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Jessica Dold, system payroll coordinator for the System Payroll Center, has been named South ��ֱ���� State University’s Civil Service Employee of the Month for June. 

She will be honored at a reception held from 2-3 p.m. Thursday, June 26, in Morrill Hall Suite 308 on campus. 

Dold started in the human resources department at ��ֱ���� State University in October 2016 before transferring to the System Payroll Center at SDSU in June 2022. 

Ashley Plueger, System Payroll Center administrator, said Dold plays a crucial role in processing payroll and benefits for the state’s universities and special schools. She’s an invaluable asset to the System Payroll Center. 

Dold’s primary responsibilities focus on smaller universities — Black Hills State University, South ��ֱ���� School of Mines and Technology and Northern State University — as well as the board office and special schools, but she consistently demonstrates a willingness to assist employees at SDSU with payroll and benefits-related inquiries. 

“Jessica is dedicated to fostering an environment of consistency and clear communication, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed and supported. She serves as a reliable backup for critical tasks, including benefits orientation, payroll processing and third-party vendor payments, and she approaches each responsibility with enthusiasm and collaborative spirit,” Plueger said. 

Dold’s colleagues, both at SDSU and other schools, noted her willingness to help anyone, her patience and her expertise in her field. 

“Jessica is exceptional when it comes to assisting staff, faculty and students. Especially during the busiest times, she maintains professionalism and always remains customer service driven,” said Linda VanMaanen, system payroll coordinator at SDSU. 

SDSU senior accountant Billie Jo Pirlet agreed. 

“Jess has been a great resource to me. She is also very good at explaining answers to questions that people have over the phone or in person and is always cheerful and happy to help,” Pirlet said. 

Cassie Maser, human resources manager at Black Hills State University, said Dold effectively runs payroll for multiple universities every month with efficiency and ease. 

“Not only is she one of the most detailed employees I have worked with, but she also has a highly stressful position with very strict timeframes,” Maser said. “Jess is always willing to work with us to make processes more efficient and streamlined.” 

Melissa Hart, BHSU director of human resources, called Dold a great addition to the System Payroll Center and said even those outside of human resources have taken notice. 

“Payroll questions certainly aren’t easy to answer and can understandably be a touchy situation to navigate, regarding someone’s money. She always has the best attitude and answers the phone with a smile,” Hart said. 

“I don’t know the number of employees in the system that Jess ensures get paid each month, but it must be extensive. To top it off, she is willing to take calls and emails from all of them, which says a lot. We are so appreciative of her, and we hope that she knows that her efforts don’t go unnoticed,” Hart added. 

Dold lives in Volga with her husband, Anthony, and their two sons, Greer and Brixton. They enjoy going on bike rides as a family and can often be found at the ��ֱ���� Nature Park riding the trails. Dold also loves working out, especially in group classes, to stay motivated, connected and energized. 

She said she appreciates the recognition and is thankful for the opportunity to contribute to her team at SDSU. “Big thanks go to my awesome coworkers and everyone who helps make work a great place to be,” Dold said. “I feel lucky to work with such great people who care and push each other to do their best.” 

All SDSU Employee of the Month selections are determined through a nomination process by the Civil Service Advisory Council. Each civil service employee of the month receives an appreciation monetary gift from the F.O. Butler Foundation. The trustees of the foundation recognize the importance of civil service employees and take this opportunity to thank them for their exemplary service.