Your Southwest Story Starts Here

Meet Emily Daniels, a junior Public Relations major from East Bethel, Minn. We asked Emily a few questions and here’s what she shared:

Why did you select SMSU: It is a small campus close to home, and it feels like a home away from home. 

What do you like most about SMSU: The small class sizes, the small-town feel, and you get a lot of opportunities around the community that you may not get at a bigger campus.

Career goals: Work in the public relations department for the Minnesota Twins

What are you involved with on campus: I am on the cross country/track and field team and a Resident Assistant. 

Hobbies: I enjoy running, binge watching Friends, traveling to concerts, and hanging out with friends. 

People would be surprised to know that: I have met Taylor Swift. 

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Meet Rebecca Manteuffel, a sophomore Elementary Education and Special Education major from Cologne, Minnesota.

What are you involved with on campus: I am a thrower on the SMSU Track and Field team, I am a member of the EMSP club, and I work in the Call Center.

Why did you select SMSU? Because of the Education and SMSU track and field program.

What do you like most about SMSU? I like how much SMSU reminds me of home. I have made so many friendships here that I know will last the rest of my life.

Career goals: My goal is to be a teacher someday in an elementary setting, and a high school track coach.

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time on my family’s farm, exploring state parks, biking, hiking, and doing anything outside.

People would be surprised to know that: I am 6’3” and I do not play basketball.

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Isiah is a South Bend., Ind., native who came to SMSU to play football. He soon found that theatre was his passion. “I wasn’t so much wanting to leave the team as it was coming to the realization that I was in college and could take advantage of the knowledge available,” he said. “Southwest was a good fit for me, and gave me a foundation that has served me well.”

Since graduating from SMSU, Satya Dattagupta ’04 has held leadership positions in higher education across the U.S. He appreciates his interactions with “brilliant, experienced” professors and other mentors at SMSU who encouraged him to take risks. “They changed my life,” says Dattagupta, recently selected as the recipient of SMSU’s “Graduate of the Last Decade” award.

Tyler Bowen left SMSU appreciating the large network he had developed, along with the many lifelong friends he made. “The network that SMSU provided has been invaluable during my adult life,” he says. The institution is young, and as an alumnus, Tyler feels that it doesn’t matter if you’re from the SMSC, SSU or SMSU eras, everyone is part of the Mustang Family.

Meet Aaron Bible a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major (Exercise Science, Sports Management, and Broadcasting) from St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Why did you select SMSU? I received academic scholarships that would help me afford my higher education, and I enjoyed the overall feel of campus. It seemed warm and welcoming.

What do you like most about SMSU? You are able to get involved easily, which makes SMSU a great opportunity for advancement and achievement of future career goals.

Involvement on campus: I am part of Residence Life, a Student Association Executive Board Member (ACE officer), the Exercise Science Club vice president, the head Student Ambassador, an Orientation leader, on the Student Health Advisory Council, help broadcast SMSU’s home athletic events, and an active member of the Graduate Gift Project.

Career goals: I would love to work in the business side of professional sports, or in the entertainment industry in some form.

Hobbies: I enjoy watching TV and movies, watching or playing sports, biking, and hiking.

People would be surprised to know: I was a contestant on The Price Is Right.

Involvement on Campus: I am the president of the Environmental Awareness Club, and a member of the University’s Sportsman’s Association and Environmental Sustainability Workgroup. I also work on campus for SMSU Public Safety. 

Why did I select SMSU? I didn’t want to attend a large school as there are too many distractions. A smaller school allows me to better focus on my studies. I also wanted a school that was away from home but still in Minnesota.

What do you like most about SMSU? I like that classes are small enough that you get to know your professors on a more personal level. They are very supportive and will provide you with insight when you aren’t too sure what you want to do with your career.

Career Goals: I’m not too sure what I want to do right after of college. I know I enjoy doing field and lab work, so hopefully I can get a job that fulfills this goal. I wouldn’t mind working for the National Parks Service.

Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy riding bike, downhill skiing, karate, hiking and longboarding.

People would be surprised to know that: I enjoy amateur photography. I also like to collect rocks.

