Dakota Wesleyan University recognized one of its professors with the Exemplary Teacher Award Friday during the university's Honors Banquet.
Dr. Dave Mitchell, professor of business administration and economics at DWU, was the recipient of this year's Exemplary Teacher Award.
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church, through the Division of Higher Education in partnership with United Methodist-related institutions, expresses support and appreciation for outstanding teaching. The recipient exemplifies excellence in teaching, civility and concern for students and colleagues. This person also maintains a commitment to value-centered education, and service to students, the institution and the community.
"A student told me this year that (Dr. Mitchell) 'goes above and beyond in every course. The strongest asset of any class from this professor is that the professor knows the material so well and can apply it to real-world examples,' " said Provost Rocky Von Eye. "Several times on course evaluations I have read about how this professor gets the class engaged in the discussions on every topic imaginable. It is certainly expected that after more than a few years he should know everything!"
Mitchell joined the DWU faculty in 1972 and is one of the longest-serving professors at the university. He is involved in a variety of community activities, including politics, the United Methodist Church and fund-raising for several groups. Before beginning his academic career, he was a system analyst for Procter and Gamble. He was joined in the faculty ranks his late wife, Ann, who taught in the education department for nearly 30 years.
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He received his bachelor of mechanical engineering degree in 1959 and his master of industrial engineering degree in 1960, both from Cornell University. He also obtained a master of theology degree in 1969 and a Ph.D. in 1978, both from Boston University.
He and Ann have two daughters and two grandchildren.
DWU announces faculty promotions, tenure
Four faculty and staff members at Dakota Wesleyan University were recognized at the Honors Banquet for promotion, tenure or degree advancement.
Dr. Monty Bohrer was promoted to professor of business administration and economics. Bohrer received his bachelor of arts degree in 1988 from Concordia College; his master in business administration degree in 1999 from the University of Sioux Falls; and his doctorate in business administration in 2007 from Anderson University. Bohrer is also the director of the business graduate program at DWU. He began working at DWU in 2011.
Dr. Clinton Desmond was promoted to associate professor of music and granted tenure. Desmond received his bachelor of music education degree in 1998 from Valparaiso University; his master of music degree in 2006 from Illinois State University; and his doctor of musical arts in 2009 from Michigan State University. Desmond is also the chairman of the Ron and Sheilah Gates Department of Music and the director of choral activities on campus. He began working at DWU in 2010.
Dr. John Husmann was promoted to professor of history. Husmann received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996 from Winona State University; his Master of Arts degree in 1998 and his Ph.D. in 2004 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also serves as the history department chairman. He began working at DWU in 2004.
- Dr. Ashley Digmann earned a doctorate in interdisciplinary leadership from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska. Digmann received her bachelor of arts degree in 2006 from Dakota Wesleyan University and her master of arts degree in 2011 from Chadron State College. She became an adjunct instructor for mathematics at DWU in 2011 and became a fulltime instructor in 2013. She also serves as the chairwoman for the department of education.
