Fitzgerald receives Alumni Achievement Award
Margaret Fitzgerald, dean of the NDSU College of Human Sciences and Education, was honored with the Alumni Achievement Award from the Iowa State University College of Human Sciences on October 25. Fitzgerald earned her doctorate in human development and family studies from Iowa State in 1997.
Fitzgerald is an advocate for her students and has already made a large impact. By reconnecting with alumni and friends of the college to raise funds for scholarships, faculty research, and other initiatives, she has improved opportunities for students and enhanced the college’s profile.
Since joining the NDSU faculty in 1988, Fitzgerald has held the positions of associate dean and head of the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences. She was named dean in 2016. She was cited during the awards ceremony as a trusted and respected leader who is invested in the people she leads.
Fitzgerald is a member of both the board and the cabinet of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance. In this position, she helps students advance their career opportunities.
Leadership Team Spotlight
This month, we would like to introduce you to the College of Human Sciences and Education Leadership Team. Their contributions and dedication to the students of NDSU are well appreciated.
Yeong Rhee
Unit: Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences
Title: Unit Head/Professor
Research Interests: Nutrition, Chronic disease prevention
Jim Deal
Unit: Human Development and Family Science
Title: Professor/Associate Dean
Research Interests: Identity development in emerging adults, particularly in the
areas of religion and the transition to college. Also interested in first generation
and/or low-income students and issues related to financial support.
Joel Hektner
Unit: Human Development and Family Sciences
Title: Unit Head/Professor
Research Interests: Design and effectiveness of programs to prevent adjustment
problems and promote well-being in children and adolescents; Peer affiliation
patterns and peer influences on children's behaviors; Family and school conditions
that facilitate optimal experiences (flow) and optimal development; The
Experience Sampling Method
Kwangsoo Park
Unit: Apparel, Merchandising, Interior Design and Hospitality Management
Title: Unit Head/Associate Professor
Research Interests: Disability issues and social inclusion in hospitality and
tourism; Quality of life and tourism; Consumer behavior attending special events
Jill Nelson
Unit: School of Education
Title: Professor/Associate Dean
Research Interests: Shame and shame resilience; Community mental wellness;
Qualitative research; and leadership
Chris Ray
Unit: School of Education
Title: Unit Head/Associate Professor
Research Interests: Defining, measuring, and improving institutional quality,
including outcomes assessment; Quantitative research methods; Measurement
of behavioral and attitudinal outcomes related to assessment and student
development; Moral development and education; Q Methodology