Meet Samantha Hotzler, a junior Music major from Walnut Grove, Minn. We asked Samantha a few questions so we could get to know her! Here’s what she shared:

Why did you pick SMSU? Because of how close it is to home, and how welcoming the music program was when I visited.

Involvement on Campus: I am the Vice President of Chorale, participate in Bella Voce, and Symphonic Chamber Winds.

What do you like most about SMSU? My favorite thing is how my advisors are so helpful and want me to be the best musician I can be.

Career goals: I hope to someday become a music therapist. SMSU is going to help me get started in my career.

Hobbies: Reading books, hanging out with friends, and watching movies.

People would be surprised to know that: I have a mole in my eye. 

Meet Jason Klimavicz, a junior, Agribusiness major from Hayfield, Minnesota. 

I chose SMSU because of the hometown-type feeling it gave me when I first toured.

What do you like most about SMSU: All the connections I have made, both personal and professional. I've made some of my best friends here, as well as found many potential employers. 

Campus Activity: I’m involved in American Marketing Association, Admission Ambassadors, and Orientation Leaders.

Career goals: To make my parents proud.

Hobbies: I enjoy running, snowboarding, hunting, and talking. Lots and lots of talking.

People would be surprised to know: I really like singing, and I mean belting it out. They would also be surprised that I have never once watched the entire The Office series, nor do I plan to. 

Meet Jacob Evans, a senior, Sports Management major from Pipestone, Minn. We asked Jacob a few questions so we could get to know him! Here’s what he shared:

Why did you select SMSU? I picked SMSU because it was close to home.

What do you like most about SMSU? I like the generosity of all the faculty members and the surrounding community.

What are you involved with on campus: I am on the SMSU track and field team. I am also the Intramural League coordinator and participate in Mustang Mentors.

Career goals: I would like to be a high school athletic director and coach my favorite high school sports, which are football, gymnastics and track.

Hobbies: I enjoy staying active and hanging out with my friends and family.

People would be surprised to know that: I am a volunteer gymnastics coach.

Meet Hannah Rick, a junior, elementary education major from Milbank, S.D.

Why did you pick SMSU? I chose SMSU because I wanted a small hometown feeling, and I really got that when I toured the campus. 

What do you like most about SMSU? The faculty. Everyone is so welcoming and wanting to watch you grow and succeed.

Involvement on campus: I work in the Admission office as an ambassador. I am also involved with the club Colleges Against Cancer.

Career Goals: I hope to teach in Minnesota for a few years, then hopefully get my administrative license to become an elementary school principal.

Hobbies: I enjoy hanging out with my friends, watching movies, being active, and reading.

People would be surprised to know that: I wanted to be a physical therapist before deciding on an Education major.

Involvement on campus: Sociology Club, and a reporter for The Spur (SMSU Newspaper)

Why did you pick SMSU? I chose it for the Professional Writing and Communications major. This major fits my goals better than a simple English/writing or communication major. I also love the friendly feeling you get on a small campus.

What do you like most about SMSU? I love the small classes and the caring professors. I feel like every professor I’ve had thus far has genuinely wanted me to be successful and to leave their class a more intelligent person.

Career Goals: I am currently considering working as an editor or grant writer.

Hobbies: I love painting, reading, kayaking, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, yoga, traveling and spending time with my dog and two cats.

People would be surprised to know that: I try to live a zero-waste or low-waste lifestyle. I’ve made quite a few changes to my life to try to be less wasteful; I carry a plastic straw and reusable cutlery in my bag at all times and I have reusable coffee cups and water bottles. I’m doing my best to make a difference!

Meet Gabby Power, a senior Agricultural Education major from Readlyn, Iowa. We asked Gabby a few questions and here’s what she shared:

Why did you pick SMSU? Because it is family-oriented, affordable, and I am able to shape my own education.

Involvement on campus: Residence Life-Senior Resident Assistant, Admissions Student Ambassador, Student Activities Committee (SAC), Ag Club Treasurer, Ag Bowl Planning Committee and intramural activities.

What do you like most about SMSU? There's always a friendly face and someone to talk to! Whether it's a student, faculty, or staff member, you are genuinely cared about, always.

