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WDT announces spring 2013 Dean's List

The following Western Dakota Tech students have been named to the WDT Dean's List for the spring 2013 semester. To qualify, students must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 30 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology. More than 98 percent of WDT's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or serving in the military, and 90 percent remain in South Dakota.

WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make real and immediate contributions to their employers and their communities.

For information about, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to admissions@wdt.edu. Visit WDT on the web at www.wdt.edu.

Aberdeen: Eric Heier, Computer Science; Armour: Terri Fields, Computer Aided Drafting; Bell Fourche: Jamie Porter, Medical Assisting; Valerie Austin, Medical Assisting; Daniel Gentrup, Computer Science; Andrew Harvey, Environmental Engineering Tech; Kristen Nixon, Practical Nursing; Black Hawk: Dawn Bear, Pharmacy Technician; Sarah Davis, Environmental Engineering Tech; Jacquelyn Hopkins, Practical Nursing; Amanda Oliver, Welding Manufacturing; Amber Peterson, Allied Health; Becky Pitts, Practical Nursing; Brandon Pincham, Business; Box Elder: Erin Atkins, Paralegal/Legal Assistant; Debra Barta, Health Information Management; Anthony Blackmon, Collision Repair; Miranda Bridges, Practical Nursing; Christopher Butler, Welding Manufacturing; Shane Dixon, Electrical Trades; Ciera Ehly, Pharmacy Technician; Katelyn Eichner, Practical Nursing; Anastacia Gonzalez-Ramey, Pharmacy Technician; Mae Heikkinen, Law Enforcement Technology; Adam Monington, Transportation Technology; William Overturff, Welding Manufacturing; Zach Palmer, Electrical Trades; Steven Peters, Programming and Computer Network-Programming; Mindy Peterson, Library Technician; Shawna Pratt, Paramedic; Debra Rice, Accounting; Angela Sanney, Practical Nursing; William Schreifels, Collision Repair; Anson Terry, Welding Manufacturing; Amanda Todd, Pharmacy Technician; Brookings: Tim Austin, Fire Science; Buffalo: Caleb Davis, Computer Science; Central City: Tracy Yeargan, Practical Nursing; Colome: Cole Shippy, Transportation Technology; Custer: Pamela Nichols, Business Management & Marketing; Caitlan Nielsen, Medical Assisting; Samantha Pechota, Allied Health; Matthew Ramsey, Paramedic; Christopher Talley, Welding Manufacturing; Deadwood: Jessica Fierro, Practical Nursing; Whitney Saivong, Phlebotomy; Ellsworth AFB: Ashley Keeler, Pharmacy Technician; Ashley Miller, Medical Assisting; Melinda Turner, Practical Nursing; Jennifer Voight-Gray, Accounting; Fruitdale: Victoria Pickett, Programming and Computer Networking-Network Administration; Gillette: Courtney Ryno, Practical Nursing; Jordan Stauffacher, Practical Nursing; Hermosa: Michael Foss, Welding Manufacturing; Tenaya Gibson, Practical Nursing; Neal Svenson, Business; Hettinger, N.D.: Dylan Chadwick, Electrical Trades; Hot Springs: Drew Hill, Fire Science; Katria Hotz, Fire Science; Tonya Jensen, Practical Nursing; Huron: James Hess, Transportation Technology; Lake Andes: Colter Florey, Fire Science; Lead: Desiree Phinney, Phlebotomy; Merriman, Neb.: Mitchel Hopper, Electrical Trades; Midland: Brandon Dale, Transportation Technology; Mission: Shauna Gentry, Pharmacy Technician; Mitchell: Lexi Pletten, Health Unit Coordinator/PCT; Nemo: Jeffrey Bechard, Computer Aided Drafting; New Underwood: Darryl Meadows, Medical Assisting; Sara Vance, Practical Nursing; Newcastle: Peyton Messmer, Electrical Trades; Nisland: Brad Reid, Electrical Trades; Brodie Shaykett, Transportation Technology; Oglala: Ryan McLaughlin, Electrical