from SDSU in 1990 and her Master of Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction in Adult and Higher Education from SDSU in August 2006.

	Susan Fredrikson Employment Development Director SMC 120 Susan.Fredrikson@sdstate.edu Employment Development Director in CAP Center since August 1994. Prior experience includes 7 years in Career Development Center at Mankato State University, 3 years as a career counselor in a private, not-for-profit center, and 3 years as a family counselor in a private not-for-profit center. Earned BA (Spanish major) in 1975 and M.Ed (Counseling, Guidance, and Personnel Services) in 1979. Both degrees are from SDSU. Current position entails overseeing services designed to increase students' success in connecting with employers for internship and post-graduation employment. These services include, employment readiness: resume development and interviewing skills; on-campus interviewing by employers; organizing events, such as Career Week and Student Employment Job Fair, and Practice with the Pros Day; and working cooperatively with departments to support their efforts in the employment area.

	Camilla (Cami) Veire Instructor/Academic Advisor Internship Coordinator SWE 308 Camilla.Veire@sdstate.edu Ms. Veire is currently an Instructor and Academic Advisor for students in the College of General Studies. She teaches GS 143 on campus and at the University Center in Sioux Falls. Ms. Veire also teaches GS 100. Additionally, she advises students with undeclared majors. Ms. Veire earned her B.S. in Sociology and Education from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and her M.S. in Counseling and Human Resource Development from South Dakota State University. Most recently, Ms. Veire has completed coursework in the M.B.A. program at the University of Sioux Falls. Her thesis is centered around the Growth and Learning Driver of the Balanced Scorecard – a Strategic Management Process. Prior to instructing at the College of General Studies, Ms. Veire has spent the past 10 years in leadership roles for various non-profit organizations in the areas of Development and Management. Prior to these assignments, Ms. Veire owned and operated her own Professional Speaking, Training and Consulting business. Ms. Veire is a member of the South Dakota College Personnel Association. She is certified as a BCR (Building Constituent Relationships) and MCR (Managing Constituent Relationships) Trainer. In addition, Ms. Veire is certified in the field of Management. Ms. Veire’s interests are student success and leadership.

	Traci Johnson Secretary SMC 120 Traci.Johnson@sdstate.edu Ms. Johnson began her career at South Dakota State University in 1989 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Office Administration from Southwest State University, now Southwest Minnesota State University. Over the years, she has provided service to the College of Engineering, College of Nursing, College of Education and Counseling, and now the College of General Studies. Ms. Johnson provides the first line of contact for the College of General Studies and provide support, specifically assisting with career and employment development events, and maintaining credential files for students/alumni.

	Carey Kilmer Sr. Computer Support Specialist SWC 224 Carey.Kilmer@sdstate.edu Ms. Kilmer has been with SDSU since July 2001 as Sr. Computer Support Specialist. She now serves a joint position with the College of General Studies and the Office of Continuing and Extended Education. She has earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies and is working towards a B.S. in Sociology.

Graduate Assistants:

	Ana Olson SMC 120 Ana.Olson@sdstate.edu

	Brian Eclov SMC 120 Brian.Eclov@sdstate.edu Mr. Eclov graduated from SDSU in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. After working as a radio personality for Brookings Radio for six years, he is now pursuing a Master of Science degree in Counseling. As a graduate assistant in the College of General Studies, Mr. Eclov advises students, instructs GS 100, conducts resume reviews and practice job interviews, and assists with various projects.

	Deborah Dyer SMC 120 Deborah.Dyer@sdstate.edu Mrs. Dyer graduated from Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, TX, in May 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Business with an emphasis in Human Services. After working in the business sector for 12 years, Mrs. Dyer is now pursuing a Master of Science degree in Counseling. As a Graduate assistant in the College of General Studies, Mrs. Dyer, provides administrative support to the College of General Studies, teaches GS 100, advises students, conducts practice interviews and resume reviews with students, and assists with various departmental projects.

	Nicole Bowen SMC 120 Nicole.Bowen@sdstate.edu Ms. Bowen graduated from SDSU in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. After working in Sioux Falls as a drug and alcohol counselor in the schools for six years, she is now pursuing a Master of Science degree in Counseling. As a graduate assistant in the College of General Studies, Ms. Bowen works with the team and assists with a variety of projects.

	Ryan Knigge Wintrode Success Center Ryan.Knigge@sdstate.edu Mr. Knigge graduated from SDSU in December, 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. He has worked for the College of General Studies since September, 2004, when he started his undergraduate degree. Mr. Knigge has also been involved with other SDSU student support services on campus. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling. As a Graduate Assistant in the College of General Studies, Mr. Knigge provides support to the Wintrode Tutoring Program, teaches GS 299 (Applied Peer Assistance Training Level 2), advises students with undeclared majors, and participates in student recruitment and retention programs.