Career Goals: I want to make a difference in the lives of students by becoming an Agriculture Instructor/FFA Advisor for a high school because I want to make just as large of an impact on students’ lives as my mentors made in mine.

Hobbies: Volleyball, painting, and spending time with family and friends.

People would be surprised to know that: I didn’t grow up on a farm despite my choice of major. I am a National Teach Ag Ambassador, have been a certified Agricultural Parliamentarian since 2014 and love volunteering to coach volleyball when I go home.

Meet Fatou Kinteh, a junior Political Science major and pre-law minor from Gambia, West Africa by way of Seattle, Wash. We asked her some questions to get to know her better:

Why did you select SMSU? I had a great orientation experience because I was able to talk to faculty, staff, and students. Meeting all of these people helped me know what my time at SMSU would be like.

What do you like most about SMSU? The professors are encouraging and there is a multicultural environment, which is something I wanted in my college experience.

Campus Involvement: I am the treasurer of Student Senate, member of the Student Activities Committee, Black Student Union, Muslim Student Association and Honors Club.

Career Goals: I plan on attending law school after I graduate from SMSU.

Hobbies: I love cooking, traveling, sewing, spending time with friends and family and babysitting children.

People would be surprised to know: I speak four different languages, and I was born with a congenital heart defect.

Meet Fadumo Ismail, a junior Biology major from Marshall, Minn. We asked Fadumo a few questions and here’s what she shared:

Why did you pick SMSU? To be closer to my family and receive my degree with lower tuition fees. As a first-generation college student, I was worried about how I would pay for college. I’m very thankful that my SMSU scholarships have helped with many expenses.

What do you like most about SMSU? I like that SMSU has professors and staff that are willing to discuss and help you with your future goals. After class, it’s very nice to attend the free activities on campus like getting a massage during spa day or decorating t-shirts or cups.

Involvement on campus: I am the president of the Honors Club, vice president of the Muslim Student Association, treasurer of the Biology Club, a Student Ambassador, and an Orientation Leader. 

Career goals: After graduation, I plan to become a physician assistant and specialize in primary care, hopefully in the Marshall area.

Hobbies: I enjoy baking, reading Stephen King books and watching documentaries.

People would be surprised to know that: I am a vegetarian.

Set your sights high like Fadumo! She’s earning a quality education, participating in the Honors Program, and preparing for a career, all at an affordable price. No matter where you want to go, SMSU can launch you on your way to a successful future. Call us at 1-800-642-0684 and schedule a visit today or visit the link in our profile! SMSU is where you belong.

Campus involvement: I am involved in the wrestling team at SMSU. I am a part of SAAC, and I am also the head of recruitment for the American Marketing Association group at SMSU.

Why I selected SMSU: Because growing up so close to the college, I felt I was always connected to the school. I would always come to events to watch football, wrestling, and basketball that it almost became second nature when thinking of school choices! 

What I like most about SMSU: I like the hometown feel of the college. I like that it is close knit! I also like the fact that I don’t have to go outside from class to class and freeze in this weather!

Career goals: To go into the Marketing field and move my way up to a management position. Our marketing professors here at SMSU are second to none and prepare us for not only our careers, but life!

Hobbies: Running, weightlifting, coaching wrestling for high school and elementary, tooling around on the boat in the summer, and spending time with friends and family.

People would be surprised to know that: I am a fun fact machine! I know some of the most useless information.

Student body president Ola Abimbola is a senior Environmental Science major, Political Science minor from Oyo, Nigeria by way of Atlanta, Ga. We asked him some questions about his time at SMSU:

Why did you select SMSU? I chose SMSU because it is affordable and provides a wholesome and comprehensive learning experience. The professors are also very supportive. 

What do you like most about SMSU? I like SMSU because it is cozy and a welcoming citadel of learning. 

Campus Involvement: I just finished my term as the Student Association President and was recently elected as the 2019-2020 State Chair for Students United Board of Directors. 

Career goals: I hope to be a research scientist in microbial biofuels. 

Hobbies: I enjoy poetry, sports and watching historical documentaries. 