Trades; Piedmont: Maggie Fulton, Health Information Management; Angelica Givens, Practical Nursing; Danelle Lambert, Practical Nursing; Rapid City: Misti Acevedo, Pharmacy Technician; Jarrod Anderson, Electrical Trades; Kristopher Anderson, Non-degree Seeking; Misty Anderson, Phlebotomy; Krista Andrews, Medical Assisting; Dustin Armstrong, Non-degree Seeking; Heather Arnold, Accounting; Matthew Ashley, Fire Science; Randy Bailey, Electrical Trades; Michael Baird, Computer Science; Deidra Barclay, Phlebotomy; Cathy Barnes, Paramedic; John Barnes, Surgical Tech; Adam Bartling, Electrical Trades; Rachel Berg, Paralegal/Legal Assistant; Kevin Bergman, Environmental Engineering Tech; Braden Bilyeu, Paralegal/Legal Assistant; Jory Blair, Electrical Trades; Thomas Bottomley, Electrical Trades; George Bradstream, Programming and Computer Network-Network Administration; Christopher Brubaker, Non-degree Seeking; Heather Burton, Practical Nursing; Rebbecca Campbell, Business Management & Marketing; Paula Carroll, Practical Nursing; Samantha Castilleja, Practical Nursing; Raven Chilarski, Practical Nursing; Brianna Christopherson, Business; Tyler Claymore, Computer Science; Christal Collins, Environmental Engineering Tech; Jessica Cook, Allied Health; Wendy Cook, Practical Nursing; Debra Culp, Library Technician; Christina Culverhouse, Accounting; Chad Curtis, Electrical Trades; Matthew Davalos, Environmental Engineering Tech; Dean Day, Fire Science; Thelma Delachevrotiere, Pharmacy Technician; Jacob Dillon, Transportation Technology; Garrett Dixon, Fire Science; Mary Dooley, Health Unit Coordinator/PCT; Devin Duval, Computer Aided Drafting; Lindsey Eisenbraun, Medical Assisting; Matt Erickson, Programming and Computer Network-Network Administration; John Etchison, Environmental Engineering Tech; Jacob Fischer, Transportation Technology; Sean Fischer, Non-degree Seeking; Angel Flying Hawk, Medical Assisting; Hannah Franz, Programming and Computer Network-Programming; Abby Freideman, Practical Nursing; Nathan Gjovik, Welding Manufacturing; Tara Godsey, Phlebotomy; Christopher Gollan, Business; Linda Gossel, Health Information Management; Brenda Graybill, Practical Nursing; Christopher Gregory, HVAC Technology; Tyler Guerrero, Electrical Trades; Kristen Handley, Practical Nursing; Jennie Harter, Practical Nursing; Julie Hatto, Pharmacy Technician; Teri Heavlin, Practical Nursing; Teressa Henry, Pharmacy Technician; Darci Herman, Practical Nursing; Mark Herrera, Fire Science; Melissa Herrera, Phlebotomy; Cody Heupel, Paramedic; Ryan Hirsch, Law Enforcement Technology; Emily Hirschman, Phlebotomy; Charissa Hitchcock, Accounting; Danny Holsworth, Welding Manufacturing; Autumn Holway, Allied Health; Troy Hopkins, Accounting; Marilyn Huckfeldt, Paralegal/Legal Assistant; Spencer Hull, Electrical Trades; Alexander Ingalls, Paramedic; Amy Jandreau, Practical Nursing; Scott Jungck, Non-degree Seeking; Colton Juso, Law Enforcement Technology; Steven Keller, Non-degree Seeking; Eugene Kerchenko, Transportation Technology; Cassie Kindred, Paralegal/Legal Assistant; Blake Klynsma, Computer Science; Bradley Kocmich, Fire Science; Melissa Konrad, Allied Health; Jon Konst, Library Technician; Tonya Kraye, Pharmacy Technician; Justin Ladenburger, Fire Science; Ashley LaPointe, Pharmacy Technician; Shawna Larsh, Practical Nursing; Jessica Linde, Pharmacy Technician; Jayme Lopez, Medical Assisting; Nathan Mahle, Transportation Technology; Sherral Marrowbone, Medical Assisting; Karelyn Mater, Electrical Trades; Elizabeth Mathews, Business Management & Marketing; Crystal May, Medical Assisting; Darian McDonald, Phlebotomy; Matthew McTee, Computer Aided Drafting; Meagan Michaels, Paramedic; Melissa Milligan, Pharmacy Technician; Tara