Students-Outside-Campus-2021

Meet Your Admission Counselor

Wendy Mamer

Wendy primarily serves: Southern Minnesota, Sioux Falls Lincoln HS, Sioux Falls Washington HS, Wisconsin, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas

As your admission counselor, I’m committed to helping you find a college where you feel comfortable and at home. I will be the biggest cheerleader for you and your family throughout your college search process — answering all of your questions and celebrating your successes. I am passionate about getting to know my students and I look forward to connecting with you!

Call: 605.274.5504 | Text: 605.777.0152

Wendy Mamer

Wendy Mamer

Assistant Director of Admission

Haley Elness

Haley Primarily Serves: Transfer Students

As your admission counselor I’m committed to hearing your story. I'm eager to walk alongside you as you navigate this complex time in life. The college search process comes with many different emotions and difficult decisions. I look forward to providing advice and guidance throughout the process.

Call: 605.274.5501 | Text: 605.231.9226

Haley Elness headshot

Haley Elness

Assistant Director of Admission

Sul Dibba

Sul primarily serves: Iowa, Sioux Falls Roosevelt HS, Sioux Falls Jefferson HS, Sioux Falls New Tech HS, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri

As an Augustana admission counselor, I'm committed to embracing students true authentic self and creating a trust between us and a safe space that allows you to do so. I will strive to help you on your path to success and celebrate your accomplishments and wins in your journey at Augustana. I will be an advocate, ally and, to the best of my ability, provide great service to you and your needs. As a first-generation college student, I know the anxiety, pressures and uncertainties of going to college. Prospective students from Africa and Europe can contact me for more information.

Call: 605.274.5506 | Text: 605.205.7135

sul headshot

Sul Dibba

Admission Counselor

Emily Hoffman

Emily Primarily Serves: Western South Dakota, Southeast South Dakota, South Central South Dakota, Sioux Falls O’Gorman, Montana, Wyoming, California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii.

As your admission counselor, I’m committed to listening and serving as your supporter. I am committed to helping you find your best college fit and a place that you can proudly call home. As a first-generation college student myself, I understand the uncertainties that may arise during your college search and am here to help. I am excited to get to know you, answer all of your questions and celebrate you throughout your next journey in life!

Office: 605.274.5048 | Text: 605.777.7415 

Emily headshot

Emily Hoffman

Admission Counselor

Lara Thiem

Lara Primarily Serves: Twin Cities Metro, Nebraska, Colorado, Brandon Valley HS, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico

As your admission counselor, I'm committed to helping you navigate this chapter of new opportunities. The process of choosing a college is unique to everyone, and I am dedicated to fostering a trusting relationship to help you evaluate these decisions. I look forward to serving you in any way possible! In my free time, I enjoy traveling, coffee and making a difference in the lives around you. 

Call: 605.274.5843 | Text: 605.777.0306

Lara headshot

Lara Thiem

Admission Counselor

Wade Gemar

Wade Primarily Serves: International Students, United States Citizens living abroad

As your admission counselor, I’m committed to creating a safe space where you can bring your whole self to the process. You can expect an advocate, someone who is dedicated to helping you access each and every opportunity available to you. I am laid back, but incredibly hardworking, and I love connecting with people and helping them through a process. The college admission process can be intimidating and complex. It's my job to make sense of it all. I am focused on helping you find the best college home for you.

Call/WhatsApp: +1 605.274.5250 | Text (US): 605.231.9300

Wade headshot

Wade Gemar

Assistant Director of International Admission

Melissa Dykstra

Melissa Primarily Serves: Northeast South Dakota, Northern Minnesota, Sioux Falls Christian HS, Harrisburg HS, Sioux Falls Lutheran HS, North Dakota, South Dakota Homeschool Students

As your admission counselor, I’m committed to being solidly in your corner. I have served Augustana in several roles over the past few years including customizing thousands of campus visit experiences for students. I now look forward to an elevated level of service and responsiveness as I get to know you personally and become a resource and advocate for you and your family during the college search process. 

Call: 605.274.5510 | Text: 605.231.9190

Melissa Dykstra

Melissa Dykstra

Assistant Director of Admission