People would be surprised to know that: I am a rock climber.

Laurie Ourada, a senior non-traditional Sociology major, is from Lucan, Minn., and is fulfilling a lifetime dream by attending SMSU. Learn more about Laurie:

What are you involved with on campus: I am the President of  NTSO (Non-Traditional Student Organization) while being involved in Students United, Sociology Club, and the team captain for Out of the Darkness Walk. 

Why did you select SMSU? It has always been my dream to attend Southwest Minnesota State University and attain a Sociology degree. SMSU is 23 miles from my home so it’s an easy daily commute. My son Daniel attended SMSU from 1998 -2001 and studied Kinesiology and wrestled for the Mustangs. I wanted to experience walking the same hallways as he did, and when I walk to receive my degree in May 2019, my hopes are to also receive his certificate of attendance at SMSU (Daniel died in Dec of 2001, he was a senior; he didn't receive recognition for his hard work as a student then, so I will accept it for him in May). A very proud moment for this mom!

What do you like most about SMSU? The smaller classes are a big draw for me. The professors are approachable and engaging. I like being challenged and pushed to be a critical thinker. SMSU has helped me to grow in so many ways. My experience here has been amazing, I have never felt out of place with traditional students. Students have been so open and kind to me both in the classroom and in the hallways — always a smile and hello. On occasion I have accessed the tutors for math classes and have been pleasantly surprised by the experience. 

Career goals: My hope is to work at a memory care or hospice program. My passion is to work as an advocate in a community setting with a geriatric population and to have a therapy dog to use as an enrichment service in my work.

Hobbies: I love to spend time with my eight grandchildren at the lake kayaking, fishing, hiking and biking. I also enjoy quilting and traveling to historic places. My favorite destination has been Pearl Harbor and Washington D.C. My bucket list includes a trip to Germany and back to Ground Zero in New York.

People would be surprised to know that: My belly is  made of pig skin! I love to dance in the rain and splash in mud puddles!

Hallie Will, a sophomore Agribusiness Management major from Windom, Minn., is active on campus, and is enjoying her time at SMSU.

What are you involved with on campus (clubs/organizations):  I am involved in the Agriculture Club and SMSU Women’s Golf Team.

Why did you select SMSU? SMSU has a home feel that not every college has. It also had a new and growing School of Agriculture which really intrigued me that it would be a learning experience for both us students and the professors as they were new to teaching agriculture classes at SMSU.

What do you like most about SMSU? The professors. The knowledge they provide to us students is setting us up for our future endeavors and they care about what we are learning.

Career goals: Take over my family farm in Windom, Minnesota.

Hobbies: I enjoy golfing, playing volleyball, farming and hunting.

People would be surprised to know that I: As a woman, want to take over my family farm. There are not many women, or people my age, that have the ambition, drive, or passion to do so. However, I want to carry on my 105-year-old family farm and educate the world, along with being a woman in agriculture.

Let’s learn more about Crystal Enga, a senior Early Childhood Education major from Marshall, Minnesota.

What are you involved with on campus: Forensics

Why did you select SMSU? SMSU is in my hometown; I have driven past it so many times. I knew from a young age that SMSU is where I wanted to go.

What do you like most about SMSU? I love the community, professors, and the family feel. I also like the fact that when you walk down the halls people know your name, and you know theirs.

Career goals: I want to be a preschool or kindergarten teacher in the Marshall area to help the rural areas get what they need to grow.

Hobbies: I love theatre. I participate in productions through the Marshall Area Stage Company and at the Lake Benton Opera House. I also love to spend time outside and with family.

People would be surprised to know that I: Have a twin that also goes to SMSU!

Meet Bashir Aidrus from Waite Park, Minnesota. He is majoring in Supply Chain Management.

What are you involved with on campus: I am on the SMSU cross country/track and field team, and a mentor for the Student-Athlete Mustang Mentors (SAMMs).

Why did you select SMSU? I felt like SMSU would be the place for me to grow both academically and athletically, which has proven to be the case.

What do you like most about SMSU? The affordability of the high-quality education offered at SMSU coupled with lifelong valuable connections who have already impacted my life for the better.

