DCB announced the following new staff members.

Jill Erickson, bachelor’s degree nurse, is a full-time nurse instructor at DCB’s Minot campus, located at Trinity Health Center West. Erickson grew up in 15 different states and moved to North Dakota when her oldest child was born. She started her nursing career at Brigham Young University in 2002, then took time off to have four children. When her youngest started kindergarten, Erickson decided it was time to finish her personal goals.

Erickson graduated from DCB Minot Nursing in 2022. She has worked as a postpartum nurse and a sexual assault nurse examiner since graduating.

The DCB Nursing Program is offered in conjunction with the Dakota Nursing Program. DCB historically graduates 55 registered and licensed practical nursing students each year. This year, DCB increased capacity for the certificate cohort at Health Center West, increasing the total enrollment capacity to 102 students in the associate degree and certificate programs. Applications open on Dec. 1 of each year.

Rhonda Edwardson

At DCB Downtown in Minot, Rhonda Edwardson is associate professor and Dental Programs director. Edwardson is originally from the Rolette area and received her business management degree from Minot State University. After college, she traveled with her husband for four years while he was in the Army. When returning to North Dakota, she went back to school for dental hygiene.

After working in private practice, she started teaching. She enjoys the students and finds it very rewarding to see them reach their professional goals of becoming dental professionals. With more than 27 years in the dental field, she has a wealth of knowledge and expertise that she is ready to share to empower the next generation of dental professionals.

Kelsey Tate, dental instructor, received her Bachelor of Science in biology from MSU. After receiving her associate’s degree in dental hygiene, Tate became certified in restorative functions and then graduated from Mankato State University in Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. She brings 12 years of dental experience into the classroom.

The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Dental Accreditation and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applications for the Dental program are accepted annually in March and can accept up to 10 students in dental hygiene and 12 students in dental assisting.

In addition to dental hygiene and dental assisting, the DCB Downtown Minot campus is home to dental office management, paramedic technology, medical assistant, medical administrative assistant and medical coding.

Kelsey Tate

A diagnostic medical sonography program also is offered within the Trinity Health system.

New to the Bottineau campus are Roxanne Baker and Mary Gorder.

Baker, a bachelor’s degree nurse and nurse instructor, has more than 13 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Specializing in areas of expertise, such as clinical care, pediatrics, geriatrics and acute care, she is known for providing exceptional patient care and advocating for the well-being of diverse patient populations.

Throughout her career, Baker has worked in the Indian Health Service Clinics, Rolette Community Care Center, Bismarck Pulmonology and Essentia Health. She is recognized for implementing quality improvement initiatives and mentoring new nurses. Baker holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Mary and consistently pursues professional development opportunities.

Gorder, a bachelor’s degree nurse and practical nursing instructor, earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Minot State University. After working 10 years with Trinity Health in Minot, she and her husband, Corey, decided to move back to their hometown, Bottineau. She brings years of nursing experience to the classroom from Trinity Health, SMP Health and St. Andrew’s Hospital and Clinic, Bottineau.

Roxanne Baker

DCB promotes, adds staff

BOTTINEAU – Dakota College at Bottineau has announced promotions and new staff hired on the Bottineau campus this fall.

Casey Pierson previously spent two years as assistant men’s basketball coach at DCB from 2022-2024. He returned as recruiting specialist and assistant men’s basketball coach and added the assistant athletic director duties this fall.

Michael Leader started part-time with DCB in the summer of 2024 and now will be working full-time as IT specialist.

Susan Brandvold has joined DCB as the Student Health Nurse.She previously worked at Trinity Hospital and as First District Health Unit’s Bottineau County Public Health nurse.

Mary Gorder

Bernice Amyotte, who previously worked for DCB is Custodial Services, has returned to the department..

Anita Gable, who has been working as cashier-clerk in the business office, has been promoted to accounting-finance technician.