From student to faculty: STC students gain industry experience, return to teach

This paid piece is sponsored by Southeast Technical College.

At Southeast Technical College, we stand by our graduates. And what better way to prove we believe in our hands-on education and workforce mission than hiring our graduates to teach? Read about some of STC’s finest who’ve gained industry experience and returned to prepare the next generation of skilled employees for Sioux Falls, South Dakota and the Midwest.

Dan EisenVos

HVAC/R instructor

Academic program and graduation year: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, 2017.

Additional education: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Augustana University; M.Ed. in Student Affairs Administration from South Dakota State University

Industry experience: While attending and after graduating from STC, EisenVos worked for Krier & Blain. A few years later, he was contacted about an instructor position at STC. “Considering my entire educational career, I felt teaching would bring together my technical, philosophical and student affairs training.”

What made you want to come back to teach at STC?

STC prepares students for rewarding and lucrative careers. I am proud of my students and what they can achieve in their careers beyond STC.

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach?

My perspective is unique, in that I obtained my AAS after I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I completed degrees at private, public and technical institutions and often attest that the HVAC/R program offered me an opportunity to learn technical skills that are transferable, highly valued and well paid.”

Hands-on work: Before applying to STC, EisenVos volunteered for eight months at a small university in Carmen Pampa, Bolivia. While there, he realized that hands-on work was rewarding to him and worth pursuing a career.

Dana Davis

Collision repair and refinish instructor

Academic program and graduation year: Collision Repair and Refinish Technology, formerly named Autobody and Refinish, 1995.

Additional education: Industry training and certifications from Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR).

Industry experience: Davis has 30 years of experience in the collision industry, having worked as a body technician, paint technician, estimator and shop manager. He was formerly employed at Billion Automotive, Sioux Falls Ford and Luxury Auto Mall.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC?

I wanted to improve student skills and share experiences that have shaped me and my career choice. I enjoy teaching and mentoring in all aspects of life — it’s a journey, enjoy the ride!

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach?

I have experience in many positions available in the industry and have done them with great success. I am a lifelong learner and share my experiences with students on enjoying a trade and being successful.”

Diana Albers

Nursing instructor

Academic program and graduation year: Licensed Practical Nursing, 2013; Registered Nurse, 2016.

Additional education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Clarkson College and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Capella University.

Industry experience: Albers spent 10 years at the Sioux Falls Veterans Affairs Hospital. She started as an LPN on the long-term care floor and then began on the medical-surgical floor when she earned her RN degree. She also has experience as a critical care nurse in the intensive care unit, emergency room and in gastrointestinal procedures. Beyond her bedside career, she has worked as an emergency room unit educator and a clinical educator.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC?

I wanted to make a difference in nursing, and I figured the best way I could do so would be to help produce the best students. I wanted to utilize my years of experience at the bedside to make relatable content for nursing students.

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach?

I have gone through the programs that my students are currently enrolled in and can show students how much they can achieve. Not only did I complete both programs, but I went on to have a successful career at the bedside and obtained my master’s degree.”

Gregory Schwebach

Architectural engineering instructor

Academic program and graduation year: Architectural Engineering Technology, 2016.

Industry experience: Schwebach spent eight years in industry before teaching. Through internships, full-time employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, he created connections across multiple disciplines in the construction industry. He has experience with residential, commercial and civil projects and has continued part-time self-employment work, keeping fresh with the latest trends in industry.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC?

STC provided me all the tools that I needed to succeed, and I wanted to help students gain the same opportunities and education.

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach?

“I’m fresh out of industry and still have strong ties, so I can instruct with the latest industry needs and techniques in mind.

Jeremy South

Automotive technology lab specialist

Academic program and graduation year: Automotive Technology, 2008.

Additional education: Master Certified for FCA and Fiat.

Industry experience: South had 19 years of industry experience when he began teaching at Southeast Tech. Starting at Manley Tire in 2005 installing tires, South worked his way up to one of the shop’s top technicians. In addition to installation work, South worked in parts, as a technician and as a manager. While working at Billion Dodge, he earned his Master Certification in Dodge/Jeep/Ram/Chrysler and eventually became the only Fiat Master tech in the state.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC?

In 2020, I was working at Schulte Subaru and had the opportunity to train people while I was out with an injury. It was then that I realized how much fun it is to train people.

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach?

I have worked in small shops as well as larger dealerships and followed a different career path than other instructors. It has given me a unique perspective and allows me to give advice from a different point of view.