Mize, Medical Assisting; Stephanie Moninger, Practical Nursing; Steven Moore, Computer Science; Antonio Morales-Padilla, Collision Repair; Jana Morris, Environmental Engineering Tech; Jacob Mueller, Law Enforcement Technology; Clayton Ness, Fire Science; Katie Nesseth, Practical Nursing; Christiana New Holy, Allied Health; Jeramy Nunn, Electrical Trades; Paul Oddo, Fire Science; Joann Parks, Practical Nursing; Jay Pearson Jr, Programming and Application Development; Lynne Pedersen, Accounting; Lori Pendleton, Health Information Management; Christofer Perry, Paramedic; Joshua Peterson, Electrical Trades; Shannon Powell, Electrical Trades; Carolyn Priest, Practical Nursing; Jacob Ragels, Fire Science; Alexander Rasmussen, Non-degree Seeking; Derrick Rauch, Programming and Computer Network-Programming; Zachary Rehurek, Fire Science; Ryan Ricke, Non-degree Seeking; Alice Robertson, Business Management & Marketing; Kyla Rock, Practical Nursing; Sherry Rosenau, Practical Nursing; Virginia Roy-Daily, Paramedic; Slade Royalty, Environmental Engineering Tech; Jamie Scherbenske, Collision Repair; Brooke Scott, Allied Health; Matthew Scott, Electrical Trades; Tracy Shinost, Accounting; Dawn Sime, Health Information Management; Chacna Simmons, Health Unit Coordinator/PCT; Candance Smidt, Pharmacy Technician; Andrea Smith, Pharmacy Technician; Cody Smith, Paramedic; Jeremy Snyder, Accounting; Samantha Snyder, Surgical Tech; Brittney Sogge, Medical Assisting; Rachael Speas, Paralegal/Legal Assistant; Meghan Steele, Medical Assisting; Michael Stierwalt, Transportation Technology; Kurt Strouse, Computer Aided Drafting; Misti Taylor, Business; Shad Tenold, Paramedic; Veronica Terviel, Health Information Management; Ryan Thievin, Fire Science; Jessica Thomas, Paralegal/Legal Assistant; Ricardo Torres Negron, Transportation Technology; Shannon Torres-Negron, Law Enforcement Technology; Nathan Tripp, Law Enforcement Technology; Sally Uhrig, Accounting; Kayla Wagner, Practical Nursing; Kaylee Wagner, Pharmacy Technician; Carl Wahl, Phlebotomy; Brice Walters, Transportation Technology; Angie Weidenbach, Practical Nursing; Angie Westby, Surgical Tech; Daniel Williams, Computer Science; Christian Wolff, Electrical Trades; Robin Wynia, Paralegal/Legal Assistant; Erinn Yantes, Medical Assisting; David Zudis, Electrical Trades; Reva: Olaf Jerde, Welding Manufacturing; Roscoe: Rebekah Schroeder, Library Technician; Shadehill: Elizabeth Gunn, Library Technician; Spearfish: Nicholas Allender, Law Enforcement Technology; Susan Burnitt, Business Management & Marketing; Jansen Culver, Transportation Technology; Jordan Fremont, Business; Alison Gallagher, Accounting; Rebecca Garvin, Health Information Management; Leslie Grisham, Business Management & Marketing; Dorcas Holder, Practical Nursing; Stasha Kirk, Practical Nursing; Angelique Knie, Law Enforcement Technology; Celeste Magnusson, Practical Nursing; Richard Mendyka Jr., Law Enforcement Technology; Lois Owens, Surgical Tech; Sheldon Pino, Welding Manufacturing; Cole Weber, Electrical Trades; Heidi Zuercher, Surgical Tech; Sturgis: Brittany Droppers, Business; M'Kenzi Duprel, Practical Nursing; Serena Gray, Practical Nursing; Cathy Hostutler, Surgical Tech; Taylor Kreutz, Practical Nursing; Pamila Pawlowski, Accounting; Mayra Paz, Practical Nursing; Jack Robinson, Library Technician; Theodore Smith, Law Enforcement Technology; Summerset: Nicole Olson, Health Information Management; Sundance, Wyo.: Paul Johannesen, Welding Manufacturing; Waurika, Okla.: Jarod Lewis, Fire Science; Wheaton, Ill.: Matthew Peterson, Environmental Engineering Tech; White Owl: Morgan Austin, Practical Nursing; Whitewood: Adina Lesselyoung, Accounting; Joann Williamson, Accounting

