CRESTON, Iowa—Creston native Dr. Katie Davidson has been named the dean of student services at Southwestern Community College (SWCC).
Davidson, a 2001 graduate of Creston High School, will be coming to SWCC from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND, where she has served as the director of The International Center since July 2016. The International Center provides support to the University of North Dakota’s international student population, facilitates study abroad opportunities for students, and promotes cultural awareness throughout the university. Davidson oversees a staff of 14 full- and part-time individuals who welcome more than 750 international students from approximately 88 nations to campus each year.
Prior to obtaining her position at the University of North Dakota, Davidson served as the coordinator of international study programs at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) in Ames for eight years. In this position, Davidson not only facilitated international programs and guided study abroad opportunities for the CVM, she also coordinated the CVM’s new student orientation and assisted with the veterinary school admissions process.
In addition to her professional experience, Davidson has taught college business courses as an adjunct instructor for Des Moines Area Community College, has presented numerous presentations on international education topics, and has a number of NAFSA: Association of International Educators certifications. She has been a member of NAFSA since 2010 and the Global Leadership League since 2016.
Dr. Barb Crittenden, SWCC president, said Davidson will be a good fit for the college.
“We are excited that Dr. Davidson will be joining the leadership team at Southwestern,” Crittenden stated. “She comes to us with a strong background in student services.”
Davidson earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in higher education administration in May 2017, her Master of Business Administration degree with a specialization in international business in May 2010, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy in December 2005, all from Iowa State University.
Davidson; her husband, Andy Rullestad; and their daughter, Vienna, will be moving to Creston prior to her beginning her duties at SWCC on Dec. 18, 2018.
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