Faculty and Staff Directory

A.A.S. in Computer-Aided Drafting at Western Dakota Technical Institute

B.S. in Technical Occupations at Chadron State College

Bio: 
Todd Anderson, Program Co-director for the Architectural and Engineering Technology Program, is an architectural and civil design instructor specializing in the Autodesk’s AutoCAD, Revit and Civil 3D software. He received an A.A.S. in Computer-Aided Drafting from Western Dakota Technical Institute and a Bachelor's degree in Technical Occupations from Chadron State College.

Anderson has worked in the Architectural Design industry for nearly three decades and has experience that spans multiple disciplines including the casino industry, and both residential and commercial building design. Throughout his career, he has helped with the design for over 100 casinos across the US, Canada and Mexico and has collaborated on many architectural design projects in and around the Black Hills area.

B.S. in Marketing at University of Wyoming  

A.A.S. in Medical Laboratory Technology at Mitchell Technical Institute  

B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science at South Dakota State University

Bio:
Megan Ball has worked as a Medical Lab Technician since graduating from Mitchell Technical College in 2005. She later completed her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from South Dakota State University. In addition to being an MLT, Ball has been employed in various leadership roles including Lead Tech, Credentialled Trainer, Education Specialist, and Medical Laboratory Scientist. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.

B.S. in Nursing at University of Arkansas for Medical Science

M.S. in Nursing at University of Cincinnati

Doctor of Nursing Practice at Frontier Nursing University

Dr. Jennifer Bonner joined the faculty at Western Dakota Technical College in March 2022. She received her B.S. in Nursing from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2009, M.S. in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 2012 and M.S. in Midwifery from Frontier Nursing University in 2017, then her DNP in 2019 from Frontier. She has spent most of her nursing career in L&D and Postpartum, then as a Certified Nurse Midwife she enjoyed providing care for the women of the Black Hills and surrounding areas at Rapid City OB/GYN. She currently serves as the Program Director for the Medical Assisting program and teaches within the RN and LPN programs. 

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)

B.S. in Secondary English Education at BH State University  

M.A. in English Literature at Colorado State University

Bio:
Timmi Bubac has a Bachelor’s degree in secondary English education from Black Hills State University and a Master’s degree in English Literature from Colorado State University. She taught English in the public schools in Colorado and College Composition courses for Colorado State University while attending graduate school. Most recently, Bubac taught English at Stevens High School.

Doctorate In Ecology from University of Alberta

Master’s in Integrative Genomics from Black Hills State University

Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Sciences from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

A.A.S. in Dental Assisting at San Joaquin Valley College

Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies from Southern New Hampshire University

Bio:
Rachael Burchell earned an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from South Central College in Minnesota and an Associate’s degree in Dental Assisting from San Joaquin Valley College in California. She is a Certified Dental Assistant with more than 10 years of experience in that role and most recently as an Office Manager.

M.A. Nursing at Western Governor’s University
B.A. in Nursing at University of Texas at Tyler

Bachelors in Agronomy and Seed Science from Iowa State University

Bachelor of General Studies at Black Hills State University

A.A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant at San Juan College

B.S. in Business Administration at University of New Mexico

M.S. in Higher Education at Walden University

M.B.A. in Business Administration at American Public University School

B.S. in Business Administration, Tourism, and Hospitality at Black Hills State University

A.S. in Computer Technology at Black Hills State University

B.S. in Accounting at Southwest State University

C.P.A.

Bio:
Mary R. Duncan, CPA, CGMA, has been an Adjunct Accounting Instructor at  Western Dakota Tech since 2018.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southwest Minnesota State University and has been a Certified Public Accountant for more than 33 years. Duncan worked in public accounting for 15 years, where she did auditing, tax preparation and financial statements.  She was also the CFO of a non-profit community mental health center for 10 years, prior to becoming the Accounting Manager for the Rapid City Area School District - a position she has been in for the last 12 years. Duncan is a member of the South Dakota CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

NASFAA Cost of Attendance Credential

B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing at Slippery Rock University

M.B.A. in Business Administration at National American University

B.A. in Industrial Technology with emphasis in Drafting at Chadron State College

Master in Cyber Security, Maryville University

Bio:

John Geiman is the Computer Science Program Director. He has worked at WDTC since February 2016. He has a Bachelor’s degree, Composite Major in Industrial Arts with an emphasis in Teaching Methods, Electronics and Drafting, from Chadron State College. Geiman recently earned a Master’s degree in Cyber Security from Maryville University. He has 24 years of experience in the Computer Science field.

