Sue’s impact on the South Dakota State University-College of Nursing undergraduate nursing program and patient care is profound. Through her years of experience and dedication to teaching, she has consistently demonstrated an unwavering passion for empowering students and colleagues with knowledge and skills to excel in their roles. Sue employs innovative teaching methods that engage learners while cultivating an environment of empathy and professionalism, traits essential for future nurses. Many previous students from years ago still remember her enthusiasm (and acting skills) utilized in the classroom environment.

Through Sue’s expertise, specifically in mental health nursing, she has not only taught the essential skills needed in nursing but has also instilled a sense of empathy and resilience that defines the very core of the profession. Through her passion for teaching, she has touched the lives of countless students and practicing nurses, shaping the future of healthcare in extraordinary ways. The ripple effect of her contributions will be felt for generations to come, as the nurses she has trained will continue to uplift the profession and provide compassionate care to those in need.

After 33 years of serving as a nurse educator, Sue is retiring in May 2025. It is impossible to quantify the full scope of her contributions, but the ripple effect of her work will be deeply felt across the College of Nursing.