Foundational
T.F. Riggs High School
While growing up, Becker Knecht focused on her education and joined various student groups such as the school yearbook. She was influenced by her family to pursue a similar path in the medical field as a pediatrician. While in high school, Becker Knecht took an advanced English course where she found a mentor, Elizabeth Vogt, who encouraged her current career path. Vogt provided a fostered Becker Knecht’s natural talent for writing while challenging her to pursue a career in English. She fondly reflected upon the novel, Elements of Style, that Vogt used to initiate a deep appreciation for the English language.
High School Diploma
Pierre, South Dakota
Foundational
T.F. Riggs High School
High School Diploma
Pierre, South Dakota
While growing up, Becker Knecht focused on her education and joined various student groups such as the school yearbook. She was influenced by her family to pursue a similar path in the medical field as a pediatrician. While in high school, Becker Knecht took an advanced English course where she found a mentor, Elizabeth Vogt, who encouraged her current career path. Vogt provided a fostered Becker Knecht’s natural talent for writing while challenging her to pursue a career in English. She fondly reflected upon the novel, Elements of Style, that Vogt used to initiate a deep appreciation for the English language.
Foundational
T.F. Riggs High School
High School Diploma
Pierre, South Dakota
While growing up, Becker Knecht focused on her education and joined various student groups such as the school yearbook. She was influenced by her family to pursue a similar path in the medical field as a pediatrician. While in high school, Becker Knecht took an advanced English course where she found a mentor, Elizabeth Vogt, who encouraged her current career path. Vogt provided a fostered Becker Knecht’s natural talent for writing while challenging her to pursue a career in English. She fondly reflected upon the novel, Elements of Style, that Vogt used to initiate a deep appreciation for the English language.
Lindsay Perry
Lindsay Perry is a breast cancer survivor, dedicated employee at the University of South Dakota, a hobby crocheter, and a proud mother and wife. With a passion for resilience and personal growth, Lindsay has turned her diagnosis into opportunities to inspire others. She is committed to empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and live their fullest lives. Today, she shares her journey of strength, perseverance, and the power of a connection.
IRB Coordinator, University of South Dakota
Jing A. Williams
Jing A. Williams is Associate Professor of Social Studies Education at the University of South Dakota (USD). She teaches elementary and secondary social studies methods courses. She is the three-time recipient of the Faculty Excellence Awards in Teaching at the School of Education at USD. In 2024, she was the keynote speaker at the Online Faculty Symposium hosted by USD’s Center for Teaching and Learning. Dr. Williams’ research interest focuses on the global perspective of social studies education. She is the lead author of Teaching with a Global Perspective: Approaches and Strategies for Secondary Social Studies Teachers, published by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) in 2024. She is the Book/Media Review Editor of the Journal of International Social Studies, the official publication of the International Assembly of the NCSS.
Associate Professor of Social Studies, USD
Dr. Julia Marin Hellwege
Associate Professor of Political Science, USD.
Director of the Allene R. Chiesman Center for Democracy.
Julia Marin Hellwege is Distinguished Professor and Director of the Allene R. Chiesman Center for Democracy and Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of South Dakota. She is also affiliated with the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program. Dr. Hellwege earned her Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico in 2016. She is a prolific and award-winning scholar who has published widely in both academic, applied, and public outlets. Her primary research focuses on the role of gender and marginalized identities in institutions and for political representation. She has two books under contract examining the legislative behavior of mothers and women of color. She is also co-editor for three books and several articles on professional development and social science pedagogy. An award-winning teacher, she offers introductory courses in political science and upper-division courses in American political institutions and the politics of inequality.
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Matthew R. Fairholm
Matt Fairholm is Professor of Public Administration in the Political Science Department and the W. O. Farber Center for Civic Leadership focusing on public administration, leadership studies, and constitutional governance. He has received several teaching and research awards. Before coming to USD he was the Director of Leadership Studies and Development at GWU's Center for Excellence in Public Leadership, where he still serves as a Senior Fellow, and before that he worked at the U.S. Department of Energy. His professional outreach involves organizations spanning the public, private, non-profit, and university settings. He has written dozens of technical reports, professional pieces, and peer-reviewed articles that appear in leading journals, and he is the author, with his father, of the book Understanding Leadership Perspectives: Theoretical and Practical Applications (Springer 2009). He also wrote Putting Your Values to Work: Becoming the Leader Others Want to Follow (Praeger 2013).