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WDT adds five new diploma and degree options

Western Dakota Tech is addressing the needs of the workforce and students by starting five new diploma and associate of applied science degree programs. The South Dakota Board of Education approved the new programs Monday, May 20. The new programs begin in the fall 2013 semester that starts in August. WDT is accepting applications for all the degree options. The new programs:
  • Bookkeeping diploma
    • Program length: 2 semesters
    • Growth in number of positions (South Dakota): 9.1 percent
    • Average salary (Rapid City): $14.26/hour
  • Healthcare Technician diploma
    • Program length: 2 semesters
    • Growth in number of positions (South Dakota): 12.9 percent
    • Average salary (Rapid City): $11.78/hour
  • Pharmacy Technician associate of applied science degree
    • Program length: Five semesters
    • Growth in number of positions (South Dakota): 26.4 percent
    • Average salary (Rapid City): $15.49/hour
  • HVAC and Plumbing Technology associate of applied science degree
    • Program length: 4 semesters
    • Growth in number of HVAC positions (South Dakota): 23.3 percent
    • Average HVAC salary (Rapid City): $19.02/hour
    • Growth in number of plumbing positions (South Dakota): 10 percent
    • Average salary (Rapid City): $20.28/hour
  • Drafting and Machining associate of applied science degree
    • Program length: 4 semesters
    • Growth in number of mechanical drafting positions (South Dakota): 12.8 percent
    • Average mechanical drafting salary (Rapid City): $18.11/hour
    • Growth in number of machining positions (South Dakota): 13.8 percent
    • Average machinist salary (Rapid City): $17.61/hour
All the programs have been designed with industry input so the courses will provide the skills students need. "Skilled employees are needed in these fields," WDT President Mark Wilson said. "These programs will give students the skills they need to be successful in careers that are growing and in demand." Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 30 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology. More than 98 percent of WDT's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or serving in the military, and 90 percent remain in South Dakota. WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make real and immediate contributions to their employers and their communities. For information about WDT, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to admissions@wdt.edu. Visit WDT on the web at www.wdt.edu.

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Ten graduate from WDT Dental Assistant program

The Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Training Program at Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City held its 22nd annual graduation ceremony on May 14, 2013, for 10 graduates.