B.A. in Human Services & Sociology at Black Hills State University
M.A. in Psychology at University of the Rockies
M.A.  in Business Administration at National American University

A.A.S. in Industrial Controls from Western Dakota Technical College
A.A.S. in Electrical Technology from Southeast Technical College

Bio:
Thomas Gravatt acquired an Electronics Technology degree from Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls in 2011. He continued his education at Western Dakota Technical College and received a degree in Industrial Wiring in 2013.

Gravatt began his apprenticeship in Bozeman, Mont. He passed his Journeyman exam in 2019 and has more than 21,000 hours of electrical experience in the field. He has wired in industrial, commercial, and residential properties. His industrial experience includes the Bakken Oilfields, backup generators, and manufacturing. His commercial experience includes hotels, urgent cares, offices, and the Yellowstone Club Party Barn. His residential experience includes tiny homes, large custom homes, large multi-family dwelling units, etc. Tom began teaching for the WDTC Electrical Trades program in 2024.

B.A. in Music Education at Black Hills State University

B.S. in Sociology at SD State University

M.S. in Agency and School Counseling at SD State University 

A.A.S. in Engineering Technology Southwestern Illinois College – Benton LA

Essentials in Clinical Simulations Certificate -George Washington University

CHSOS – Certified Healthcare Simulation Operation Specialist

A.A.S. Nursing from Miles City Community College

B.A. in General Studies at Southern New Hampshire University

A.A.S. in Pharmacy Technician Program at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield, CA

A.A.S. in Dental Assisting Program at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield, CA

Bio:
Chanin Hartnett is the Director of the Dental Assisting program. She has register dental assisting certification in California and South Dakota, is a Certified Dental Assistant through DANB, and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Hartnett has been teaching in the Business and Dental programs since 2011 and brings five years of work experience in Dentistry.

B.A. in Architecture from South Dakota State University

Bachelor of Science in Sociology from South Dakota State University

Master of Arts in Sociology from Sam Houston State University

B.S. in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University

Master’s in Criminal Justice from University of Cincinnati

B.S. in Education at Black Hills State University

M.A. in Educational Administration at University of South Dakota

Bio:
Krista Kirst has a Bachelor’s degree in secondary history education from Black Hills State University and more than five years of high school teaching experience. She also has a background in health care working at Rapid City Regional Hospital/Monument in their OB Unit. Kirst is certified in CPR, CNA, First Aid, Medication Aid and Prevention Intervention.

A.A.S. in Electronics at North Dakota State College of Science

B.A. in Business Administration at Minot State University

M.A. in Administration at Central Michigan University

Doctorate in Education Administration at University of South Dakota

Bachelor’s in Accounting/Marketing from Northern State University

A.A.S. in Business Management at University of Phoenix

James S. Loverich, Program Co-Director for the Architectural and Engineering Technology Program, is a Mechanical Engineering Technology instructor specializing in PTC Creo, Autodesk AutoCAD, and Autodesk Fusion 360. A graduate of Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's degree in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Tech, he is a Registered Professional Engineer in South Dakota. With a decade-long career as a mechanical engineer at Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Wellstream, Inc., Sanmina-SCI, and RPM and Associates, Loverich transitioned to teaching in 2008.

