Ulvestad named April’s Civil Service Employee of the Month

Lisa Ulvestad, a teaching program assistant for the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, has been named South Dakota State University’s Civil Service Employee of the Month for April.

She will be honored at a reception held from 11 a.m.-noon Thursday, April 23, in the Raven Precision Agriculture Center, Room 236.

Ulvestad has worked at SDSU for the past 25 years. After training as a vet tech and working in a veterinary clinic for seven years, she transitioned to various support roles at SDSU in plant science, SDSU Extension, the soil testing lab, and finally the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science.

Colleagues say Ulvestad demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and excellent verbal communication in her work with faculty and students. Her background in computer systems and software contribute to her strong organizational and management skills.

In her role, Ulvestad assists the department head, assistant department head, and both the undergraduate and graduate teaching coordinators.

She manages faculty course assignments; completes course schedules each semester; determines when courses should be canceled, increased in size or a new section added; creates and manages classroom calendars for the department’s classrooms; and schedules meetings/classes in rooms not controlled by the department.

“Lisa’s ability to pay close attention to detail ensures accuracy in everything she does. The students and faculty can come to Lisa with their questions on all things class-related in the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science,” said nominator Connie Tande, SDSU Extension plant diagnostician.

Ulvestad also maintains the department’s student database, compiles teaching materials for reports, maintains files for all department course information, manages the department’s scholarship applications and records, and more.

“Lisa is always ready to take on the next task. She is also the go-to person for any other questions that arise, helping to find answers even they don’t pertain to all aspects of class scheduling and organizing. Her ability to balance her day-to-day duties and unexpected problems helps to keep processes running smooth,” Tande added.

Kristine Lang, assistant professor and consumer horticulture Extension specialist, said Ulvestad was a great help when Lang filled in as an instructor for the department. Ulvestad also helps Lang connect with undergraduate students to offer them learning opportunities, as well as helps graduate students navigate enrollment and administrative issues.

“Everything Lisa does to support our department is done with promptness and incredible professionalism. She is truly an asset to SDSU and everyone who interacts with her,” Lang said.

Professor Emeritus Arvid Boe said Ulvestad has gained the respect, appreciation and friendship of everyone who has sought her assistance in one of the university’s largest departments.

“Lisa, because of her acquired breadth of knowledge of the university system, including facilities and personnel, has unique abilities to assist everyone on and off campus regarding departmental educational and research activities,” Boe said.

“So, in a nutshell, Lisa unselfishly makes the lives of a lot of people a lot easier every day!”

Ulvestad has two daughters, one grandson and a Corgi and has lived in Brookings her entire life. In her spare time, she enjoys bowling, golfing and spending time at the lake.

All SDSU Employee of the Month selections are determined through a nomination process by the Civil Service Advisory Council. Each civil service employee of the month receives an appreciation monetary gift from the F.O. Butler Foundation. The trustees of the foundation recognize the importance of civil service employees and take this opportunity to thank them for their exemplary service.