It’s a classic: South owns his dad’s classic Mustang and enjoys keeping it on the road. “My kids can ride around in the same car I did growing up.”

Josette Otto

Surgical technology instructor

Academic program and graduation year: Surgical Technology, 2014.

Additional education: Bachelor of Science in Surgical Technology from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan.

Industry experience: Otto began teaching at STC in 2021 with 10 years’ experience as a surgical technologist. She worked for Sanford Health and specialized in heart and vascular surgery, as well as in ear, nose and throat and pediatric surgeries. She also spent five years at Vance Thompson Vision, specializing in eye surgery and transplants. Before becoming program director, Otto was a clinical instructor.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC?

I’ve always felt a deep connection with Southeast Tech as an institution as it played an instrumental role in shaping my personal and professional journey. The foundational skills I gained at STC propelled me forward. I also have a desire to meaningfully contribute to STC’s core values through teaching, influencing culture and elevating patient care.

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach?

I bring varied perspectives to the classroom that I have gained through both my professional background and my deep-rooted commitment to surgical technology as a profession. My journey has equipped me with invaluable insights into both surgical technology and health care. Past successes and challenges have equipped me with a pragmatic approach to teaching that is grounded in real-world relevance.

Michelle Osborn

LPN/CNA coordinator

Academic program and graduation year: Licensed Practical Nursing, 2009.

Additional education: Bachelor in Science in Nursing from Presentation College and a Master of Nursing Education from Aspen University.

Industry experience: Osborn started her career as an LPN working in family practice at Interlakes Clinic in Madison, then worked at a pediatric clinic at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls. After earning her BSN, she moved to acute care at Sanford Health and started teaching at STC as an adjunct instructor in 2015. In 2018, she became a full-time instructor and earned her master’s degree in nursing education in 2021.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC?

While working at Sanford, I became a preceptor for practicum nursing students and found my passion for education. I enjoy working with future nurses and being there for the moments when they connect theory with practice.

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach? 

I believe we are lifelong learners, and I bring experience and perspective from years in industry and teaching adult learners. There is always room for growth and development. I strive to create a safe learning environment where students are comfortable to engage in hands-on learning and ask questions.

Goal! Osborn is the intramural soccer adviser at STC and plays in an adult league year-round.

Terry Prouty

Automotive technology instructor

Academic program and graduation year: Network Administration AAS, PC Support Diploma, 2002; Automotive Technology, 2006.

Additional education: Attended SDSU and USF in 2009-12 to earn a career technical education credential to teach high school.

Industry experience: While enrolled in STC’s Automotive Technology program, Prouty worked at Jay Egge Automotive Service, a position he held for seven years. He also taught automotive, small engines, welding and CAD classes at Roosevelt High School before starting at Southeast Tech.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC?

The day I graduated from STC, my instructor said I would be back to teach soon. I didn’t feel it was in my plan, but in 2011, I learned of an opening due to retirement, and here I am.”

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach?

I continue to work in industry when I’m not in class and during breaks. This keeps me up to date on real-world perspective of what’s going on in today’s industry.

Tony Conrad

Media design technology instructor

Academic program and graduation year: Graphic Communications, 1998.

Additional education: Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sioux Falls.

Industry experience: Conrad racked up more than 10 years of experience working in media, graphic design, commercial printing and custom cabinetry.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC?

My father taught here his entire career, and my brother taught adjunct here before eventually becoming the principal at Jefferson High School. I enjoyed my experience as a student, and I’ve always enjoyed sharing what I’ve learned with others.”

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach?

I try to make learning enjoyable. I believe in establishing a strong foundation for students to build their skills and futures upon. Being able to adapt to new technologies and trends while understanding the variety of mediums used will keep students relevant and successful in this constantly changing field.

Tori Haase

Nursing instructor

Academic program and graduation year: Licensed Practical Nursing, 2013; Registered Nurse, 2016.

Additional education:  Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Dakota; currently enrolled in a master’s program at Walden University.

Industry experience: After graduating from Southeast Tech, Haase worked in family practice and post-surgical trauma and served as a military medic.

What made you want to come back to teach at STC?

I appreciate STC so much after entering the workforce as they do a fantastic job preparing students. I am excited to work at STC and be part of that.

What perspective do you bring to the students you teach? 

Nursing is a challenging program and a challenging career. I can relate to my students as they go through the program, having completed it myself. I enjoy comforting students that achieving an 85 percent is a big goal, but it’s achievable with hard work and dedication.

Globetrotter: Haase spent nine months in Qatar and three months in Germany for deployments. “I enjoy traveling and seeing the world!”