MITCHELL TECH ALUMNI STORIES
Devon Munsen ’19
We Make It Easy. You Make It Possible.
A traveling laboratory technician.
A communications director.
An entrepreneur.
A pastry chef.
The list of career possibilities is endless when you graduate with a degree from Mitchell Technical College. In addition to a rewarding experience on one of the newest campuses in South Dakota, you get an affordable, relevant degree that will open doors in industries ranging from health care to agriculture.
Today, Mitchell Technical College has over 17,000 alumni providing products, services, ideas and innovations around the world. They leave our campus with highdemand skills and a desire to learn, grow, succeed and give back.
This alumni magazine shines a spotlight on just a few of our impactful graduates, showcasing the diverse opportunities available at MTC. Whether you’re a graduate, a student, an instructor or a member of the local community, you know why Mitchell Technical College is considered one of the BEST community colleges in America.
We’re proud to share just a few of those reasons with you. Enjoy our alumni stories and email us at foundation@mitchelltech.edu if you have a spotlight story you would like to share!
“I have an amazing life and an amazing family,” he says. “Agriculture is not always the easiest occupation, but I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
– Riley Zoss-Littau ’14
A
Heart for Livestock Leads to a Life of Dreams
“If you would have told me ten years ago I would be the Communications Manager for the South Dakota Beef Industry Council, I would have said you were crazy!” says Riley Zoss-Littau, a 2014 Mitchell Tech graduate with a degree in Agriculture Technology/Animal Science.
Crazy or not, Riley has been in his position with the SDBIC since 2020, advocating the benefits of beef from his home office in Letcher, South Dakota. He grew up on the cattle ranch he and his husband Kip operate alongside Riley’s parents. Riley and Kip manage a registered Angus herd as well as about 50 head of American Boer Goats.
“I truly love agriculture and always have,” he says. “It’s my work and my passion.”
In addition to his full-time job with the SD Beef Industry Council and working the ranch, Riley and Kip own and operate LZ Livestock + Photography. The company offers Angus and Simmental Seedstock Genetics along with registered Boer Goats. The photography portion of the business offers professional livestock photography for catalogs and livestock shows.
Riley says his experiences at Mitchell Tech allowed him to build relationships while he earned his degrees.
“I got really involved in Ag Club and with the Student Representative Board at Mitchell Tech,” he says. “I was also a Student Ambassador while I was a student and worked as the Ag & Construction Admissions Councelor for six years after I graduated. I enjoyed every bit of my time at Mitchell Tech.”
A retired instructor attracted Riley to Mitchell Tech while he was in high school.
“I did my senior project on cattle feeding and Myron Sonne mentored me on how to regulate feed rations,” he says. “He was an instructor at Mitchell Tech at the time, and I figured if he took the time to help me while I was in high school, imagine what I could learn as a college student.”
Myron retired the year Riley started college, but Dr. Lori Repenning was a special connection in the Animal Science department and is someone he still calls with questions today.
“I use a lot of the knowledge I learned at Mitchell Tech in my job with the SD Beef Industry Council,” he says. “It’s an opportunity that pushes me out of my comfort zone. I work with the media, coordinate campaigns, take care of public relations, set up events, and promote beef through the Beef Checkoff program. No two days are alike and it keeps me on my toes.”
Riley also enjoys helping the next generation get involved with the livestock industry. He plays a major role in organizing the South Dakota Summer Livestock Spotlight show in Huron for junior livestock exhibitors and is also the coordinator for the South Dakota Junior Beef Ambassador Program. He and Kip volunteer as Sanborn County 4-H leaders, where they enjoy following nieces, nephews, and cousins.
“I have an amazing life and an amazing family,” he says. “Agriculture is not always the easiest occupation, but I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
“ Mitchell Tech was willing to work with my schedule so I could flex classes around my part-time job and continue to volunteer and help raise my kids.”
– Kim Linse ’21
A Degree that Goes the Distance for Speech Language
Pathology Assistants
Kim Linse has never been to South Dakota.
That didn’t stop her from earning her Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) degree from Mitchell Technical College. In fact, Linse was living in Alaska while enrolled in online classes through MTC, taking advantage of the SLPA program’s flexible scheduling and convenient three-hour time difference.
“Mitchell Tech was willing to work with my schedule so I could flex classes around my part-time job and continue to volunteer and help raise my kids,” she says. “Plus, South Dakota is three hours ahead of Alaska so I could do a lot of things early in the morning before my family was awake.”
