Kim Bellum is the Dean of Instruction at LATI. Kim has a BS degree in Business Education from Northern State University and a Masters Degree in School Administration from Northern State University. Kim taught in both Arlington and the Modern Office Occupations program at LATI prior to spending 17 years as a high school administrator in the Henry, Clark and Watertown communities. Kim lives on Lake Kampeska with her husband, Mark, and her children, Casey & Corey.
Serving almost 30 years as an Air Force officer, Mike is a 1977 graduate of Watertown High School who has been an instructor and administrator for the United States Air Force Academy and Harvard University. Mike has a B.S. in Computer Science from the United States Air Force Academy, a Masters of Science in Numerical Analysis from Purdue University, and was a National Defense Fellow to Harvard University.
After graduating in 1981 from Watertown High School, Steve served full time for the SD National Guard in Watertown as a Career Counselor retiring in July 1999. He spent 5 years as a financial services representative for Farmers Insurance Group before partnering to build and open a local camper dealership. Steve joined LATI as the Corporate Education Coordinator in August 2009, and is looking forward to assisting business and industries meet their training needs.
Julie Mollenhoff has been employed with the SD Department of Labor since 1985. She works on a contract with LATI as Career Center Coordinator helping students find part-time employment while in school and full-time jobs upon graduation. She has a BS degree from Southwest State University, Marshall, MN
Mallory Olsen is an Admissions Representative at Lake Area Tech. She has been with LATI since July 2011. Prior to LATI she worked with NESC in the High School Centerbase. Mallory lives on a farm with her husband and two daughters by Hayti. She is currently continuing her education with LATI. Mallory enjoys singing, fishing and - most importantly - spending time with her family and friends.
Shane Ortmeier is the Director of Support Operations, Bookstore Manager and Food Service Manager. He has an AAS degree from the Marketing/Management/Sales program at Lake Area Tech. Previously, Shane spent 5 years working in the admissions department at LATI.
Tom Paulson has been the Executive Director of the LATI Foundation and Alumni Association since March 2000. The Foundation raises and manages private gifts in support of Lake Area Tech. Its primary focus has been in the form of scholarship support, campus improvements, enhancement marketing and enrichment seminars. The Alumni Association publishes regular newsletters and maintains Alumni information. Paulson has a B.S. degree from USD and has over 20 years experience in Broadcast Sales Management and Marketing.
Lee Quale is the Director of Enrollment and has been with LATI since July 2007. Lee has a B.S. Degree from the University of South Dakota, a Masters degree from William Woods University, and has received his Superintendent endorsement from the University of Sioux Falls. Prior to his employment with Lake Area Tech, Lee was a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and superintendent.
Natalie has a B.A. in Writing/Literature from Southwest Minnesota State University, and an M.A. from University of St. Thomas, St. Paul. She joined the LATI staff in July to assist with writing projects. Natalie is recently married and drives from Canby, MN.
Marlene Seeklander is the Director of Financial Aid. She has been with LATI since July 2007. Marlene has a Masters of Education degree from South Dakota State University. Prior to joining LATI, Marlene spent 10 years at Education Assistance Corporation in Aberdeen.
Darren graduated from Hecla High School in 2001. After graduation he attended Northern State University. In 2003 he transferred to Lake Area Technical Institute and received his degree in Marketing/Management/Sales. After graduation he took the management position for Sprint PCS. He started with Lake Area Tech in July of 2008. During Darren’s spare time he enjoys camping during the summers with his friends and family, and taking snowmobile trips to the hills in the winter.
Deb Shephard is the LATI President. She began working at LATI in 1978 as instructor of the Recreational Therapy program. Deb has a BS degree from the University of South Dakota and a Master's degree from South Dakota State University.
LuAnn Strait is responsible for the management of institutional relations, including marketing, student services, and recruiting. She has been with LATI since 1987 when she began her career as an Admissions Representative. She has a BA degree from the University of South Dakota. Prior to her employment with Lake Area Tech, LuAnn was a high school counselor.
Shane Thorstenson is an Admissions Representative at Lake Area Tech. He attended Lake Area Tech and graduated with a degree in Welding and Marketing/Management/Sales. He also has his BA in Business Administration from Mount Marty College. He was in admissions for 3 years at Lake Area Tech before leaving in 2007 to pursue other opportunities. He was in the military and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Shane likes to be outdoors, play sports, golf, travel and spend time with friends and family.
Bud is developing the new Native American Cultural Center for Lake Area Tech. Previous to this he was a LATI admissions representative for 14 years. Bud also has career experience in retail, financial services, and manufacturing. He lives in Watertown with his wife, Linda, who is a retired elementary teacher. Bud's hobbies are reading, motorcycle riding and Native American artwork, mainly making pipes, stems, and beadwork.
Copyright ©2011 Lake Area Technical Institute | Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission230 11th Street NE - PO Box 730 - Watertown, South Dakota - 57201 | General Information: (605) 882-LATI or 1-800-657-4344 - Fax 1-605-882-6299
