State of Wellbeing, a podcast from South Dakota State University

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, host Caitlin Walters sits down with Claire Koenecke, this year’s Grand Pooba, and Eleanor Wehseler, Marketing Assistant Pooba, to celebrate one of South Dakota State University’s most cherished traditions - Hobo Day. Claire and Eleanor share what it’s like to plan the 113th Hobo Day, offer a behind-the-scenes look at the week’s events, and reflect on the mean...

The South Dakota State University Student Health Clinic is dedicated to providing cost-effective, evidence-based health care tailored to students, promoting wellbeing and academic success within an inclusive and respectful setting. Janae Jacobsen, certified nurse practitioner, discusses services provided by the Student Health Clinic. Learning Objectives: Listeners will be able to identify at least...

In this episode of State of Well-Being from South Dakota State University, host Caitlin Walters sits down with graduate student and success advisor Kennedy Goblirsch to talk about procrastination and time management—two of the biggest challenges college students face. Together, they explore why so many students put off assignments, how perfectionism and fear of failure play a role, and practical s...

Living on campus means more than just sharing a room—it’s about learning communication, setting boundaries, and building a sense of community. In this episode of State of Wellbeing, host Caitlin Walters sits down with Becky Peterson, Director of Housing and Residential Life, and Nathaniel Condelli, Assistant Director for Residential Life, to talk about the ups and downs of living with roommates. T...

Starting college is an exciting new chapter, but it can also bring feelings of homesickness and uncertainty about where you belong. In this episode of State of Wellbeing, Chief Wellness Officer Shari Landmark sits down with SDSU counselors Autumn Garr and Julia Walker to talk about belonging, connection, and the realities of homesickness. Together, they share insights from their work with students...

In this episode, we are kicking off the 2025-2026 academic year with a discussion with SDSU Chief Wellness Officer Shari Landmark about the activities at the Miller Wellness Center. From addressing sleep and anxiety to promoting resilience, recreation, and community connection, the conversation offers practical insights for both students and faculty as they navigate the academic year.   Learning O...

In this episode of the "State of Well-Being" podcast, host Kevin Sackreiter, Executive Director for the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence at South Dakota State University (SDSU), engages in a meaningful conversation with Brenna Rubendall-LaVoy, Professional Academic Advisor, and True Thorne, Trio Upward Bound and Student Support Services Academic Coordinator. The focus of...

In this episode of the "State of Well-Being" podcast, host Kevin Sackreiter, Executive Director for the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence at South Dakota State University (SDSU), sits down with Janell Davis, Coordinator of Testing Services, and Val Smith, Testing Center Operations Manager. Together, they explore the vital role of the SDSU Testing Center in supporting stude...

This week, we continue our series on the Opportunity Center Student Success NETwork through a conversation with the Office of Disability Services. The discussion focuses on student accommodations and the role that the Office of Disabiility Services plays in ensuring access for students with disabilities at SDSU.   Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe the responsibilities of the Office of Disability Serv...

In this episode of the "State of Well-Being" podcast, host Kevin Sackreiter, Executive Director for the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence at South Dakota State University (SDSU), engages in a thoughtful conversation with Teresa Seefeldt, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at SDSU. The focus of their discussion is the transfer student population and how the Student Su...

In this episode of the State of Wellbeing podcast, host Kevin Sackreiter, Executive Director for the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence at South Dakota State University (SDSU), sits down with Kirsten Linke, the Director of International Students and Scholars at SDSU. Together, they explore the vital role of the Office of International Affairs in supporting the international...

Join Caitlin Walters, the wellbeing specialist at South Dakota State University, and Bruce Johnson, faculty in the Ness School of Management and Economics, in this episode of "State of Wellbeing." This episode is part of a financial literacy and wellness series, focusing on the practical aspects of managing shared expenses and resolving conflicts with roommates. Learning Objectives: 1. Listeners w...