Linse learned about the online opportunity from a coworker who graduated from MTC’s SLPA program. She talked to program director Jennifer Schultz and the conversation sealed the deal.
“I enjoyed the personal interaction with my instructors. They were quick to return phone calls or emails and the curriculum was very organized and thoughtful,” she says. “When I started my first job I had everything I needed.”
Prior to enrolling in the program, Linse and her husband were raising three young children (including a set of twins), and she was working part-time providing direct care to children and adults with special needs. This position allowed her to observe physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists, and she became interested in speech therapy. She always knew she would go to college once her twins started school, and she set her sights on an SLPA degree.
“My daughter needed some speech therapy and her speech therapist became my mentor,” she explains. “It felt like it was just meant to be. My twins started kindergarten the same day I had my first college class.”
Linse earned her degree in 2021 after five busy semesters and began working as an SLPA for her local school district in Alaska, where she thrived in her new position. In early 2023, the family relocated to Idaho. Linse fielded multiple job offers and accepted a position at a preschool for special needs children.
“I had a job waiting for me as an SLPA in Idaho and felt prepared to start a career in a new place,” she says. “My degree met with Idaho’s state requirements for licensure and I had all the tools and the experience to feel confident.”
Human Services Technician Grad Dedicates Her Life to Helping Others
“I work in a job I can’t imagine ever leaving, at a place that feels like family,” says Addison Robertson, a 2018 graduate from Mitchell Technical College’s Human Services Technician program.
“I originally wanted to be a radiologic technician, but God had better plans. This is the career for me.”
Addison uses her Human Services Technician degree to help enrich the lives of people with disabilities in her role as a Residential Supervisor at LifeQuest in Mitchell. She worked part-time as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for LifeQuest while attending Mitchell Tech but moved to her hometown of Tea after graduation. She took positions at DakotAbilities and the South Dakota State Penitentiary before relocating back to Mitchell in 2020. In Mitchell, Addison worked at Stepping Stones as a residential assistant and addictions counselor but continued to keep connected with LifeQuest, working part-time as a DSP simply because she loved the job.
“People don’t leave LifeQuest easily so when a Residential Supervisor position opened, I applied right away,” she said. “In the back of my mind, this was always my goal!”
Addison often refers to the skills she learned in the classroom at Mitchell Tech to help her navigate her career at LifeQuest.
“Classes
on disabilities, workplace professionalism, and
self-care
are really valuable
in
my
job,” she says. “I
use what I learned not just at work but in my life.”
Mitchell Tech’s size, location, and affordable cost enticed Addison to enroll in the Human Services Technician program, in addition to the fact that she could complete the degree in just four semesters.
Since her time as a student at Mitchell Technical College, Addison has returned for more education through MTC’s Leadership Academy. Leadership Academy was a oneyear program designed to enhance leadership skills and provide participants with a Certificate in Leadership Studies.
“LifeQuest sent me in April 2022 and I completed the program in April 2023,” she explains. “It was an awesome experience and provided me with the tools to thrive in a leadership role.”
She is invited to Mitchell Tech each year to speak to students in a mental health class about Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors, such as hair pulling, nail biting, cheek biting, and skin picking. Education and awareness about various mental health and disability issues are important to Addison.
“Helping and advocating for people just makes my life more meaningful.”
New Direction Brings Grad Back for Second Degree
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average person changes careers five to seven times during their working life.
At Mitchell Technical College, we see it all the time. People evolve, circumstances change and people decide to explore new skill sets and careers. Take Cory Schoenfelder for example.
Cory graduated from Parkston High School in 2007 and then attended Mitchell Tech where he obtained an associate’s degree in Heating and Cooling Technology. He worked successfully in the HVAC field for ten years. But in 2019, he was feeling burned out and began contemplating a change in careers. At this same time, he found himself working on a project alongside a foreman from Northwestern Energy who told him his skills would be a good fit for the company.
“It sounded like the perfect job for me,” says Cory. “I could not stop thinking about it. I quit my job, took a year off to work in carpentry, and then enrolled at
– Cory Shoenfelder, ’21
Mitchell Tech in their Natural Gas Technology program in 2020.” Because he enrolled at Mitchell Tech during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cory found himself in a class with just two other people.
“That small class size was exactly what I wanted,” he says. “I don’t think they have had a class size that small before then or since then, so it was the right time for me. I was able to form a close relationship with the instructor, Lee Johnson. We are still friends and stay in touch today.”
