As we welcome the blooming of spring (and the melting of snow), it brings me great joy to reflect on the remarkable achievements and growth within the SDSU College of Nursing. The past months have been filled with milestones and successes that truly underscore our commitment to excellence in education, research and practice. 

Roberta Olson is a 1964 South Dakota State University nursing graduate, and it would be 30 years following her undergraduate graduation before she returned to campus to serve as dean of the College of Nursing. 

The college saw significant changes and growth during Olson’s 20-year tenure as dean, and her impact continues today, with a financial commitment announced last fall to endow the position she used to hold. 

Her generosity has resulted in the Roberta K. Olson Endowed Dean of the College of Nursing, a post held by Mary Anne Krogh. 

Brandi Pravecek, a clinical assistant professor in South Dakota State University's College of Nursing, was named the college's Outstanding Researcher for 2023. It is the first time Pravecek has won the award.

Throughout high school, Ellise Otheim gave swimming lesson to kids who have disabilities as an adaptive aquatics instructor and worked as a lifeguard. After graduating from West Central High School in 2021 and finishing a semester at SDSU, she took a year off for basic training and technical school for the Air National Guard. She also considered a career in counseling. When she has free time, she works at a day care center. 

All that and more contributed to Otheim being awarded a $5,000 Sanford Health Military and Veteran Scholarship last semester.

The Brookings chapter of the Student Nurses’ Association (SNA) at South Dakota State University was recognized at the South Dakota Board of Regents meeting Dec. 14, receiving the 2022 SDSU Award for Organizational Leadership. 

The regents highlighted the group’s work to offer nursing students numerous opportunities to serve as leaders on campus and in the community. 

The Phi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau at South Dakota State University has been named a 2023 Chapter Key Award recipient by Sigma Theta Tau, an international honor society of nurses. It is the second time the SDSU chapter has received the award, the first being in 2021. 

Keep up to date with the latest new by visiting the College of Nursing news page.