ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University was recognized twice at the 2026 ABBY Awards, hosted by the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce, with assistant professor of accounting Josh VanLaecken named to the Top 4 Under 40 and the Northern Innovation and Startup Center receiving the Cultivator of Progress Award. The evening also celebrated the graduation of the 2026 Leadership Aberdeen class, which included four NSU faculty and staff members.

The ABBY Awards — Aberdeen Business Awards — recognize outstanding businesses, organizations and community leaders for excellence across a range of categories each year. This year's ceremony combined the awards program with the Leadership Aberdeen graduation for a night celebrating leaders, champions and business excellence.

VanLaecken, an assistant professor of accounting in Northern State University's School of Business, was selected for the Top 4 Under 40 program, which honors young leaders between the ages of 25 and 39 who are making a positive impact in Aberdeen and Brown County through their careers, civic engagement or philanthropic efforts. Prior to entering academia, VanLaecken built a career in both public and private accounting, serving clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to locally owned small businesses. He also serves on nonprofit boards and committees in the community.

The Northern Innovation and Startup Center received the Cultivator of Progress Award, which recognizes a business or organization that actively drives positive change and innovation within the agribusiness, manufacturing or technology sectors. The center works with innovators, nonprofits and rural communities to launch tech startups and create digital jobs in northeastern South Dakota, embracing a fail-forward mentality and building pathways to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their concepts into companies.

Four NSU faculty and staff members were among the 2026 Leadership Aberdeen graduates: Audrey Miller, Dr. Lyncee Monson, Nicole Schutter and Shelby Serrano. Established in 1987, Leadership Aberdeen is an immersive leadership development program that runs from January through April, equipping participants with the skills, insights and connections needed to lead with purpose in their workplace and community.