After graduation, Cory began working at Q3 Contracting as a gas fitter in Sioux Falls. Eventually, he moved to a gas apprentice position with Northwestern Energy in Mitchell, where he continues to work towards becoming a gas journeyman.
“Mitchell is close to home and family, and I enjoy the outdoors activities available to me here,” he says. “I would recommend Mitchell Tech to anyone. The instructors are great and they offer hands-on training, plus the campus is new and beautiful.”
“I always liked being around agriculture, so Mitchell Tech’s Diesel Power –Ag Power Technology program was just a good fit for me.”
– Wyatt Larsen ’20
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy,” says Wyatt Larsen, a 2020 graduate from Mitchell Tech’s Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology program.
Grad Drives His Own Success with Mobile Ag Repair Service
while working for a John Deere dealer and continued to work for the dealership for four years after graduation. He also serves as a utilities equipment repairer for the South Dakota National Guard. His years of experience combined with the ability to work on state-of-the-art equipment at Mitchell Tech gave him the confidence to start his own mobile ag repair business.
“The instructors were really knowledgeable and allowed us to bring in projects that would challenge us,” he said. “The sky was the limit on the types of machinery we could bring in to work on, but we also had access to all the latest equipment and diagnostics.”
This past March, Wyatt bought a service truck fully equipped with a crane, air compressor, bulk oil tanks, and a welder so he can repair farm equipment in the field. He started making phone calls to farmers around the area and quickly filled his schedule.
“I arrive on a farm to work on one tractor and then the client will bring me another one,” he says. “It’s a good problem to have but I might need to hire another person sooner than expected!”
Wyatt grew up on a farm near Huron and worked on a farm after high school. He lists farming as his main hobby and rents 350 acres for growing and harvesting hay crops.
Wyatt launched Larsen Ag Repair LLC in April of 2024 and has been busy with repair and maintenance requests from farmers in the Huron area, where his independently owned mobile ag repair service is located. As a Build Dakota Scholar, Wyatt pursued his degree
“I always liked being around agriculture,” he says. “I also liked doing maintenance on big machines, so Mitchell Tech’s Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology program was just a good fit for me. Even today, I know the instructors are there for me. If I need any advice or have a question, all I have to do is ask!”
Haley Lydick ’20, pictured with her dog Otis at a couple of their favorite hiking spots in Realto (right) and La Push (left) beaches in Washington.
Traveling Lab Technician Finds Adventure on the Job
Oh, the places you’ll go!
People with degrees in the medical field are taking advantage of the opportunity to explore new cities while working as traveling healthcare professionals across the country.
Haley Lydick, a 2020 graduate of Mitchell Technical College’s Medical Laboratory Technician program, has worked all over the United States in locations like Seattle, Austin, and Minneapolis. At age 30 without a spouse or children, the job is perfect for an adventurous soul who claims she is “motivated by food and meeting new people.”
“I was working dead-end jobs and needed something better,” she explains. “I have a couple of friends who had gone through the MLT program at Mitchell Tech and they talked about the wonderful instructors and the fact that this is an in-demand career that would allow me to go anywhere.”
Haley grew up in Poulsbo, Washington in a family that enjoys long road trips and traveling, so the lifestyle suits her. She cautions that while she loves working as a traveling laboratory technician, the career is not for everyone.
“The field has gotten more competitive and you need to be ok with a month or two of downtime between jobs,” she explains. “But if your lifestyle accommodates a traveling schedule, this is an amazing way to make a living.”
She credits Program Director and MTC instructor Lynne Smith for setting her up for success.
“A lot of sweat and tears went into getting this degree, but I had great instructors that helped me conquer a difficult program,” she says. “I have worked alongside people from other colleges, including four-year programs, and I am confident in my skills. My education was very thorough thanks to hands-on lab work and real-world experience.”
Her job duties include running various tests on body fluids and tissues and then analyzing and reporting the results.
When she’s not working, Haley enjoys lifting weights, hiking with her labrador Otis, and trying local restaurants and new foods.
“The travel life just works for me,” she says. “There might come a time when I’m ready to settle down and work in one place, and I know I can get a job wherever I decide to live. My skills will always be needed.”
“A lot of sweat and tears went into getting this degree, but I had great instructors that helped me conquer a difficult program.”