The 2013 graduates:

  • Madison Coleman of Rapid City; Sponsor: BH Pediatric Dentistry

  • Tahra Gonzales of Spearfish; Sponsor: Meyer Dana Dental

  • Amy Harvey of Belle Fourche; Sponsor: Nehl Dental

  • Courtni Jones of Rapid City; Sponsor: James Nelson, DDS

  • Kara Kveene of Rapid City; Sponsor: Harold Doerr, DDS

  • Amanda Rasmussen of Rapid City; Sponsor: Bart Samuelson , DDS

  • Hillary Steen of Rapid City; Sponsor: BH Pediatric Dentistry

  • Brandi Swanson of Custer; Sponsor: Destination Dentistry

  • Mary Williams of Rapid City; Sponsor: Center for Dental Excellence


Dr. Harold Doerr, who has practiced Periodontics in Rapid City for 27 years, was the commencement speaker. Dr. Doerr is a fellow of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He also has been awarded membership in the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration.

The next Dental Assistant program is scheduled for August 20, 2013 to May 13, 2014.

Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 30 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology. More than 98 percent of WDT's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or serving in the military, and 90 percent remain in South Dakota.

WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make real and immediate contributions to their employers and their communities.

For information about WDT, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to admissions@wdt.edu. Visit WDT on the web at www.wdt.edu.

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Seven graduate from WDT CDL program

Seven students graduated from the Professional Truck Driving Program at Western Dakota Tech on Thursday, May 16, 2013.

The graduates were Darin Cooper and Nathan Cross of Spearfish; Leonard Moralez, Mark O'Leary, and Robert Stiehl of Rapid City; Clifford Shoemaker of Summerset; and Christopher Schaeffer of Winner.

The students completed the six-week training CDL program and earned their South Dakota Class A commercial driver's licenses.

Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 30 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology. More than 98 percent of WDT's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or serving in the military, and 90 percent remain in South Dakota.

WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make real and immediate contributions to their employers and their communities.For information about WDT, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to admissions@wdt.edu. Visit WDT on the web at www.wdt.edu.

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Western Dakota Tech graduates 316 on May 18, 2013

Western Dakota Tech will honor 316 graduates during WDT's 45thCommencement, scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18, in the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena.

Graduates from more than 20 programs will receive degrees and diplomas as they culminate their studies and hard work.

"These graduates represent a trained and educated group of workers who will begin careers and make the western South Dakota region an even better place to live and work," WDT President Mark Wilson said. "This is a special day for the graduates and our communities."

Educator, motivational speaker, author, and accomplished runner Elaine Doll-Dunn will join WDT as commencement speaker. WDT also will present two important awards—Distinguished Service and Distinguished Alumni—during the ceremony.

Despite a recovering economy, many graduates secured degree-related employment before the ceremony because of a growing demand for skilled workers throughout the region. More than 98 percent of WDT's 2011-2012 graduates are either working, continuing their education, or serving in the military, and more than 90 percent remain in South Dakota.

"WDT's mission is to train students for the workforce," Wilson said. "Our placement rates show that our students are talented, skilled, and well-prepared for their careers."

The 2013 class pushes the total number of Western Dakota Tech graduates since 1968 to nearly 9,000.

"For more than 40 years, WDT graduates have joined our communities as leaders and built their careers around the skills and behaviors they learned here," Wilson said. "WDT always has—and will continue to have—a significant impact on our communities."

Other commencement activities include:

Friday, May 17:

  • Nursing Pinning Ceremony: WDT will honor graduates from the Practical Nursing program during a pinning ceremony at 10 a.m. in Room ABCD

  • WDT will honor its outstanding graduates and other award winners during the annual Awards Banquet scheduled for 6 p.m. in the WDT Commons.


Saturday, May 18

  • WDT will hold the annual Eagle Feather Ceremony at 9 a.m. in Room ABCD. This is a feathering ceremony to honor the Native American graduates and their accomplishments.


WDT invites the media to all events.

Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 30 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology. More than 98 percent of WDT's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or serving in the military, and 90 percent remain in South Dakota.

WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make real and immediate contributions to their employers and their communities.For information about WDT, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to admissions@wdt.edu. Visit WDT on the web at www.wdt.edu.

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Western Dakota Technical College prepares students to be highly-skilled professionals through accessible, career-focused programs to improve their lives, while adapting to community workforce needs and positively impacting our economy.

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