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

NASFAA Cost of Attendance Credential

A.A.S. in Registered Nursing at WDTC

B.S. in Nursing at Chamberlain University

B.S. in Elementary Education from University of South Dakota
Dental Assisting Certificate from Rio Salado College

B.S. in Mathematics at University of Wyoming

M.A. in Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

B.S. in Education at South Dakota State University

M.A in Education at Concordia University

Bachelors in Business Administration specializing in Human Resource Management
SHRM-CP
SHRM PASC

A.A.S. in Practical Nursing from Western Nebraska Community College

A.D. in Nursing from University of South Dakota

B.S. in Nursing from Walden University

Bio:
Cozy Petersen began her nursing career in 1991 as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then advanced through LPN and ADN to BSN. Her nursing experience includes Geriatrics, Home Health, Labor and Delivery, New-Born Nursery, Med/Surg, Ortho/Neuro, Operating Room, Dialysis, Clinical Instructor and Outpatient clinics. Petersen has also worked in leadership positions including Director of Nursing, Charge Nurse, and Preceptor. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.

B.S. in Criminal Justice at Ferris State University

M.S. in Administration – Criminal Justice Studies at University of South Dakota

Master’s in Fisheries Science from South Dakota State University

Bachelor’s in Wildlife & Fisheries from South Dakota State University

Associates in Environmental Studies from Iowa Lakes Community College

Bursars Lite Professional Certificate

Bachelor’s in Education from Black Hills State University
Master’s in Education from South Dakota State University

Olimpia Tilles has been teaching at Western Dakota Tech since 2017. She started her educational leadership career at Tallahassee Community College, Florida in 2013. With a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Tilles progressed from a Human Resources Specialist to a Business Analyst of Human Capital Management, in the Information and Technology Department. Tilles has a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She has worked as an instructor at Tallahassee Community College and Bryant and Stratton College - Online, and Black Hills State University. Tilles is a recipient of the National Association of African American Studies and Affiliates National Conference Award (2017), Florida A&M University Graduate Studies and Research Poster Competition (2015), Golden Key International Honor Society (2015), and the Holmes Scholars Organization Membership (2015). She  is currently an affiliate of several national educational and research organizations.

With more than 25 years of machining and fabrication experience, Urban has owned and operated his own business providing custom machining, fabrication, and manufacturing services to several industries. He has manufactured products for the Homestake Mine, as well as for the agricultural, logging, aviation, motorcycle, and advanced metal processing industries. His experience spans the spectrum of conventional and CNC machining and the use of CAD/CAM systems.

A.A.S. in Sociology at Gainesville State College

A.A.S. in Intelligence Operations Support at Cochise College

B.A. in Sociology at University of Georgia

M.A. in Theological Studies at Liberty University

CompTIA Security+ Certified

B.S. in Nursing at University of Arkansas for Medical Science

M.S. in Nursing at University of Cincinnati

Doctor of Nursing Practice at Frontier Nursing University

Dr. Jennifer Bonner joined the faculty at Western Dakota Technical College in March 2022. She received her B.S. in Nursing from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2009, M.S. in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 2012 and M.S. in Midwifery from Frontier Nursing University in 2017, then her DNP in 2019 from Frontier. She has spent most of her nursing career in L&D and Postpartum, then as a Certified Nurse Midwife she enjoyed providing care for the women of the Black Hills and surrounding areas at Rapid City OB/GYN. She currently serves as the Program Director for the Medical Assisting program and teaches within the RN and LPN programs. 

Doctorate In Ecology from University of Alberta

Master’s in Integrative Genomics from Black Hills State University

Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Sciences from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

M.A. Nursing at Western Governor’s University
B.A. in Nursing at University of Texas at Tyler

M.B.A. in Business Administration at American Public University School

B.S. in Business Administration, Tourism, and Hospitality at Black Hills State University

A.S. in Computer Technology at Black Hills State University

B.S. in Accounting at Southwest State University

C.P.A.