– Haley Lydick ’20
“It takes a strong mindset, a passion for healthcare, and incredible empathy to work alongside cancer patients in this way,” says Hailey Weber, a radiation therapist at Monument Health Cancer Institute.
“We get to know the people and their stories and are an important part of the cancer team. I am so honored to do what I do.”
Hailey graduated from Huron High School in 2014 and attended SDSU for one year before realizing the big campus experience wasn’t right for her.
“I decided I wanted a smaller campus and a tight-knit community close to home,” she says. “As a bonus, Mitchell Tech was one of the only two-year programs in
“We get to know the people and their stories and are an important part of the cancer team. I am
so honored to do what I do.”
– Hailey Weber ’17 and ’20
the state to offer a Radiologic Technology degree without requiring prerequisites.”
Over the course of her three years at Mitchell Tech, Hailey thrived in her small classes and the student-oriented environment. She appreciated being challenged by instructors who encouraged her to reach her fullest potential.
“I also really liked Grocery Store Bingo!” she says.
She graduated from Mitchell Tech’s Radiologic Technology program in 2017 and from the Radiation Therapy program in 2020.
“I was initially interested in the rad tech program because it’s a diverse field with many options and opportunities. I decided to further my education with the one-year advanced radiation therapy program from Mitchell Tech and it was the best decision for me,”
Hailey completed eight months of radiation therapy clinical rotations at Monument Health Care in Rapid City in 2020, where she got her foot in the door. When a radiation therapist position became available six months after graduation, she applied and got the job. “My husband and I wanted to live in the Black Hills, so everything worked out for us,” she says. “We have parents and grandparents out here and love taking advantage of all the outdoor activities.”
With a busy family that includes her husband Jaden (a 2017 Diesel Power Technology graduate), daughter Lainey (1), son Liam (4), and a kitten named CeCe, Hailey is living the life of her dreams.
“I am proud of my career and take my job seriously. I am committed to evolving technology and helping cancer patients get the help and relief they need in the best ways possible,” she says. “Mitchell Tech prepared me well and I would recommend this program to anyone.”
At age 24, Cody Long sold almost everything he owned, packed a suitcase, and moved from Arizona to South Dakota for a fresh start. He had been working in construction since high school and was ready to pursue a new career.
“That first winter was not fun,” he remembers. “But I can say now that if you want to grow as a person, go to school in a place where you know no one. Get out of what you’re used to and you will do things you never thought you could do.”
Cody’s bold move to South Dakota started at the suggestion of his uncle, who encouraged him to check out the welding program at Mitchell Tech. After touring the campus and meeting the instructors, Cody enrolled in the Progressive Welding Technology program in 2013 and committed himself to putting in the effort.
“I always liked to weld as a hobby but never thought it could be my job until I started down this path,” he says. “Travis Peterson and Gregg Thibodeau were my instructors and they were awesome. They made the experience worth it all.”
While attending Mitchell Tech, Cody worked part-time for Trail King and Twin City Fan. He continued to work for Twin City Fan after graduation in 2015. In 2016, an opportunity with JB Henderson lured him back to Phoenix where he began to work his way toward his current position as a general foreman. Today he manages twenty-six people on a large-scale project for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
Along the way, he won a state welding competition as an apprentice welder and achieved third place against approximately 1,000 other apprentice welders in a regional competition held in Idaho.
“I would not have excelled like this without the training I received at Mitchell Tech and the experience I gained working at Trail King and Twin City Fan,” he says.
“I learned some great tricks in school that I apply to the real world all the time.”
In addition to his full-time career, Cody also operates a side business called Outlaw Welding and Fabrication. When he’s not working, he enjoys hunting, fishing, working on vehicles and being outdoors.
“Someday I hope to move back to South Dakota where I fell in love with the wide-open spaces, the small town feel and the people,” he says.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t talk to someone from school. I had a blast there. I miss and think about Mitchell often.”
– Cody Long ’15
MTC Instructor Leads Student to Successful Career in Automation Controls/SCADA
They say it’s not always what you know, but who you know.
Thanks to Josh Renken, Program Director and an instructor for Mitchell Tech’s Automation Controls/ SCADA program, Josh Schwingler explored a career path that was never on his radar.
“I was working as a welder when I met Josh Renken and he encouraged me to check out the Automation Controls/SCADA program,” he explains. “Because the degree utilizes troubleshooting skills and allows me to use my brain and get creative with programming, he thought it might be a good fit. He was right.”
