Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) is pleased to welcome two new members to its Board of Trustees. Kirk Easton, Superintendent of the Spearfish School District, and Jeff Rieckman, Superintendent of the Haakon School District in Philip, have joined the Board.
In addition, Mike Roesler, former Rapid City Area Schools Board President and retired firefighter, has been reappointed to continue his service. The WDTC Board elected him Vice Chair in its July meeting.
The Board also re-elected Dr. Steve Willard, retired Superintendent of the Belle Fourche School District, as Chair. Dr. Willard had stepped down from that role earlier this spring to serve as Acting President of WDTC.
WDTC recognizes two of its original Board members whose terms concluded this year. Tom Brunner, a Nisland farmer and former South Dakota State Representative, and Brad Heltzel, Plant Superintendent at Scotchman Industries, Inc., in Philip, were celebrated for their dedicated service from 2020 to 2025. Brunner served as Vice Chair in 2020–21 and Chair in 2021–22.
“We are grateful for the leadership and commitment of Tom Brunner and Brad Heltzel,” said WDTC President Dr. Kendra Ericson. “We look forward to the expertise and perspectives that Kirk Easton and Jeff Rieckman bring as we continue to expand opportunities for students, collaborate with area high schools, and strengthen workforce partnerships across the region.”
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PHOTO CUTLINE
New and returning WDTC Board of Trustees members were sworn in during the July board meeting. From left: new members Kirk Easton, Superintendent of the Spearfish School District, and Jeff Rieckman, Superintendent of the Haakon SchoolThe Board also re-elected Dr. Steve Willard, retired Superintendent of the Belle Fourche School District, as Chair. Dr. Willard had stepped down from that role earlier this spring to serve as Acting President of WDTC.
WDTC recognizes two of its original Board members whose terms concluded this year. Tom Brunner, a Nisland farmer and former South Dakota State Representative, and Brad Heltzel, Plant Superintendent at Scotchman Industries, Inc., in Philip, were celebrated for their dedicated service from 2020 to 2025. Brunner served as Vice Chair in 2020–21 and Chair in 2021–22.
“We are grateful for the leadership and commitment of Tom Brunner and Brad Heltzel,” said WDTC President Dr. Kendra Ericson. “We look forward to the expertise and perspectives that Kirk Easton and Jeff Rieckman bring as we continue to expand opportunities for students, collaborate with area high schools, and strengthen workforce partnerships across the region.”
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PHOTO CUTLINE
New and returning WDTC Board of Trustees members were sworn in during the July board meeting. From left: new members Kirk Easton, Superintendent of the Spearfish School District, and Jeff Rieckman, Superintendent of the Haakon School District in Philip; and returning member Mike Roesler, former Rapid City Area Schools Board President and retired firefighter.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT WESTERN DAKOTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) was established in 1968 and is the only technical college serving the western South Dakota region.
WDTC offers almost 40 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction and Manufacturing, Energy and Environmental Technologies, Health Sciences, Legal and Public Services, and Transportation Technologies.
Per the WDTC 2024 Placement Report, 100% of the college's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or are enlisted in the military. There were 249 respondents out of 286 graduates surveyed. [*Placement information is derived from graduate surveys, faculty-collected data, placement surveys started six months after graduation, and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation. Overall placement rate is figured by: (responding graduates employed, continuing education, or in military service)/(responding graduates who are seeking employment). The number of program graduates are unduplicated by CIP code.]
Western Dakota Technical College faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDTC students graduate ready to make a real and immediate contribution to their employers and to their communities.
For information about WDTC, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to Admissions@wdt.edu. Visit us on the web at wdt.edu.
