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DSU student appointed president elect of SDEA

             Dakota State University elementary special education student, junior Mandy Plucker was recently chosen as the State President Elect of the South Dakota Education Association (SDEA) for the 2001-02 school year. In the 2002-03 school year, she will serve as President of the organization.

“I have so much excitement and enthusiasm for the field of education that I am honored to be the president elect,” said Plucker. “It is just such an amazing organization. It is great to be able to be involved in something that I feel very passionate about.”

Plucker’s duties as president elect include presiding as president in the president’s absence, performing all duties directed to her by the president and board of directors, assisting the state office in collecting and compiling materials for publication and updating of the association scrapbook.  She will also serve as the second voting delegate to the National Education Association.

Dr. Tom Hawley, Dean of Education at DSU approached Plucker last spring about starting the organization up again at DSU. “I was excited and willing to do it,” recalled Plucker. “To be a state officer is a great opportunity for me and our organization at DSU.”

“She displayed exceptional organizational and leadership skills coupled with a great attitude toward becoming a teacher,” said Dr. Hawley of Plucker. “That’s why I recommended her as one who could rejuvenate our SDEA club.”

Last summer, Plucker attended the summer representative assembly to learn more about the SDEA. From that experience, Plucker has generated interest among her fellow students building membership up to 44 members.

Plucker graduated from Parker High School in May 1998. She transferred to Dakota State University to pursue a Career in Elementary Special Education in 1999.