After five semesters, Josh graduated from Mitchell Tech in 2016 and began a rewarding career as a controls engineer in the automation department at Jake’s Electric in Mitchell, where he is responsible for the design, programming, and commissioning of automation solutions.
“The instructors at Mitchell Tech prepared us very well. I was able to provide turn-key automation solutions in the electrical industry from the beginning,” he says.
“It’s an amazing sense of accomplishment. Thanks to some extremely informative teaching, I can handle anything that’s thrown my direction.”
Today Josh is a manager at Jake’s Electric where his duties include hiring new employees.
“We hired two Mitchell Tech students in the past and are in the process of hiring another,” he says. “I would hire students from MTC over any other simply because I know where they came from and I know how much they learned in the Automation Controls/SCADA program.”
Josh credits excellent instructors, state-of-the-art technology, and real-world experiences for helping him achieve a degree that requires engineering, programming, designing, and building skills all rolled into one.
“If it wasn’t for Josh Renken, I am not sure what I’d be doing today,” he says. “He realized there was potential in me and it’s been a great career so far.”
In his spare time, Josh enjoys working on vintage cars and motorcycles and spending time with his wife (he’s a newlywed) and their two dogs.
“If it wasn’t for Josh Renken, I am not sure what I’d be doing today.”
– Josh Schwingler ’16
Kirby Larson decided to leave a 17-year career and return to school after his younger brother graduated from the Power Line Construction and Maintenance program at Mitchell Tech.
“My brother really promoted the program and it sounded like something I would like,” he explains. “I had a wife and three kids to think about, so the decision wasn’t easy, but I was confident in the field’s job placement rate. Within the first few days of classes, I knew I made the right decision.”
Kirby graduated from the Power Line Construction and Maintenance program in 2016 and started working for a contractor in Craig, Colorado while he was applying for opportunities with electric cooperatives. He accepted a position with Carbon Power and Light in Laramie, Wyoming in November 2016. He moved his family from Mitchell to a new home on 40 acres where his kids could rope and raise 4-H animals, and he never looked back.
“I started as an apprentice lineman, completed my three-year apprenticeship, and became a journeyman lineman,” he says. “That same year I stepped into a lead lineman position. One year later I was offered a foreman
2016 Grad Climbs Ladder of Success at
Wyoming Cooperative
“Within the first few days of classes, I knew I made the right decision.”
– Kirby Larson ‘16
position and continue to work in that capacity today.” While attending Mitchell Tech, Kirby formed valuable relationships with the Power Line Construction and Maintenance instructors. He’s a strong advocate for Mitchell Technical College (MTC) and encourages young people to check out its various programs, including his oldest daughter Piper who wants to be a radiologic technician.
“Now that I am in the position to hire people, I can call Mike Puetz or Tom Osborne, MTC instructors, and ask them about potential new employees. I know the program is top notch and the people they recommend are solid,” he says.
Because he’s originally from Mitchell (a 1999 graduate of Mitchell High School), Kirby enjoys coming back to visit MTC whenever he’s in town.
“My brother and I enjoy judging Mitchell Tech’s Power Line Rodeo, which is a lot of fun,” he says. “Student linemen compete from power line schools around the nation. It’s a unique event and one more reason to love Mitchell Tech.”
Maggie Durdle’s love of cooking and baking began when she was a young girl growing up in Roseville, Illinois. By the time she was thirteen, she made most of the meals for her family and especially enjoyed baking desserts. “My focus has always been baking. I enjoy every aspect of being in the kitchen, but my favorite thing is making croissants or cake decorating,” she says.
Maggie graduated from Monmouth-Roseville High School in 2021 and was looking for a fresh start in a new place. Her aunt and uncle live in Mitchell and talked to her about Mitchell Tech and their culinary program, known as the Culinary Academy of South Dakota. She toured the school, learned more about the Culinary Academy, and met instructors Tim Goldammer and Josh Kranz.
“Mitchell Tech is so clean and new! I liked the culinary instructors and the campus community, so I enrolled in the program and moved to Mitchell,” she says. While in the program, Maggie honed her skills in a fun, hands-on environment. She especially enjoyed creating elaborate pastries and desserts under the direction of Josh Kranz. One of her favorite aspects of the culinary program was being able to plan, prepare, and serve menu items through The Oak Room, a fine dining establishment located on campus that is open to the public by reservation.
