Originally from Wahpeton, ND, Susan dreamed of becoming an Architectural Drafter at a very young age. She recalls sketching cities on the paper that wrapped loaves of bread from the bakery. Drawn to the perfect composition of space and order, Susan developed a love and passion for architecture’s endless possibilities. As a high school student, Susan won awards for her impeccable lettering and keen attention to detail. Encouraged by her skills and interests, in the fall of 1975 Susan enrolled in Architectural Drafting at NDSCS. Her journey into drafting and architecture had begun.
NDSCS offered the perfect opportunity for completing her academic major of choice, a chance to continue her love of athletics, the close proximity to home, and a place where she knew she would be completely vested in her education.
While pursuing her degree in Architectural Drafting at NDSCS, Susan was a member of the Wildcat Women’s Track Team coached by Dee Jensen (placing third in Nationals in the 4 x 1) and a member of the 1st NDSCS Volleyball Team.
A member of the NDSCS Architectural Drafting teaching faculty who Susan says had a great impact on her was Barbara Bang (who went on to became one of the Academic Dean’s of the college). “Not only was Barbara Bang an outstanding teacher, she was extremely supportive and an advocate of women pursuing “non-traditional” careers.”
In addition to being fully engaged in her studies as a full-time student at NDSCS, Susan worked as a drafter during college for Wahpeton Canvas, Mead Construction and Comstock Lumber Yard.
After graduation Susan began her professional career as a drafter with Koehnlein, Lightower, Johnson in Fargo, ND where she quickly became known for her skilled lettering and precision. “We did everything by hand”, she says. “There were no sophisticated CADD systems and tablet sketching.”
Susan quickly found success in the field, but her inner voice kept wanting more, so Susan decided to continue her education and enrolled in the Architectural Design program at NDSU. Upon completion of her degree, Susan returned to NDSCS for one year and taught drafting alongside her mentor and former teacher, Barbara Bang.
Once again Susan felt the urge for more knowledge and soon began classes at Minnesota State University – Moorhead where she completed a degree in Industrial Arts with an emphasis in Construction. During a conversation with her academic advisor at MSUM, an idea began forming of completing a Master’s in Counseling / Education and combining her experience and broad base of knowledge in technology education? Clearly, she had found her niche. For those who know and work with her will tell you she is passionate about Engineering, Architecture and STEM related careers.
After brief tenures at high schools in Montana and Minnesota, in 1992 Susan began her tenure as the Guidance Counselor and Career Advisor at Delano High School in Delano, MN, a position she still holds today. In addition to her work at Delano, she has served several years as one of the chairpersons for the Minneapolis National College Fair. She continues to be an advocate for women in non-traditional careers; she coordinates tours of business and industry for young women; and, is continually looking for ways to be innovative and creative in how she helps students find their path.
Susan says it succinctly, “Life is truly a journey. It’s no secret, you have to walk it to find it.”
Note: The Gayle Miller Softball Complex was named after the late Dr. Gayle Miller. Susan is part of the Miller extended family.