By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University Extension welcomes Dacia Hilkemeier as its new Community Vitality Field Specialist. In this role, she supports community growth, leadership development, and local engagement across rural areas. She is based at the SDSU Extension Lemmon Regional Center, where she works closely with community members and leaders to strengthen local programs.
Hilkemeier focuses on several key SDSU Extension efforts. These include community board development training, the Marketing Hometown America curriculum, and the annual Energize conference, which encourages community members to share ideas and take action for local improvement.
“I am ready to learn about everything that SDSU Extension has to offer people and communities,” Hilkemeier said. “I am most excited to help people find the positives in their communities and help them focus on those strengths.”
Hilkemeier brings years of experience living and working in rural communities. Originally from Wyoming, she has lived in Perkins County, South Dakota, for more than 22 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in math education from Montana State University–Billings and her master’s degree in science education from Western Governors University.
Before joining SDSU Extension, she taught high school math and science. She also worked in product development for Wheeler Manufacturing, a jewelry supplier. Her background in education and product development gives her strong communication and problem-solving skills that she brings to her new Extension role.
“We are looking forward to working with Dacia on our Community Vitality team. As a long-time resident of a rural community, she understands how important it is to be involved in making decisions and doing the work to move your community forward,” said Peggy Schlechter, SDSU Extension Community Vitality Program Director.
Hilkemeier’s goal is to help people focus on what is good in their towns and use those strengths to create meaningful change. She believes that when communities recognize their own value, they can build programs that support long-term growth.
SDSU Extension encourages community members to reach out to Hilkemeier for support with local development efforts, leadership training, and community vitality projects.
For more information, contact Dacia Hilkemeier, SDSU Extension Community Development Field Specialist.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education