What's Next for the Class of 2024?

Eden Schlinger

Biology major from Bismarck, ND

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to further my education in graduate school. I applied to several physician assistant programs and am currently waiting for responses to see where I might be accepted. In the meantime, I will move back to Bismarck and work at a hospital to continue building my patient care experience. Once I get accepted and complete a physician assistant program, my goal is to work as a PA in the oncology department wherever that may take me.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

In my short two years at Black Hills State, Dr. Lamb stood out as my favorite professor. He taught anatomy and physiology, and while he covered a lot of material, he always had his students' best interests at heart. When I first transferred, Dr. Lamb made me feel welcome and took the time to get to know me. After finding out that I aspired to become a physician assistant, he went out of his way to help me prepare for applying to programs—a kindness I’ll always appreciate. Above all, he was approachable outside of class, someone you could always chat with and share a good laugh.

What are you most excited for about your future?

I’ve enjoyed my time here at BHSU, but I’m also excited to see what the future holds. After transferring from a community college with an associate degree, I’ve always been eager for the next adventure. Currently, I’m in a bit of a waiting phase, unsure if I’ll begin graduate school next year or later down the road. While the uncertainty isn’t my favorite, I’m excited to see where my studies might lead me and the new people I’ll encounter along the way. I love the Dakotas, but I hope to venture farther to experience new places and opportunities.

Macy Varner

Elementary Education major from Baker, MT

What are your plans after graduation?

Following graduation, I have accepted a position as a 6th grade teacher in my hometown of Baker, MT.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor is Dr. Haugland. I had the privilege of being in her classes the last 2 years at BH. She is my favorite professor because every time I sit in her class, I remember why I chose this profession. I’ve always been in awe of her passion and drive for teaching. My classmates and I look up to her in all aspects. The lessons she taught me are invaluable, and I can’t wait to implement them in my own class.

Who was your best friend on campus?

My best friends on campus were Tasha Buell and Hannah Lamon. We got very close during the final year at BH. We leaned on each other when things got hard.

How has your time at BHSU changed your life?

The people I met at BH have changed my life for the better. They are all nothing short of amazing and I will cherish our time together forever.

What are you most excited about for your future?

I’m excited to start my professional career as an educator. It has been my dream to become a teacher since I was a little girl.

How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?

My professors and my classmates have encouraged me and pushed me to be better daily. The years I had at BH flew by, but I feel prepared to take on a classroom of my own.

Ashley Beguin

Photography and Graphic Design major from Gordon, NE

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan on pursuing a career in the commercial photography and design industry.

What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?

This semester I had the opportunity of being the Editor-in-Chief of the new magazine, Ponder, being produced by the Communications Department. This, along with being Lead Graphic Designer in the inaugural issue of Ponder, has been such a new and exciting experience. Seeing all the moving parts fall into place opened my eyes to the possibilities my career choice offers.

How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?

They say you meet some of the most influential people in your life in college, and looking back on my years here at Black Hills State, I wholeheartedly stand behind that. I have been able to dive into who I am and what I can do as a creative, make lifelong friends, and now have an abundance of mentors I know I will always be able to count on. I can look at the challenges I have faced in and out of school and be proud of what I have accomplished because of this program and the faculty that made it all happen. It makes it so easy to want to be here when the professors really care about who their students are and push us to become the best versions of ourselves. Being a student here has given me a chance to connect with people and work with a great group of my fellow students throughout the years, all while learning new ways to do things and building a photography and design portfolio that I can be proud of.

Jayden Coffield

Elementary Education major from Whitewood, SD

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be long-term substituting throughout the spring, as well as apply for teaching jobs around the Black Hills area.

What was your favorite class and why?

Despite the long hours spent in and out of the classroom, my favorite courses were during my Methods Block. In the moment, Methods felt overwhelming - but as time passed, our cohort grew closer, and our professors helped us reach a new depth of knowledge about our careers and ourselves as educators. Each of these professors showed dedication to their work and helped us develop skills we will use for many years to come. 

Who was your favorite professor and why?

I have had so many great professors at BHSU that have supported me along the way, but a special shout-out goes to Dr. John Alsup! Having Dr. Alsup as a professor truly made such a difference in my academic career and personal life. He truly cares about each of his students and makes a connection with each of them. He goes above and beyond as professor. Thank you, Dr. Alsup!

How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?

I chose BHSU for college because it was close to home and had a great education program - but it ended up being so much more. BHSU introduced to me to lifelong friends, depths of knowledge, and real-life career experience. One of the most valuable things BHSU offered me was field experience in my career field. Being in the classroom, in real-time, taught me so much about my future career and goals. I feel prepared as I leave BHSU to face my future goals and work hard to achieve them.