Bio:
Mary R. Duncan, CPA, CGMA, has been an Adjunct Accounting Instructor at  Western Dakota Tech since 2018.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southwest Minnesota State University and has been a Certified Public Accountant for more than 33 years. Duncan worked in public accounting for 15 years, where she did auditing, tax preparation and financial statements.  She was also the CFO of a non-profit community mental health center for 10 years, prior to becoming the Accounting Manager for the Rapid City Area School District - a position she has been in for the last 12 years. Duncan is a member of the South Dakota CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing at Slippery Rock University

M.B.A. in Business Administration at National American University

B.S. in Sociology at SD State University

M.S. in Agency and School Counseling at SD State University 

A.A.S. Nursing from Miles City Community College

B.A. in Architecture from South Dakota State University

A.A.S. in Electronics at North Dakota State College of Science

B.A. in Business Administration at Minot State University

M.A. in Administration at Central Michigan University

Doctorate in Education Administration at University of South Dakota

A.A.S. in Registered Nursing at WDTC

B.S. in Nursing at Chamberlain University

B.S. in Elementary Education from University of South Dakota
Dental Assisting Certificate from Rio Salado College

B.S. in Education at South Dakota State University

M.A in Education at Concordia University

B.S. in Criminal Justice at Ferris State University

M.S. in Administration – Criminal Justice Studies at University of South Dakota

Bachelor’s in Education from Black Hills State University
Master’s in Education from South Dakota State University

Olimpia Tilles has been teaching at Western Dakota Tech since 2017. She started her educational leadership career at Tallahassee Community College, Florida in 2013. With a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Tilles progressed from a Human Resources Specialist to a Business Analyst of Human Capital Management, in the Information and Technology Department. Tilles has a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She has worked as an instructor at Tallahassee Community College and Bryant and Stratton College - Online, and Black Hills State University. Tilles is a recipient of the National Association of African American Studies and Affiliates National Conference Award (2017), Florida A&M University Graduate Studies and Research Poster Competition (2015), Golden Key International Honor Society (2015), and the Holmes Scholars Organization Membership (2015). She  is currently an affiliate of several national educational and research organizations.

A.A.S. in Sociology at Gainesville State College

A.A.S. in Intelligence Operations Support at Cochise College

B.A. in Sociology at University of Georgia

M.A. in Theological Studies at Liberty University

CompTIA Security+ Certified

Bachelor of Science in Sociology from South Dakota State University

Master of Arts in Sociology from Sam Houston State University

Bachelor of Science in Sociology from South Dakota State University

Master of Arts in Sociology from Sam Houston State University

A.A.S. in Business Management at University of Phoenix

Bursars Lite Professional Certificate

B.A. in Music Education at Black Hills State University

B.S. in Marketing at University of Wyoming  

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

NASFAA Cost of Attendance Credential

B.A. in Human Services & Sociology at Black Hills State University
M.A. in Psychology at University of the Rockies
M.A.  in Business Administration at National American University

B.S. in Education at Black Hills State University

M.A. in Educational Administration at University of South Dakota

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

NASFAA Cost of Attendance Credential

B.S. in Mathematics at University of Wyoming

M.A. in Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

A.A.S. in Computer-Aided Drafting at Western Dakota Technical Institute

B.S. in Technical Occupations at Chadron State College

Bio: 
Todd Anderson, Program Co-director for the Architectural and Engineering Technology Program, is an architectural and civil design instructor specializing in the Autodesk’s AutoCAD, Revit and Civil 3D software. He received an A.A.S. in Computer-Aided Drafting from Western Dakota Technical Institute and a Bachelor's degree in Technical Occupations from Chadron State College.

Anderson has worked in the Architectural Design industry for nearly three decades and has experience that spans multiple disciplines including the casino industry, and both residential and commercial building design. Throughout his career, he has helped with the design for over 100 casinos across the US, Canada and Mexico and has collaborated on many architectural design projects in and around the Black Hills area.

A.A.S. in Medical Laboratory Technology at Mitchell Technical Institute  

B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science at South Dakota State University

Bio:
Megan Ball has worked as a Medical Lab Technician since graduating from Mitchell Technical College in 2005. She later completed her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from South Dakota State University. In addition to being an MLT, Ball has been employed in various leadership roles including Lead Tech, Credentialled Trainer, Education Specialist, and Medical Laboratory Scientist. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.

