Davenport recognized with Civil Service/Professional Staff Award for Excellence

Story by Brielle Smetana

Mary Davenport, a program assistant for South Dakota State University's College of Nursing, received the college’s 2026 Civil Service/Professional Staff Award for Excellence.

This award recognizes staff in the College of Nursing who demonstrate leadership and dedication to its mission and values.

Davenport did not originally start out in the healthcare field; for several years she worked as a banker before transitioning to a position at a Lake Preston hospital, which closed six months later, and a nursing home soon after.

It was then that she decided to go into healthcare. “I liked being around the doctors and nurses,” Davenport said. “I like the knowledge of it.”

Davenport began working at SDSU in November 1995.

“I knew a department head at the time, and she encouraged me to apply for the job. I had actually applied twice before and didn’t get the job. Third time’s the charm,” Davenport said.

SDSU is lucky for her persistence. She has now worked at SDSU for over 30 years and has proven herself to be an exemplary employee.

Davenport plays a vital role in the daily functioning of the College of Nursing. She is a key contributor to a wide range of responsibilities that keep operations running smoothly.

“I try to make sure that every day that the students and the faculty have what they need, as far as resources, so that they can have the best outcome for the day, week or semester. No two days are really the same. There’s always something new popping up.”

In any given moment, she may be managing ATI, coordinating elements of clinical schedules or updating workloads. While these tasks may seem routine on the surface, they are essential to the success and efficiency of the college.

Over the past year, there have been many challenges and changes with implementing a new curriculum. Despite these changes, Davenport continued to demonstrate unwavering dedication to the mission and values of the College of Nursing. She adapted quickly, remained dependable under pressure, and ensured that critical operations continued without disruption.

And her efforts don’t go unnoticed. Her work ethic, reliability and commitment to excellence make her truly deserving of this recognition, said Cassy Hultman, assistant director of academic and clinical placements.

“Mary Davenport has been a dedicated and invaluable member of the College of Nursing for many years,” Hultman said. “Throughout her many years, she has consistently gone above and beyond in every aspect of her role.

“Mary is known for her positive attitude and willingness to help others. She approaches every task with a sense of purpose and consistently exceeds expectations, making her a trusted and respected member of the team,” Hultman added.

Davenport said she loves the friendships she’s built with students over the years. They remember her, and she remembers them. “I can go back to my first semester here and tell you the names of students. When I go to procedures at the hospital, they’ll come up and say, ‘Do you remember me?’”

She’s also developed close relationships with her coworkers. “They put a smile on your face and get you thought the hard times.”

Davenport has never been a fan of being in the limelight, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t appreciate this award.

“Knowing that your work is appreciated, it’s rewarding. Your hard work pays off. I want to be remembered for having an open door, a safe place for students and faculty to come,” Davenport said. “I want to be remembered as someone who cared.”

Davenport lives with her husband in Arlington and has two grown sons, one granddaughter, three step-granddaughters and two step-great-granddaughters. In her free time, she enjoys watching her grandchildren and great nieces’ and nephews’ various activities.