Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) continues to earn national recognition for excellence in education, sweeping all five 2025 American Technical Education Association (ATEA) awards. The honors highlight WDTC’s outstanding programs, faculty, students, innovation, and industry partnerships at the national level.
WDTC award recipients:
- Outstanding Technical Program – Registered Nursing (RN)
- Program Innovation – Gary Gregson, College Dining Services Coordinator
- Outstanding Technical Faculty – Christina Zweber, MSN, RN, Practical Nursing Offsite Coordinator/Instructor
- Outstanding Technical Student (tie) – Dawson Johnson, Medical Laboratory Technician program. Johnson graduated in May 2025.
- Silver Star of Excellence Award – Black Hills Information Security (Nominated for this business partnership award by WDTC.)
“This recognition speaks volumes about the dedication, creativity, and collaboration at Western Dakota Technical College,” said Dr. Kendra Ericson, WDTC President. “From exceptional instruction and innovative campus operations to strong industry partnerships and student success, these awards reflect our commitment to preparing learners for meaningful, high-demand careers.”
ATEA awards are typically presented at the association’s annual conference in April; however, the conference did not take place this year. As a result, the awards were formally presented during the college’s All-Staff meeting on Dec. 18.
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About the American Technical Education Association
The American Technical Education Association (ATEA) is an autonomous, non-affiliated international association devoted solely to the purposes of postsecondary technical education. It is an organization dedicated to excellence in the quality of postsecondary technical education with emphasis on professional development. ATEA is a driving force behind workforce development.
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 nearly 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.
One hundred percent of Western Dakota Technical College's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or are enlisted in the military per the WDTC 2024 Placement Report. 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 leadership 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.
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PHOTO CUTLINE:
Top row, L-R: Christina Zweber, Gary Gregson
Bottom row, L-R: Dawson Johnson, Black Hills information Security logo
