SDSU announces first cohort of Mike Huether Public Service Academy

April 11, 2025

SDSU announces first cohort of Mike Huether Public Service Academy

The six South ��ֱ�� State University students named to the inaugural cohort of the Mike Huether Public Service Academy are, from left, Madalynn Graham, Natalie Johnson, Grace Sargent, Max Johnson, Elise Hotzler and Masume Krol.

South ��ֱ�� State University’s School of American and Global Studies announces the six students named to the inaugural cohort of the Mike Huether Public Service Academy.

Selected students include Madalynn Graham, Elise Hotzler, Max Johnson, Natalie Johnson, Masume Krol and Grace Sargent.

The Mike Huether Public Service Academy was announced in April 2024 with the intent to develop exceptional leaders and professionals who are committed to improving the lives of individuals, communities and societies. The program is open to students of all majors, and this year, four academic colleges are represented.

“I am beyond excited for these students, along with the team of leaders and instructors at SDSU that will motivate them about the virtues of public service,” Huether said about the first cohort. “This is truly a dream come true. I am thrilled about what has been accomplished, but more importantly, the difference the academy will have on generations to come.”

The two-year program includes curriculum in public administration, state and local government, current world issues, intercultural competence and ethics. Outside of the classroom, students engage in leadership development through the university’s LeadState program and other activities.

Students will also complete a public service-focused internship of their choice.

“Launching the Mike Huether Public Service Academy last spring and joining the Volcker Alliance Next Generation Service Corps this spring are two extraordinary milestones for South ��ֱ�� State University,” said Christine Garst-Santos, director of the School of American and Global Studies. “At a time when civic engagement and public service values are more vital than ever, this program will empower students to serve their communities with integrity, collaboration and innovation. We are honored to be part of this national movement, equipping the next generation with the skills and passion to shape a better future.”

Joining the Volcker Alliance Next Generation Service Corps
The Mike Huether Public Service Academy has joined the , a network of programs at colleges and universities across the country aimed at inspiring and preparing students to serve their communities and nation.

NextGen Service programs introduce undergraduates from all majors to public service values. Through these programs, students build practical, collaborative leadership skills, enjoy access to exclusive events and activities, and join an expansive national movement dedicated to public service and community engagement.

Key to the initiative is cultivation of a vibrant national network of service-minded students and alumni. designs cross-school programming to foster this network, coordinating activities through which students can forge durable bonds, strengthen their professional development and accumulate catalytic social capital.

“More than ever, our country needs to prepare the next generation to be collaborative, effective leaders of change at all levels of government,” Sara Mogulescu, president of the Volcker Alliance, said. “We are so pleased to welcome South ��ֱ�� State University into our growing network of universities committed to preparing undergraduate students to serve their communities and chart the future of our democracy.”

Meet the first cohort of Mike Huether Public Service Academy Scholars

Madalynn Graham

Madalynn Graham is a second-year student from Laurel, Nebraska. She’s majoring in community and regional planning with minors in sustainability, leadership and professional writing.

Graham hopes to work as a grant writer for a local chamber or economic development division following her time at State. She’s enjoyed being a LeadState participant and has valued the opportunity to grow her leadership skills.

“I am excited to get a chance to network with other public service professionals and learn how to become a better leader for my community,” she said.

Elise Hotzler

Elise Hotzler, a Clear Lake native, is in her junior year pursuing a degree in human biology with a minor in health science.

She hopes to work in the health care industry in a service role that betters individuals’ lives. Hotzler joined the Mike Huether Public Service Academy to learn more about public service and what that can look like.

“I applied to the Public Service Academy after returning from a mission trip to Guatemala,” she said. “It was an eye-opening trip that really changed my heart and how I see the world. That experience is the driving factor to my commitment to serving others going forward.”

Max Johnson

Max Johnson, a freshman from Mitchell, is majoring in political science and Spanish with a minor in English.

He is looking forward to learning about new opportunities and making connections to help him grow as a leader. He currently has an interest in public administration and has aspirations to be a city manager.

“I’m always looking for exciting ways to be involved, so when I got an email about the Mike Huether Public Service Academy, I knew it would be worth looking into,” Johnson said. “After attending an informational Zoom meeting to learn more, I could tell it would be a rewarding experience and a great opportunity to gain important leadership skills.”

Natalie Johnson

Natalie Johnson is a sophomore from Canton majoring in data science and mathematics with minors in political science, graphic design, applied thinking and innovation and statistics.

She is excited to participate in leadership opportunities and further develop her understanding of different cultures and ethical issues around the world.

Johnson hopes to take what she learns from the Mike Huether Public Service Academy combined with her interest in numbers and data to improve understanding between stakeholders.

“I have always been better with numbers than words,” she said. “Data sets have so much more to portray than anyone gives them credit for. Being the liaison between the people, the data and the policymakers is where I see myself making the greatest impact on the future.”

Masume Krol

Masume Krol is a sophomore from Watertown studying political science with a minor in legal studies. She is most excited about the public administration course she is taking this spring. Her career goal is to become an immigration attorney.

“I want to enter a profession that serves people and their communities,” Krol said. “The academy perfectly reflects the goals and skills that will allow me to succeed in my profession.”

Grace Sargent

Grace Sargent is a sophomore from Pierre majoring in agricultural communication and agricultural leadership with a minor in political science. She is also working toward certificates in government advocacy and public service.

Sargent hopes to work in agricultural and family policy. She’s considering advanced degrees in either communications or law.

“I applied for the Mike Huether Public Service Academy because it sounded like a unique experience that would be a great avenue for professional development,” Sargent said. “Active citizenship has always been a huge passion of mine, and I greatly enjoy promoting it to my peers, so this opportunity was absolutely right up my alley.”

About the Mike Huether Public Service Academy

The Mike Huether Public Service Academy was funded with lead gifts from SDSU alums Mike and Cindy Huether and businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford. Mike Huether, who graduated from South ��ֱ�� State with a Bachelor of Science in commercial economics in 1984 and was heavily involved in Students’ Association and athletics, served as mayor of Sioux Falls for two terms, from 2010 to 2018.