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Seven members of the professional staff at South Dakota State University will be honored for their quality work at the 海角直播app Professional Staff Advisory Council annual meeting May 14. 

The event, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Woster Celebration Hall at the 海角直播app Alumni Center, will include an all-staff social with the program and awards beginning at 3 p.m. A Zoom link will be available for those who cannot attend in person. 

Megan Northrup, director of the accelerated graduate program in nutrition and dietetics, will be presented the Rising Star Award. The award recognizes superior achievement by a professional staff member within the first three years of employment. 

The six staff members to be presented with Presidential Awards of Excellence are:

鈥� Linde Murray, director of the TRIO, Wintrode Tutoring and supplemental instruction programs

鈥� Christopher McDaniel, broadcast assistant for athletics

鈥� Lorna Saboe-Wounded Head, an Extension field specialist III in family resource management

鈥� Moustafa Khalaf, a research scientist in the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics

鈥� Becky Pistulka, assistant director of employer engagement in the Office of Career Development

鈥� Christopher Schlenker, director of horticulture and grounds at McCrory Gardens

According to the council, Northrup 鈥�demonstrates an exceptional ability to bridge the gap between academia and clinical practice while creating a dynamic and supportive environment for both students and preceptors. She emphasizes the importance of applying what鈥檚 learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios, ensuring students can see the direct impact on communities and patients.鈥�

Murray won the excellence award in the area of academics. The council reports, 鈥�Her leadership of TRIO programs reflects her deep commitment to ensuring high-risk students with varied needs receive the recognition and support they deserve. Through her efforts, Wintrode Tutors and supplemental instruction leaders have access to a dynamic professional development series, equipping them with the tools to succeed both as current peer educators and future leaders. 

鈥淢urray鈥檚 work not only enhances the skill sets of those she mentors but also fosters a community of learning and continuous growth.鈥� 

McDaniel, who was honored in the athletics arena, aids in producing video content telling the stories of Jackrabbits student-athletes and coaches, which has notably included the football team's two national championships, multiple Summit League team titles, wrestling鈥檚 school record of four All-Americans and the opening of First Bank & Trust Arena.

Saboe-Wounded Head, who was honored in the area of Extension, is an accredited financial counselor as well as a certified teen and adult mental health first aid instructor. Her impactful programs include the 鈥淢oney Mentor鈥� volunteer initiative, the 鈥淵our Money Your Goals On Demand鈥� platform, and tailoring financial education for Native American college students along with other specialized and multistate initiatives.

Khalaf, who was honored in the research area, has developed advanced methods for analyzing pharmaceutical drugs and pesticide residues, which significantly impact environmental analytical chemistry. In addition, he has published numerous peer-reviewed research articles, presented at 28 national and international conferences, and received two prestigious awards from Germany and Egypt.

Beyond research, Khalaf is a dedicated mentor, guiding students from more than 10 countries and fostering international collaborations across the United States, Europe and Egypt.

Pistulka received the award in the area of student affairs. She was cited for significantly elevating the Office of Career Development鈥檚 10 annual careers fairs as well as increasing 海角直播app鈥檚 employer engagement by 46%. She is a LeadState coach and implemented drives for professional clothing and winter coats, which demonstrate her dedication to addressing the needs of students.

Schlenker was honored in the area of business, administration and facilities management. The council reports that Schlenker provides a strategic role for McCrory Gardens and the South Dakota State Arboretum, leading the garden鈥檚 horticultural and facility initiatives through production and display facilities, curation of the collection, educational programming and fiscal oversight. 

Schlenker 鈥渂uilds relationships both externally and internally with multiple stakeholders to move the gardens to the next level,鈥� the council reports.

The program to recognize and reward exceptional performance and leadership was established in 2012.

Given annually, a cash award of $3,000 is provided for each of the six Presidential Awards of Excellence with $1,500 for the Rising Star award.