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The South Dakota State University College of Nursing added a half-dozen new employees to its rolls this winter, with the new faces spread out between the college’s sites in Brookings, Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

Coming on board to kick off the spring semester were:

Shelby Andrews, academic advisor, Brookings

Andrews, a native of White, has plenty of ties to SDSU. Both of her degrees — a bachelor’s in psychology in 2021 and a master’s in counseling and human resource development in 2025 — are from State.

She was a student working at ����vlog���� Central for three years and a graduate assistant for Residential Life for another year. Following graduation, she worked in Admissions until January 2026, when she started with the College of Nursing.

Andrews has worked as an academic advisor at Deubrook Area High School as well.

At SDSU, “I work alongside students to ensure they are completing the nursing requirements, as well as preparing for and applying for the professional nursing program,” she said.

She was drawn to SDSU because of the beautiful campus, the supportive and quiet town, the scholarship opportunities and the proximity to friends and family.

Her father, Geoff, is an SDSU alum and works as a warehouse manager for a seed company, and her mother, Kristi is a business manager at a nearby high school. Her sister is enrolled in USD’s physical therapy graduate program, and her brother is finishing up his freshman year at SDSU in the mechanical engineering program.

In her spare time, Andrews enjoys walking, reading thrillers and science fiction, playing golf and softball, thrifting and traveling solo. She and her partner, Devin, live in Watertown.

Sarah Dunn, simulation education specialist, Rapid City

Dunn is originally from Cashton, Wisconsin, and recently moved to South Dakota, near Vale, where her husband will take over his family’s farm. She started working for the College of Nursing in March.

Dunn completed training to become an emergency medical technician at Western Wisconsin Technical College in 2010 and earned her associate degree in nursing there in 2012. In 2018, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from SDSU, utilizing the RN Upward Mobility program while she was fully remote in Wisconsin, raising her family and working full time as a registered nurse.

Dunn has extensive work experience as a registered nurse in areas including obstetrics, dialysis and hospice. In her new role at SDSU, she will support the efficient daily operation of the simulation center by preparing and organizing lab spaces, managing and restocking supplies, and providing on‑site assistance with technology and equipment. Her responsibilities include helping to set up and facilitate simulations, operating and troubleshooting manikins, and maintaining all related equipment. The role will also expand to include support for virtual simulation experiences.

Dunn said she was drawn to SDSU because her husband, Mike, is an alumnus, and he encouraged her to look at SDSU when she wanted to complete her RN to BSN.

“I loved my program that I completed, so when I started my job search in preparation for my move out to South Dakota, I was so excited to see an opportunity to work for SDSU. I also have a passion for education and helping others to grow in confidence as they grow in knowledge, and this position seems perfect for that,” she said.

Dunn has three sons who are still living in Wisconsin but will be relocating to South Dakota when their school year is done in June. Joining them on the farm will be a bunch of shed cats, two goldfish, and eventually laying hens, meat chickens and lots of cows. Dunn likes to hike and spend time outdoors and is an avid reader.

Ben Goeman, academic advisor, Brookings

Goeman, originally from Lennox, joined the College of Nursing in November as an academic advisor.

He earned his both his bachelor’s degree — in psychology with a minor in mental health services in 2022 — and his master’s degree — in counseling and human resource development with a specialization in college counseling and a certificate in advising in 2024 — from South Dakota State University.

Goeman has previous experience as a success coach and counselor at Mitchell Technical College. In his spare time, he enjoys playing instrumental music, which he has been involved in for the past 15 years.

Brittany Haugen, instructor, Brookings

Haugen, who earned her master’s in nursing education from SDSU in 2023, started in her position here in January.

She has previous experience as a nursing instructor at Lake Area Technical College and as a registered nurse at Sandford Health. At SDSU, she’ll plan, implement and evaluate assigned courses, instruct in clinical settings, and provide instruction in the skills lab.

Haugen said the College of Nursing has a long history of exceptional nursing education.

“This is recognized through its designation as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing,” she said. “The college’s fully accredited Healthcare Simulation Center demonstrates its commitment to high quality education for all students. SDSU Nursing’s excellence, innovation and achievement across its graduate and undergraduate programs provides an excellent foundation for growth and innovation.”

Haugen and her husband, Cory, have one daughter, Henley. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the lake and traveling.

Bianca Lewis, program assistant I, Sioux Falls

A Nashville native, Lewis earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2021.

Much of her previous experience involves writing, starting with local reporting and eventually shifting to marketing and communications. In her last role, she pivoted to writing learning content.

After being away from a university-based role for some time, Lewis found herself missing the higher education environment. “After doing research on SDSU, I knew I wanted to work here. I checked regularly for openings on SDSU’s campuses, and I was hoping to find a role where I could make a difference for the university’s community with my skills and interests.

“As a program assistant, I support nursing students, faculty and staff of the Sioux Falls location through event planning and completing administrative tasks and projects. I also assist with student needs at our other two locations, so another part of my role is coordinating with other College of Nursing teams and offices.”

Lewis and her husband have four animals at home, and in her spare time she enjoys creative writing, painting and baking during the winter months. “When it’s warmer, I love being outside as much as possible, whether it’s biking, running, or enjoying the summer concerts at the Levitt.”

Joslyn Konenkamp, instructor, Rapid City

Konenkamp, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from SDSU in 2008 and her Master of Science in nursing education from Western Governor’s University in 2025, taught Intensive Care Unit clinicals for the past four years at SDSU. As of December, she’s now a full-time instructor.

Before that, she worked for 18 years as a bedside registered nurse, including orthopedics/neurology/surgical, women’s prison nursing, pre-op/Postanesthesia Care Unit /discharge and ICU.

“Serving as an ICU clinical instructor for SDSU was a highly rewarding experience. I observed that providing in-depth, hands-on mentorship — particularly in bridging complex critical care theories with bedside practice — allowed students to successfully navigate both their academic and career paths,” Konenkamp said.

“I deeply admire SDSU's commitment to creating a collaborative, evidence-based learning environment and thus consider it an ideal academic setting. I am eager to continue deeply engaging with this talented faculty and student population in an instructor role, nurturing the next generation of resilient nurses.”

As a nursing instructor, she will teach and mentor nursing students in classroom, laboratory and clinical settings. Her duties include developing curricula, evaluating student performance, and ensuring compliance with educational standards, helping students gain the skills and knowledge required for RN licensure and professional nursing practice.

Konenkamp and her husband have four teenage sons, and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, snowboarding, traveling, working out, walking and hiking with the family dog, Maverick.