Director of Leadership Studies and Development at GWU's Center for Excellence in Public Leadership
Alexis Evans
Operations Director, Pathways Shelter for the Homeless
Alexis Evans was born and raised in Yankton, SD. She attended Yankton High School, then attended the University of South Dakota Bachelor of Social Work program from 2016-2020. Alexis is now the Operations Director at Pathways Shelter for the Homeless in Yankton. She spends her free time coaching for the Yankton High School Marching Band, serving on the board of The Sound of USD Alumni Band, and Yankton County Child Protection Team. She has been honored with awards such as the USD Social Work Task Supervisor of the Year in 2022, Yankton Thrive's 31 Under 31 in 2023, USD Social Work Alumni Engagement Award in 2024, and USD's 30 under 30 class of 2024. You can often find Alexis making crafts, playing Nintendo Switch, or hanging out with her husband, cat, and hedgehog.
Dr. Two Hawk
Member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
Provider for Avera and as a Clinical Professor for the USDSSOM.
Sophie (Marrs) Two Hawk, M.D., a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe was the first American Indian graduate from the USDSSOM. Dr. Two Hawk completed her Internal Medicine Residency in Sioux Falls and a Critical Care Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. She served as Medical Officer in the US Public Health Service in roles including CMO, CEO of hospitals; Chief Medical Officer for the California IHS Area , and Medical Director for the Tricare Overseas Program. During her stellar career, she received multiple awards and medals. She is currently a provider for Avera and as a Clinical Professor for the USDSSOM. She has been a mentor to recruit many into medicine including daughters: Dr. Arna Mora, Dr. Carol Whitman and Mashke Two Hawk (premed student). She and her husband Albert lecture on American Indian Healthcare. She published and appeared on radio and television programs on the subject.
Dr. Arna Mora
Dr. Arna Mora, MD, is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. She is a 2009 graduate of Cheyenne-Eagle Butte High School. She earned her BS in from the University of North Dakota. She earned her MD from the University of North Dakota in 2021. She completed her training in Family Medicine at the Center for Family Medicine Residency Program in Sioux Falls in July of 2024 and completed a Fellowship in Obstetrics at USD SSOM Obstetric program in January of 2025. She is currently practicing Family Medicine at the Pipestone Regional Medical Center. Alongside her husband, Antonino Mora Jr, she gave multiple presentations regarding Native American culture and history. They hope to also continue to provide this knowledge to their three children.
Member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
Family Medicine at the Pipestone Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Carol Whitman
Dr. Carol Whitman is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. She is a 2009 graduate of Todd County High school in Mission, SD. She was the youngest graduate and Valedictorian. She earned a BS in Biology in 2014 from the University of North Dakota.
She graduated from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine with her MD in 2020.
She completed her training specializing in psychiatry at the USD SSOM Psychiatric Residency Program in Sioux Falls, SD August 2024. She served on the Sanford School of Medicine Native American Advisory Cabinet for the Dean. Currently she is serving her community as a full time inpatient psychiatrist at Prairie St John’s in Fargo, ND. Carol and her husband Derek are the parents of three children.
Member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
Psychiatrist at Prairie St John's in Fargo, ND.
Zena Aragon
Zena Aragon brings her bold energy and unstoppable light and spirit from the small town of Vinton, Iowa. Raised by Leigh and Alvin Aragon alongside her amazing siblings—Celia, Rhianna, Athena, and Josh—Zena has undoubtedly made her mark at USD by diving headfirst into leadership, culture, and connection. She’s the Captain of the South Dakota Dance Team, President of the Latin and Hispanic Student Organization, Co-President of Dakota Days, Vice-President of the Black Student Union, and President of the Sigma Delta Honor Society. Her accolades speak volumes: Coyote Excellence New Student Leader of the Year (2023), the Black Student Union Unity Ball Uniqueness Award (2024), and two time podium finish at The Universal Dance Association College Nationals. Academically, Zena has furthered her Public Health studies with RISE UP, an internship program with Johns Hopkins and the CDC, as well as this upcoming summer with the National Institutes of Health and USD. But beyond the titles and trophies, Zena is driven by a passion to celebrate diversity, foster inclusivity, and ignite the potential in others—whether through the power of dance, cultural celebration, or fearless leadership. She lights up any room she’s in. She’s here to spark ideas, share her story, and remind us all of what’s possible when you lead with passion.