Career goals: I hope to become a CSHO, Chief Supply Chain Officer, for a company of my choice.

Hobbies: I enjoy running (obviously), watching documentaries, and exploring, especially the wilderness.

People would be surprised to know that: I did not run cross country/track in high school.

Let’s learn more about Austin Machmiller, a junior Agribusiness Management major from Renner, S.D.

What are you involved with on campus: I am part of Ag Club.

Why did you select SMSU? I chose SMSU because it is one of the most accessible colleges in the country.

What do you like most about SMSU? I definitely enjoy the small class sizes, and the close relationships you are able to develop with the professors.

Career goals: I hope to find a sales job, more specifically, selling seed to area farmers.

Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing 2K, watching Netflix and Hulu, going out to movies, exploring the town, and playing card games.

People would be surprised to know that: My family and I have been featured on “Wild Dakota Outdoor” Television several times. “Wild Dakota” films outdoor hunting and fishing experiences. 

While an undergraduate student at SMSU, Vaughn Gehle one day found himself sitting in Al Holmes’ Genetics class. It got him thinking about research as a career option. That “aha” moment would lead to graduate school, then biomedical research into the genetic underpinnings of diabetes, aging and alcoholism and, finally, to his current position teaching Genetics at SMSU. Vaughn has come full circle as a Mustang!

“I liked the fact that Marshall was far enough from my home in Minneapolis, but not too far,” says Michael Walker, who went on to earn an M.A. in counseling and became licensed as a school administrator. He credits his SMSU experiences with helping him develop the qualities necessary for his work in education. 

Kayleigh Karppinen left SMSU knowing the names of most of her classmates, something quite rare at other universities. “Our alumni network is truly an asset — I found my current position from another SMSU graduate,” she says. Kayleigh and her college friends have bonded over shared experiences and have strengthened their friendships over the years because of their SMSU connection.

“Collegiate athletics is a fast-paced and always-changing landscape. I’m trying to become the best I can, learning every day,” says Erin Lind of her work with the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Her SMSU education helped her grow personally and professionally. “The faculty, staff, and administration wanted students to be successful. I don’t think that exists at all institutions. SMSU is a special place, with caring people.”

Living close to home allowed David to take advantage of the many benefits a college like SMSU could bring to a small town like Marshall, Minnesota. “It was participating in college athletics that I learned my true passion,” he says. That passion is centered around leading groups of diverse people and competing in business.

Darlene grew up on a farm and learned about SMSU from a brother who had attended. She discovered “the mysteries of chemistry” but also liked numbers, and double-majored in Business Administration: Finance and Chemistry, “an odd combination, but it made sense to me!” Today she is a plastic surgeon at Baylor Scott & White Health in Waco, Texas. “SMSU was a great springboard to a higher level of learning, and started a very fortunate chain of events that have afforded me a very successful career.”

Clare is in her fifth season with the Minnesota Lynx and her first as Assistant General Manager. Previously, she served four seasons as the Basketball Operations Manager. Clare earned her MBA with a concentration in Leadership while she was a graduate assistant with the Mustang women’s basketball team. “The environment at SMSU allowed me an enriching experience to challenge myself, build new relationships and trust that by doing so, I was simultaneously building a foundation as a young professional and well-rounded person.”

Bruce Saugstad values the broad skills he developed at SMSU in problem-solving, prioritization, and critical thinking. With team projects required for classes, he learned to identify others’ strengths for efficient completion of projects. “I believe I made a great choice in SMSU,” says Saugstad. “The University provided me a strong foundation for my career.”

Small classes at SMSU helped Andrea Kopfmann get to know her professors, which kept her accountable. She stayed busy with campus radio and TV, athletic events, and working in the Office of Admission. “I felt I could get to know anyone and try anything,” she says. That can-do spirit now serves her well in nonprofit development.

Abbie Allison values the support and experience she received from not only her professors, but also the Communications & Marketing Department, where she worked while attending SMSU. “The faculty and staff were so encouraging, always interested in my progress and future, and they continue to be,” she says. “I learned from my experience at SMSU that it is easy to make a difference.”