Welcome to Dakota ACAC
The Dakota Association for College Admission Counseling (Dakota ACAC or DACAC) is a non-profit professional association for secondary and post-secondary institutions and professionals in North Dakota and South Dakota. In 1993, Dakota ACAC was granted a charter as affiliate of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). NACAC conducts an annual conference, tracks government relations issues affecting college admissions, develops ethical guidelines for dealing with college-bound students in the admission process and encourages leadership development at the national and regional levels.
Dakota ACAC is a two-state affiliate serving the Dakotas and its governing structure is divided into three entities, Dakota ACAC and two state councils, Council for College Admission in SD (CCASD) and Dakota ACAC-ND (DACAC-ND). While part of the larger Dakota ACAC affiliate, the two state councils have operated separately since the early 1970’s, primarily responsible coordinating planning days, college fairs and other programming within their respective state.
Dakota ACAC oversees the annual conference and activities related to the NACAC, such as Government Relations, Membership and Professional Development.
BYLAWS
(approved April 2023)
2026 Spring Conference
REGISTER NOWJust like Wisconsin’s famous cheese curds—fresh, distinctive, and best enjoyed together—this event will bring professionals from across the admissions field to connect, collaborate, and spark fresh ideas. Registration runs through May 1. Register early so you don't miss out on early bird costs (early bird ends April 16). Conference will take place at the Concourse Hotel where we also have a block of rooms. Hotel reservations can be made now that registration is open. Keynote Speaker We are excited to announce the keynote speaker, Dr. Christine Whelan. Known as the "Purpose Professor", Dr. Whelan will share her insights on Choosing Purpose in College and Admission Counseling. Dr. Whelan holds a doctorate from Oxford University and currently serves on the faculty at Emory University and the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Dr. Whelan has authored five books, a bestselling Audible Original, and has been a contributor to the Wall Street Journal, the TODAY show and NPR's Marketplace where she brings immediate credibility and fresh insights. You can read more about Dr. Whelan here. |
DAKOTA ACAC EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Amber Schmidt
Dakota State University
amber.schmidt@dsu.edu
President-Elect
Immediate Past President
Alyson Leas
University of Jamestown
alyson.leas@uj.edu
Vice President of Professional Development & Membership
Hannah Franks
North Dakota State College of Science
hannah.franks@ndscs.edu
Secretary/Treasurer
Vacant Position (Currently serviced by Shelly Lammers, CCASD Executive Director)
shelly@sdcollegeadmissions.com
Secretary Treasurer Elect
Vacant
|
North Dakota Chair (DACAC -ND) |
South Dakota Chair (CCASD) Amber Schmidt Dakota State University amber.schmidt@dsu.edu |
| Executive Director (DACAC-ND) Alexis Tibor University of Mary ajtibor@umary.edu |
Executive Director (CCASD) Shelly Lammers shelly@sdcollegeadmissions.com |
COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND MEMBERS
| Professional Development Committee Hannah Franks, North Dakota State College of Science, Chair Cori Hup, University of South Dakota, Committee Member |
Admissions Practices Committee Alyson Leas, University of Jamestown, Chair |
| Membership Committee Hannah Franks, North Dakota State College of Science, Chair |
Finance Committee Currently Inactive |
| Governance & Nominating Committee Government Relations Currently Inactive |
Professional Development
An important component of Dakota ACAC is bringing professionals together for continued education and networking through various workshops and programs. For example, each year, CCASD hosts an Admission Counseling Institute for admission representatives in August and sponsors a series of workshops for school counselors in September.
Get Involved!
DACAC provides fantastic professional development and networking opportunities for counseling and admission professionals at any stage of their career. There are leadership opportunities within the DACAC Executive Board or each State Council. We rely on the great work of our many volunteers across the region to carry out the mission of Dakota ACAC. To learn more about the opportunities to get involved, contact the DACAC President.