B.S. in Nursing at University of Arkansas for Medical Science

M.S. in Nursing at University of Cincinnati

Doctor of Nursing Practice at Frontier Nursing University

Dr. Jennifer Bonner joined the faculty at Western Dakota Technical College in March 2022. She received her B.S. in Nursing from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2009, M.S. in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 2012 and M.S. in Midwifery from Frontier Nursing University in 2017, then her DNP in 2019 from Frontier. She has spent most of her nursing career in L&D and Postpartum, then as a Certified Nurse Midwife she enjoyed providing care for the women of the Black Hills and surrounding areas at Rapid City OB/GYN. She currently serves as the Program Director for the Medical Assisting program and teaches within the RN and LPN programs. 

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)

Doctorate In Ecology from University of Alberta

Master’s in Integrative Genomics from Black Hills State University

Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Sciences from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

B.S. in Secondary English Education at BH State University  

M.A. in English Literature at Colorado State University

Bio:
Timmi Bubac has a Bachelor’s degree in secondary English education from Black Hills State University and a Master’s degree in English Literature from Colorado State University. She taught English in the public schools in Colorado and College Composition courses for Colorado State University while attending graduate school. Most recently, Bubac taught English at Stevens High School.

A.A.S. in Dental Assisting at San Joaquin Valley College

Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies from Southern New Hampshire University

Bio:
Rachael Burchell earned an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from South Central College in Minnesota and an Associate’s degree in Dental Assisting from San Joaquin Valley College in California. She is a Certified Dental Assistant with more than 10 years of experience in that role and most recently as an Office Manager.

M.A. Nursing at Western Governor’s University
B.A. in Nursing at University of Texas at Tyler

M.B.A. in Business Administration at American Public University School

B.S. in Business Administration, Tourism, and Hospitality at Black Hills State University

A.S. in Computer Technology at Black Hills State University

B.S. in Accounting at Southwest State University

C.P.A.

Bio:
Mary R. Duncan, CPA, CGMA, has been an Adjunct Accounting Instructor at  Western Dakota Tech since 2018.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southwest Minnesota State University and has been a Certified Public Accountant for more than 33 years. Duncan worked in public accounting for 15 years, where she did auditing, tax preparation and financial statements.  She was also the CFO of a non-profit community mental health center for 10 years, prior to becoming the Accounting Manager for the Rapid City Area School District - a position she has been in for the last 12 years. Duncan is a member of the South Dakota CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing at Slippery Rock University

M.B.A. in Business Administration at National American University

B.A. in Industrial Technology with emphasis in Drafting at Chadron State College

Master in Cyber Security, Maryville University

Bio:

John Geiman is the Computer Science Program Director. He has worked at WDTC since February 2016. He has a Bachelor’s degree, Composite Major in Industrial Arts with an emphasis in Teaching Methods, Electronics and Drafting, from Chadron State College. Geiman recently earned a Master’s degree in Cyber Security from Maryville University. He has 24 years of experience in the Computer Science field.

A.A.S. in Industrial Controls from Western Dakota Technical College
A.A.S. in Electrical Technology from Southeast Technical College

Bio:
Thomas Gravatt acquired an Electronics Technology degree from Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls in 2011. He continued his education at Western Dakota Technical College and received a degree in Industrial Wiring in 2013.

Gravatt began his apprenticeship in Bozeman, Mont. He passed his Journeyman exam in 2019 and has more than 21,000 hours of electrical experience in the field. He has wired in industrial, commercial, and residential properties. His industrial experience includes the Bakken Oilfields, backup generators, and manufacturing. His commercial experience includes hotels, urgent cares, offices, and the Yellowstone Club Party Barn. His residential experience includes tiny homes, large custom homes, large multi-family dwelling units, etc. Tom began teaching for the WDTC Electrical Trades program in 2024.