After Maggie graduated from Culinary Academy in 2023, she secured a position as a pastry chef at Looks
2023 Grad Enjoys a Sweet Career in Sioux Falls
“My focus has always been baking. I enjoy every aspect of being in the kitchen.”
– Maggie Durdle ’23
Marketplace in Sioux Falls. The gourmet marketplace is a Sioux Falls institution known for outstanding quality through its restaurant, deli, bakery, and premium butcher shop.
“I use what I learned in school every day. I have a better foundation than some people who have been working in the industry for years,” she says. “Josh knows so much and has a talent for passing his knowledge on to his students.”
While Maggie enjoys her job, she dreams of eventually owning a small kitchen where she can sell cakes and baked goods, possibly through a food truck.
“I have lots of ideas and plenty of time,” she says. “I will just keep getting better at what I do and see what happens.”
Electrical Utilities and Substation Technology Grad Continues to Learn
as He Leads
Brandon Baumberger had an Electrical Line Worker degree from Dakota County Technical College in Minnesota and was in the middle of an internship with Xcel Energy when a manager there recommended a different direction.
“He talked to me about furthering my education with a degree in Electrical Utilities and Substation Technology (EUST), and told me about the great program at Mitchell Tech,” he explains. “With just one additional year of school, I could advance my career and open doors to new opportunities. Which is exactly what happened.”
After he graduated from Mitchell Tech with his EUST degree in 2015, Brandon took a job with Alliant Energy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and quickly moved into a Relay Technician position.
“I came to my first job with the confidence of being well prepared. My manager at Alliant Energy was impressed with the skills I learned at Mitchell Tech,” he says. “To get the job, I gave them a PowerPoint presentation that included the knowledge and experiences I gained as a student.”
In August of 2021, Brandon took a position with Utility Line Construction Services in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and currently serves as a general foreman, where he manages a team of eight technicians in the Transmission Construction division.
“I really love this job,” he says. “I like working with people and making sure the technicians have everything they need. I enjoy leading people, learning new things, and building relationships with the people around me.”
While he was at Mitchell Tech, Brandon says one of his favorite experiences was being a student ambassador and showing potential students around campus. He also worked closely with EUST program director and instructor Jerry Ehlke, whom he continues to talk with
on a regular basis. Today, he serves on MTC’s advisory board for the EUST program to help make sure students are learning the skills necessary to succeed in an everchanging industry.
“I am looking to hire an MTC grad for our company this year,” he says. “I know they will come in knowing what they need to know. In this industry, people need to be willing to continue learning every day. It’s one of the things I love most about it.”
– Brandon Baumberger ’17
On the cover:
Devon Munsen ’19
Double Edge Scholarship Program Pays Off
When Devon Munsen began designing and estimating for Summit Contracting in 2021, he was the only in-house design person on staff. By 2024, six additional people were hired to help design and estimate for the Platte-based company and Devon supervises them all.
“Summit Contracting sponsored my Double Edge Scholarship with the understanding that I would bring AutoCAD experience to the company after graduation,” he explains. “I got my degree in Architectural Design and Building Construction (ADBC) and discovered a preference for designing.”
Devon graduated from White Lake School in 2017 and enrolled at Mitchell Tech because he wanted to earn a two-year degree close to home. He was unsure of his career path until he found out about the Double Edge Scholarship program.
“Summit Contracting agreed to sponsor my education through the scholarship program and that’s how I chose my degree,” he says. Devon’s experience at Mitchell Tech gave him a solid foundation in both building and design. Over the course of two years, he was involved in designing and building two new homes from start to finish. He credits instructors Eric Schramm, Jim Mahoney, and Mark Munsen for providing him with expert guidance and the right tools for success-especially since Mark happens to be his dad.
“My dad is an instructor in the program, but he didn’t influence my decision to go this route,” he says. “He does have thirty years of experience with AutoCAD though, so he’s an incredible resource.”
After graduating from Mitchell Tech, Devon spent two years honing his construction skills on Summit Contracting’s building crew before transitioning into designing and estimating.
Today, Devon is the Building Systems CAD Estimating Lead and is proud of the progress both he and the company have made.
“When I started in 2019, we had offices in Platte and Pierre, with just one building crew,” he explains. “Now we have multiple offices in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa and we’re looking to expand even more. My contract was for three years after graduation, but I am still here after five. I have grown right along with the company.”
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Email : admissions@mitchelltech.edu
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Address : 1800 E Spruce St, Mitchell, SD 57301