DSU HERITAGE FOUNDATION TEAM
The DSU Heritage Foundation staff are dedicated professionals striving to continually improve and support Dickinson State University students and alumni.
To contact our staff, call (701) 483-2486 or scroll down for links to emails.
Ty Orton
Executive Director
As the Executive Director for the DSU Heritage Foundation, Ty Orton coordinates efforts to strengthen relationships and raise funds to support the University, fulfilling its commitment to provide high-quality accessible programs; promote excellence in teaching and learning; support scholarly and creative activities; while serving the region.
Orton began his fundraising career in 2002 at McCook Community College where he was the Head Men's Basketball Coach. Moving to Dickinson in 2007, he continued to invest in relationships while coaching and fundraising for Dickinson State University athletics. Prior to his appointment at the DSU Heritage Foundation, he was the major gifts officer at Sanford Health. Orton serves on the Presidents Cabinet and the President's Advisory Council. Orton earned a Bachelor of Education from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana in 1998 and master's degree in Exercise Physiology from Adams State University in 2003. Ty and his wife, Michelle, have two sons: Tristan and Cooper.
Kyle Smith '12
Development Officer - Athletics & Rodeo
Kyle Smith joins the DSU Heritage Foundation as the Development Officer for Athletics & Rodeo. A former Blue Hawk, Kyle was a member of the football team as a player and coach during his academic career. Since graduating from DSU, Kyle has volunteered and served as a member of the Blue Hawk Booster Club, helping support athletic scholarships.
Kyle serves on numerous committees in the Dickinson community including; Dickinson Youth Football and Little Buddy Foundation and a former member of the St. John Trust Fund Committee. He is married to Brittney (Morast ’11), and together they have two future Blue Hawks, daughter Brannigan and son Jett.
Pamela Rudolph
Office Manager - Scholarship Support
Pam Rudolph came to the DSU Heritage Foundation as the Office Manager by way of 30 years employment in Yellowstone National Park.
In her role, Pam manages all aspects of the Foundation’s scholarship program, general office functions, and assists with Foundation events.
She has totally embraced Dickinson State University and life as a Blue Hawk. Pam loves the outdoors – gardening, fishing and kayaking, and spending time with her son Jeremy’s family – wife Kati and grandkids - Madi and Knox at their Montana cabin.
Amanda Bramhall
Accounting Manager
Amanda Bramhall is the Accounting Manager for the DSU Heritage Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked as a Mortgage Processor and a Closing Escrow Agent in the title insurance field for 10 years.
Amanda’s role within the Foundation is managing the daily accounting operations and assists with general office duties and Foundation events.
She is married to Joe and they have a daughter Megan, a recent graduate of DSU. Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, camping, fishing, crafting and playing with their three dogs.
Kierra Mathern '22, '23, & '24
Alumni Relations & Events Coordinator
A Dickinson, North Dakota native, Kierra Mathern (Schneider) was born and raised in the Blue Hawk Community. Sticking to her Dickinson roots, Kierra enrolled at Dickinson State University in the Fall of 2018. She came to the DSU Heritage Foundation as a student worker in Spring 2018.
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Kierra found a home at Dickinson State, becoming instantly involved in Cheer. She attends all athletics and is by far the loudest cheerer in school history and her pep brings every event alive. She was named Captain of her Competitive Cheer Team from 2019-2022, and was a key component in their 4th Place finish at Nationals in 2022.
Kierra graduated in Spring 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a minor in Entrepreneurship. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters in Business Entrepreneurship while stepping into her role as Alumni Relations and Events Coordinator.
Sarah Boltz
​Sarah Boltz was born and raised in Dickinson and happy to be raising her own family in this wonderful community.
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After a career break to stay home with her kids, Sarah felt drawn to return to the workforce but wanted to stay connected to the community in a meaningful way. She joined the DSU Heritage Foundation and soon fell in love with the people and culture at DSU. In her role, Sarah supports the team administratively, researches and writes grants, and processes incoming donations. She has loved connecting with former teachers and getting to know donors and DSU students.
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Sarah and her husband Brent have three children, Collin, Maddox, and Lydia. Together, they enjoy spending time at their lake cabin and watching their son Collin play hockey.
Sarah Boltz
Coordinator of Philanthropy
Robyn McChesney joins the DSU Heritage Foundation as the Development Officer for Academics. Robyn attended UND Grand Forks and graduated in 1994. She moved to Dickinson in 1996 and has worked in healthcare for over 30 years.
Robyn and her husband Lynn have three children, Michael, Marley, and Madison. They also have two fur kids, Maverick and Max. Robyn keeps busy volunteering in the community, is currently on the Amen Food Pantry Board and hosts Badlands Big Sticks Baseball players in the summer. Robyn is excited to finally be a Blue Hawk and contribute to DSU and Dickinson's enduring legacy. In her free time, you can usually find Robyn in her garden, on the golf course, at the ballpark, or cheering on her favorite hockey teams.
Development Officer - Academics
Robyn McChesney
Kiana Miller was born and raised in Savage, MT. After attending Dawson Community College in Glendive, MT, she transferred to Dickinson State University as a Junior and continued her studies in Business Administration and Human Resource Management. She was a track and field athlete for DSU and played basketball at junior college. Kiana was a student worker for the DSU Heritage Foundation in 2022 and 2023. After graduating in 2023, she came back as part time Accounting Support. Kiana plans to pursue a career in aviation and is currently working towards her private pilot's license.
Accounting Support
Kiana Miller '23
A Powers Lake, North Dakota native, Chloe Gunderson came to DSU in January of 2024 to further her education and compete as a thrower for the track and field team. After moving to Dickinson, Chloe quickly fell in love with the vibrant Dickinson community and the welcoming atmosphere of the university. She began working at the DSU Heritage Foundation as a graduate assistant in the spring of 2024.
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Chloe graduated from Minot State University with Bachelor of Science degrees in Marketing, Business Management, and International Business. She is currently pursuing dual Masters Degrees in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. Beyond her studies and sports, she dedicates her time and skills to the Badlands Board of Realtors as the Association Executive, which has allowed her to discover a new appreciation for the area and community members. Chloe is looking forward to assisting the DSU Heritage Foundation's endeavors.
Graduate Assistant - Blue Hawk Scholarship Fund
Chloe Gunderson
Dr. Lori Hauf has been a dedicated faculty member at Dickinson State University since 2001, where she teaches in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SoBE). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Dickinson State, a Master of Education from Minot State, and a Doctorate of Educational Technology from North Central University.
Lori’s contributions to education have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2021 CBTR Doctoral Dissertation Award and the 2020 Best of the Western Edge-College Professor award. As of July 1, 2024, she also took over the role as the National President of the National Business Education Association, furthering her impact on the field.
Outside of her professional life, Lori and her husband Todd are proud parents of four children—Justin, Sheyenne, Cheydan, and Taryn—and grandparents to five grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys family time and remains dedicated to advancing business education for future generations.
Alumni Office Support
Lori Hauf
Moose was born in North Dakota on November 2, 2023. He is quickly learning the office dynamic and earns his paycheck through cuddles. He loves people, so make sure to come say hi to him when you visit the DSU Heritage Foundation!
Office Support
Moose