B.S. in Sociology at SD State University

M.S. in Agency and School Counseling at SD State University 

A.A.S. Nursing from Miles City Community College

B.A. in General Studies at Southern New Hampshire University

A.A.S. in Pharmacy Technician Program at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield, CA

A.A.S. in Dental Assisting Program at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield, CA

Bio:
Chanin Hartnett is the Director of the Dental Assisting program. She has register dental assisting certification in California and South Dakota, is a Certified Dental Assistant through DANB, and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Hartnett has been teaching in the Business and Dental programs since 2011 and brings five years of work experience in Dentistry.

B.A. in Architecture from South Dakota State University

B.S. in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University

Master’s in Criminal Justice from University of Cincinnati

A.A.S. in Electronics at North Dakota State College of Science

B.A. in Business Administration at Minot State University

M.A. in Administration at Central Michigan University

Doctorate in Education Administration at University of South Dakota

Bachelor’s in Accounting/Marketing from Northern State University

James S. Loverich, Program Co-Director for the Architectural and Engineering Technology Program, is a Mechanical Engineering Technology instructor specializing in PTC Creo, Autodesk AutoCAD, and Autodesk Fusion 360. A graduate of Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's degree in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Tech, he is a Registered Professional Engineer in South Dakota. With a decade-long career as a mechanical engineer at Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Wellstream, Inc., Sanmina-SCI, and RPM and Associates, Loverich transitioned to teaching in 2008.

B.S. in Elementary Education from University of South Dakota
Dental Assisting Certificate from Rio Salado College

A.A.S. in Practical Nursing from Western Nebraska Community College

A.D. in Nursing from University of South Dakota

B.S. in Nursing from Walden University

Bio:
Cozy Petersen began her nursing career in 1991 as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then advanced through LPN and ADN to BSN. Her nursing experience includes Geriatrics, Home Health, Labor and Delivery, New-Born Nursery, Med/Surg, Ortho/Neuro, Operating Room, Dialysis, Clinical Instructor and Outpatient clinics. Petersen has also worked in leadership positions including Director of Nursing, Charge Nurse, and Preceptor. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.

B.S. in Criminal Justice at Ferris State University

M.S. in Administration – Criminal Justice Studies at University of South Dakota

Master’s in Fisheries Science from South Dakota State University

Bachelor’s in Wildlife & Fisheries from South Dakota State University

Associates in Environmental Studies from Iowa Lakes Community College

Bachelor’s in Education from Black Hills State University
Master’s in Education from South Dakota State University

With more than 25 years of machining and fabrication experience, Urban has owned and operated his own business providing custom machining, fabrication, and manufacturing services to several industries. He has manufactured products for the Homestake Mine, as well as for the agricultural, logging, aviation, motorcycle, and advanced metal processing industries. His experience spans the spectrum of conventional and CNC machining and the use of CAD/CAM systems.

A.A.S. in Sociology at Gainesville State College

A.A.S. in Intelligence Operations Support at Cochise College

B.A. in Sociology at University of Georgia

M.A. in Theological Studies at Liberty University

CompTIA Security+ Certified

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

NASFAA Cost of Attendance Credential

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

NASFAA Cost of Attendance Credential

NASFAA Federal Pell Grant Credential

A.A.S. in Computer-Aided Drafting at Western Dakota Technical Institute

B.S. in Technical Occupations at Chadron State College

Bio: 
Todd Anderson, Program Co-director for the Architectural and Engineering Technology Program, is an architectural and civil design instructor specializing in the Autodesk’s AutoCAD, Revit and Civil 3D software. He received an A.A.S. in Computer-Aided Drafting from Western Dakota Technical Institute and a Bachelor's degree in Technical Occupations from Chadron State College.

Anderson has worked in the Architectural Design industry for nearly three decades and has experience that spans multiple disciplines including the casino industry, and both residential and commercial building design. Throughout his career, he has helped with the design for over 100 casinos across the US, Canada and Mexico and has collaborated on many architectural design projects in and around the Black Hills area.

