ABERDEEN, S.D. – The TRIO McNair Scholars Program at Northern State University will host the inaugural NSU McNair Forum on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. The event, held in the Centennial Room of the Avera Student Center, will feature three distinguished scholars who are either alumni of Northern State or have previously served as faculty. The forum is designed to provide insights into the journey from undergraduate education to the attainment of a doctorate.

Event details:
Date: Friday, Sept. 27, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Centennial Room, Avera Student Center, Northern State University, Aberdeen
Cost: Free and open to the public

Featured speakers:

  • Dr. Larissa Wattier (Bachelor of Science, 2016)
    Owner, Medicine Rock, Aberdeen
    Speaking at 9 a.m.
  • Dr. Kimberly Johnson-Maier (Bachelor of Science, 2011)
    Professor, Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences, South Dakota State University
    Speaking at 10 a.m.
  • Dr. Anthony Wachs (NSU professor, 2011-2016)
    Professor, Department of Communication and Rhetoric Studies, Duquesne University
    Speaking at 11 a.m.

A Q&A session and discussion will follow, led by Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank Dean of the School of Business at Northern State.

The forum is open to all Northern students and faculty, and faculty members are encouraged to invite their classes. This event is an opportunity for attendees to hear from professionals who have successfully pursued doctorate degrees and to learn from their experiences. 

For more information, please call Chiara Wang, director of the NSU McNair program, at 605-626-3444.