ABERDEEN, S.D. –Northern State University faculty Julie Johnson, Instructor of Management and Communication Studies, and program assistant for NSU International Programs, Heidi Hepola, have been selected along with 18 others to join the second South Dakota Change Network cohort.

The [Part of the] Change Network provides South Dakotans, North Dakotans and the region’s 12 Native nations with a supportive learning environment to lead change within their organizations and communities in a more equitable and inclusive manner. 

The Part of the Change cohort is the process of deciding and developing what specific project or projects would be viable, and most beneficial for our community. The cohort will spend the next year working one-on-one with mentors and jointly in group discussions while attending online learning sessions and three in-person meetings 

“I want to focus on ways to improve inclusivity for local immigrants, having worked on the Aberdeen Meet and Greet committee to help host an event honoring the Somali population,” said Hepola. “I had some narrow ideas of what to do, but I think I want to expand it into a couple projects.”

Hepola hopes to include artistic aspects in her projects, while the others may be more of a meeting, forum or presentation type of project atmosphere. 

“I do know that my goal with my projects is to do something that benefits Aberdeen community groups that are distinguished as ‘others,’” said Hepola, “instead of being included as Aberdonians, as they should be.”

For Johnson, she enjoys the privilege of being involved with cross-cutting problems and being a continual part of an effort to find solutions to complex issues.

“I view it as a chance to refresh my skills and perspectives for future work,” said Johnson. “The SD Change Cohort has created a year-long process for us, and I look forward to finding ways to use my refreshed skills in Aberdeen, this region, and possibly statewide.”

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.