A.A.S. in Medical Laboratory Technology at Mitchell Technical Institute  

B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science at South Dakota State University

Bio:
Megan Ball has worked as a Medical Lab Technician since graduating from Mitchell Technical College in 2005. She later completed her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from South Dakota State University. In addition to being an MLT, Ball has been employed in various leadership roles including Lead Tech, Credentialled Trainer, Education Specialist, and Medical Laboratory Scientist. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)

B.S. in Secondary English Education at BH State University  

M.A. in English Literature at Colorado State University

Bio:
Timmi Bubac has a Bachelor’s degree in secondary English education from Black Hills State University and a Master’s degree in English Literature from Colorado State University. She taught English in the public schools in Colorado and College Composition courses for Colorado State University while attending graduate school. Most recently, Bubac taught English at Stevens High School.

A.A.S. in Dental Assisting at San Joaquin Valley College

Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies from Southern New Hampshire University

Bio:
Rachael Burchell earned an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from South Central College in Minnesota and an Associate’s degree in Dental Assisting from San Joaquin Valley College in California. She is a Certified Dental Assistant with more than 10 years of experience in that role and most recently as an Office Manager.

B.A. in Industrial Technology with emphasis in Drafting at Chadron State College

Master in Cyber Security, Maryville University

Bio:

John Geiman is the Computer Science Program Director. He has worked at WDTC since February 2016. He has a Bachelor’s degree, Composite Major in Industrial Arts with an emphasis in Teaching Methods, Electronics and Drafting, from Chadron State College. Geiman recently earned a Master’s degree in Cyber Security from Maryville University. He has 24 years of experience in the Computer Science field.

A.A.S. in Industrial Controls from Western Dakota Technical College
A.A.S. in Electrical Technology from Southeast Technical College

Bio:
Thomas Gravatt acquired an Electronics Technology degree from Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls in 2011. He continued his education at Western Dakota Technical College and received a degree in Industrial Wiring in 2013.

Gravatt began his apprenticeship in Bozeman, Mont. He passed his Journeyman exam in 2019 and has more than 21,000 hours of electrical experience in the field. He has wired in industrial, commercial, and residential properties. His industrial experience includes the Bakken Oilfields, backup generators, and manufacturing. His commercial experience includes hotels, urgent cares, offices, and the Yellowstone Club Party Barn. His residential experience includes tiny homes, large custom homes, large multi-family dwelling units, etc. Tom began teaching for the WDTC Electrical Trades program in 2024.

B.A. in General Studies at Southern New Hampshire University

A.A.S. in Pharmacy Technician Program at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield, CA

A.A.S. in Dental Assisting Program at San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield, CA

Bio:
Chanin Hartnett is the Director of the Dental Assisting program. She has register dental assisting certification in California and South Dakota, is a Certified Dental Assistant through DANB, and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Hartnett has been teaching in the Business and Dental programs since 2011 and brings five years of work experience in Dentistry.

B.S. in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University

Master’s in Criminal Justice from University of Cincinnati

Bachelor’s in Accounting/Marketing from Northern State University

James S. Loverich, Program Co-Director for the Architectural and Engineering Technology Program, is a Mechanical Engineering Technology instructor specializing in PTC Creo, Autodesk AutoCAD, and Autodesk Fusion 360. A graduate of Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's degree in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Tech, he is a Registered Professional Engineer in South Dakota. With a decade-long career as a mechanical engineer at Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Wellstream, Inc., Sanmina-SCI, and RPM and Associates, Loverich transitioned to teaching in 2008.

A.A.S. in Practical Nursing from Western Nebraska Community College

A.D. in Nursing from University of South Dakota

B.S. in Nursing from Walden University

Bio:
Cozy Petersen began her nursing career in 1991 as a Certified Nursing Assistant and then advanced through LPN and ADN to BSN. Her nursing experience includes Geriatrics, Home Health, Labor and Delivery, New-Born Nursery, Med/Surg, Ortho/Neuro, Operating Room, Dialysis, Clinical Instructor and Outpatient clinics. Petersen has also worked in leadership positions including Director of Nursing, Charge Nurse, and Preceptor. She began teaching at Western Dakota Technical College in 2023.