Sabra Tompkins

Human Services major from Gillette, WY

What are your plans after graduation?

I intend to continue working as a Victim Advocate for the Artemis House until the Fall of '25, when I hope to begin Graduate School to obtain a master's in social work.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor is Dr. Colmenero-Chilberg because she has a very fun personality and displays that in her teaching. I learned a lot of very interesting concepts in her classes. She does a great job at teaching difficult concepts in enjoyable ways.

What's your favorite memory at BHSU?

Attending the Basketball games with my friends!

Taylor Klein

Elementary Education major from Scottsbluff, NE

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to stay in the Spearfish area until May working as a substitute teacher and working at Spearfish Gymnastics. In the meantime, I’ll be actively applying for teaching jobs in Wyoming that start this fall.

What clubs, organizations, sports were you involved in?

I was involved with the softball team at BHSU for two years. I transferred to BHSU my junior year of college, and one of the main reasons I chose to attend was because of the opportunity to play softball, along with the university's strong education program. Playing softball was a great experience and an important part of my college journey! I was also a part of SAAC where I got the opportunity to work with other athletes to be a voice for all BHSU student athletes. In SAAC, we would give our input on different rules, regulations, and NCAA legislation that could possibly be passed for upcoming seasons.

How has your time at BHSU changed your life?

My time at BHSU has been unforgettable. It has been a huge part of my life, as I've had the privilege of meeting some of my best friends here. Being a part of the softball team has given me so many wonderful memories and lasting friendships. On top of that, the education program at BHSU has also been incredible. I've had some of the best professors who have been not only supportive but also genuinely invested in my success. They’ve always been there to help, talk, offer guidance, and support. These strong relationships with both my teammates, friends, and professors have made my time at BHSU an amazing and positive experience, and I am truly grateful for everything this place has given me.

What are you most excited about for your future?

I’m really excited to finally start my career as a teacher. Having my own classroom is something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. What I’m most excited about is building relationships with my students. During my student teaching, I’ve already had the chance to form some amazing connections, and I’m excited to continue that in my own classroom. I look forward to watching my students grow, not only academically but also personally, and to be a part of their journey throughout the school year. It’s those relationships that make teaching so rewarding, and I can’t wait to finally get started!

Beth Brakefield

Elementary Education major from Aberdeen, SD

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I plan on subbing in Spearfish and the surrounding areas and in the spring applying for elementary teaching jobs in the area. I also plan on possibly entertaining the idea of attending graduate school someday.

What was your favorite class and why?

My favorite classes from BHSU have to be the methods courses we take before student teaching. In this block of classes we get to explore the different content areas of elementary education and have the opportunity of hands on learning. These courses gave me an opportunity to teach a wide range of content, apply various pedagogical practices, and interact and learn with some of my favorite professors and peers. During this semester of learning I was challenged and grew in exponential ways, preparing me to become an all around better educator.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

I simply cannot choose …each professor I had from the education department has impacted my life in a positive way. They have inspired me, challenge me, supported me, and taught me so much.

Who was your best friend on campus?

My best friend on campus is Annalina Scalise. Despite having different majors and no classes together, I will be forever grateful our paths crossed freshman year. She has been the foundation of my support system at BHSU and I don’t know if I would have made it to this point without her.

What are you most excited about for your future?

I am most excited to continue my journey as a teacher in the education system. I already have felt so much joy and made so many memories from my time in the classroom from practicums to my student teaching experience. Interacting with students every day and getting to be a part of their journey, impacting them in a positive way, is something I am excited to do throughout the future.

Connor Daigle

Political Sciene major from Houston, TX

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be moving out to Idaho for a job working for the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho as a Wildlife Habitat Biologist, helping in managing both tribal and federal lands in the US and Canada. From there, I'll likely be pursuing a Master's program in the near future, though not before a short break.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

I don't like to pick favorites, but I would have to say an equal split between Dr. Domagall and Dr. Van B. Dr. Domagall expanded my opportunities and gave me ideas to bridge the gap between my political science & hard science backgrounds and had such an awesome array of classes such as Volcanology. Dr. Van B was there for me through thick and thin and provided me the analytical tools to not only be a better citizen, but provided me new ways to interpret everyday readings in a new manner.

What are your plans for graduation day?

Skogen kitchen! My folks are flying in from Texas and we're going to dine at one of our favorite restaurants in the entire country.

How has BHSU prepared you to achieve your future goals?

BHSU opened up internship opportunities not otherwise possible, notably my repeat internships within South Dakota Game Fish & Parks.