Minot State University
08/23/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/23/2024 12:56
Onward: An interview with Dana Dannewitz
By Michael Linnell
University Communications Director
MINOT, N.D. - Chances are, if you've met our next Onward Q&A feature, you might have made a mistake on a form turned in to the business office.
All kidding aside, Dana Dannewitz does have an important role on campus as Minot State University's accounts payable coordinator, auditing and processing payments to vendors and employees.
That role keeps her busy and behind the desk most days, but the fitness enthusiast still takes some time to get a few miles in around MSU's beautiful campus.
University Communications has to admit we had no idea what an accounts payable coordinator does, so we took some time to learn more about what Dannewitz does at MSU, her time as a student at the University, and beyond.
You are currently the accounts payable coordinator at Minot State, and while we have received a few emails from you when we make a mistake, we are ashamed to admit we have no idea what an accounts payable coordinator does. Tell us an overview of what your position entails.
DD: A generic summary would be that I audit and process payments to vendors and employees.
The payment requests come in the form of vouchers, expense reports, and purchasing card statements; all of which I audit against MSU and state policies. I also audit internal department billings - Copy Center, Motor Pool, and Post Office charges.
What originally attracted you to the job, and how has it evolved during your time?
DD: Prior to MSU, I was a stay-at-home mom for five years. Being a mom will always be my number one job, but I felt I lacked an identity and decided it was time for me to start a career. The A/P position stood out in my job search as a great opportunity and a great place to begin.
While the job may not have evolved too much (aside from travel, we still use a lot of paper ), there has been some streamlining of the PeopleSoft system processes. I've also done my best to bring some finesse to the position and feel that has aided in adding efficiency to the processing.
The MSU Business Office is one of the larger offices on campus; tell us what it is like to work in that department, and is there a moment or maybe a couple of moments that stick out as your favorite?
DD: We put the "Busi" in Business Office! There are very few days that aren't busy, which is ok by me. It's fast-paced and engaging. There is a variety of problem-solving and troubleshooting that keep the days interesting. I work with a great group of women. Re-entering the workforce after five years of being home was no easy feat, but the people I work with every day have all contributed to molding me into the professional I am today.
We aren't just books and brains - we have won the office Christmas decorating contest not once but twice!
We see that your major is management, so have you always been interested in business and numbers?
DD: Believe it or not, I began MSU with pre-dental hygiene as my major. I intended to complete the prerequisites and move on to Wahpeton (North Dakota State College of Science). Well, I didn't ace college anatomy the same way I did high school anatomy, so my chances of getting into the dental hygiene program grew slim. I didn't really have a backup plan, but I decided business management would give me a comprehensive education with skills that are always in demand. There were a few accounting courses required for the major, and I found I really enjoyed them. The structure, balance, and problem-solving associated with working with numbers just click with my brain. There is also somewhat of an investigative aspect that my brain enjoys.
You earned your undergrad degree at Minot State in management, what were some of the factors in your choosing to come to MSU for your academic career?
DD: To be honest, it was mostly cost and convenience. I knew most of my college expenses were going to be paid via student loans, so staying in-state was the wisest option. Attending MSU allowed me to continue living at home. I was also familiar with the campus and knew that both the size of the campus and the class sizes were what I was looking for.
Do you have a favorite memory as a student?
DD: My mom went back to school around the same time I started college, also majoring in business management. We ended up in the same humanities class. The instructor issued a stack of papers and instructed the class to pass them around, each taking one. She was sitting at a desk in front of me, but one empty desk was between us. Her back was to me, but I couldn't get her attention to pass her the stack of papers. Naturally, I started whispering, "Mom! Mom!" to get her attention. Classmates started to stare, to which she turned around and said (lovingly), "It's Kim when we are in class!" We still laugh about it.
You have been associated with MSU for a considerable time between your employer and as a student; what are some things that make MSU special to you?
DD: It's true - MSU has been a major part of my life! MSU is a beautiful campus; a walk around the grounds in the springtime is a must. I enjoy the buzz of a new semester and the zest the students bring back to campus. I appreciate the pride MSU brings to Minot- whether it's the students I see out volunteering in the community or the big turnout MSU does for the NDSF parade. Most of all, the people I've encountered during my time at MSU are the most special. It's a community filled with talented, creative, and hardworking people. They are what makes MSU thrive.
What do you like to do outside of the University: family, hobbies, or other areas of interest?
DD: Fitness and health are interests of mine, as is good food. I enjoy a good workout, reading different articles on health and wellness, and researching new recipes to try.
I mostly just enjoy being with my family. I have been with my husband, Dave, a locomotive engineer, for almost 20 years. We have two boys, Dayson, who just turned 14, and Drew, who just turned 12, and a Doberman named Ellie. The boys keep my husband and I busy with all their hobbies! Hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, and motocross are a few. We like to travel when we can, spend time at the family cabin, and just hang out with good friends and family.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 08/23/24