Our financial wellness series continues this week with a discussion on bill payments with Axton Betz-Hamilton from the Ness School of Management and Economics. Dr. Betz-Hamilton discusses the types of bills students and graduates can expect and the consequences of falling beyond in your bills. Learning Outcomes: 1. Listeners will be able to differentiate between fixed bills and variable bills. 2....

With commencement just around the corner, you may be thinking about how to manage your finances as you transition from college to career. In this episode, Lorna Saboe Wounded Head from SDSU Extension discusses budgeting for life after college.   Learning Outcomes: 1. Listeners will be able to identify two resources to help them keep track of their budget after college. 2. Listeners will be able to...

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, host Caitlin Walters and guest Lisa Marotz, the Director of McCrory Gardens, explore the concept of Environmental Wellness and share practical ways students, faculty, and staff can enhance it in their daily lives. They highlight the benefits of spending time in nature and discuss how caring for our personal spaces can contribute to a healthier environment ove...

This week, we come back to our series on the Opportunity Center Student Success NETwork. Dr. Chris Larson, Noah Roerig, and Jaritza Cazares Cruz discuss how the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College and the Honors College Student Organization support student success and wellbeing at SDSU.   Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss how honors courses foster deeper understanding and community among s...

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, host Kevin Sackreiter sits down with Cody Burggraff, Director of Student Programs at South Dakota State University, to explore the vital role of new student orientation in fostering a sense of belonging and connection on campus. They discuss the challenges new students face, from information overload to navigating a new environment, and how SDSU supports them...

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, host Kevin Sackreiter sits down with Russ Chavez, Director of the Veterans Affairs and Resource Center at South Dakota State University (SDSU), to discuss the crucial role the center plays in supporting student veterans, service members, and their families. Listeners will gain insight into the transition process for veterans entering higher education, common...

As we continue our series on the Opportunity Center Student Success Network, a team from the American Indian Student Center (AISC) joins the podcast to discuss initiatives to support student success and promote students' mental, physical, and emotional health. The episode also highlights upcoming events and the importance of community engagement to foster a supportive environment for SDSU students...

In this episode, Carey Kilmer, Director of Continuing and Distance Education, and Mercedes Schievelbein, Enrollment and Student Success Coordinator, discuss how SDSU serves distance learners, online students, and high school dual enrollment students, ensuring they receive the same level of academic and wellbeing support as on-campus students. Learn about the virtual student union, tutoring, and ac...

This podcast episode highlights SDSU's efforts to support autistic students through the Lucas P. Wintrode Autism Support Services program. Hosted by Kevin Sackreiter, the episode features Keena Melville, the program's director, who explains how the initiative enhances student success.   Learning Objectives: 1. Explain the purpose of the Lucas P. Wintrode Autism Support Services at SDSU. 2. Describ...

This week's episode of State of Wellbeing focuses on the holistic support offered by South Dakota State University to graduate students. Hosted by Kevin Sackreiter, the conversation features Nicole Lounsbery, Director of the SDSU Graduate School, and Kristen Kponyoh, Assistant Director, discussing the resources and initiatives available to promote graduate student success and well-being. For more...

In this episode, Kevin Sackreiter, Executive Director for the Center for Professional Enrichment and Teaching Excellence, kicks off a new series focused on the Student Success NETwork at SDSU. Kevin is joined by Tina Birgen, Coordinator for Student Success and Opportunity, who serves as the liaison for the Student Success Network within the Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center. Tina sha...

Jack's Cupboard is the free, on-campus food pantry at South Dakota State University. In this State of Wellbeing episode, the Jack's Cupboard student leadership team discusses their goal to alleviate food insecurity among SDSU students by providing food and personal care items to Jackrabbits who need them.   Learning Objectives: 1. Define food insecurity and its impact on students' mental, social,...

From friendships and romantic partnerships to roommate dynamics and professional connections, this episode of State of Wellbeing discusses the importance of building and maintaining meaningful relationships. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the role relationships play in overall wellbeing and how small changes can lead to healthier, more balanced interactions.   Learning Objectives: 1. List...