Student Success Staff

Student Success is ready to help you find academic and other resources to make you a more successful student.

Lisa Carlson

Student Success Director

Lisa has worked at South Dakota Mines in various roles, most recently being the Director of the WiSE (Women in Science and Engineering) program. She works in partnership with instructors and faculty advisors in each department to support students through the hardest classes at Mines. She relaunched the WiSE program to support women engineering students on campus and is taking the concept of a proven program to design a customized approach for students at Mines. Lisa has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Black Hills State University and an MBA from Chadron State College. When she’s not helping students, she likes hanging out with her three boys and watching cat videos on YouTube.

Lisa.Carlson@sdsmt.edu
(605) 394-5261

Rob Sales

Student Success Coordinator

Rob joined South Dakota Mines in July of 2019 after spending 15 years implementing classroom and student interventions at the high school level in Colorado and Rapid City. In the Vanderboom Office of Student Success, Rob works with students in all areas that affect their success at Mines, including academic obstacles, time management, goal setting, and other non-academic factors. Rob also works with our peer mentors to ensure all incoming students have an automatic connection to their department, the campus, and the Rapid City area. Rob has a Bachelor of Science degree in K-12 Education (Phys. Ed. and Special Education) from Black Hills State University and a Master of Arts degree in Sports Management from Adams State University. Additionally, Rob coaches the running backs for the Hardrockers Football Team. Away from campus, you will find Rob spending time with his wife and two sons.

Robert.Sales@sdsmt.edu
(605) 394-5305

Susan Satter

Testing Center and Student Success Advisor

Susan Satter works as testing and student advisor in the Testing Center.  She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Master’s in English and has worked as a student advisor, college counselor, dean of girls, and teacher in Connecticut, Arizona, and South Dakota. Susan moved to Hill City, SD in 2004 with her husband to raise their two children (Michael and Julia who are now in college at SDSMT and SDSU).

Susan.Satter@sdsmt.edu
(605) 394-2428  

Corinne Heiberger

WiSE Coordinator and Student Success Advisor

Corinne Heiberger works as a student success advisor as well as the Women in Science and Engineering coordinator.  She graduated from South Dakota Mines in 2008 with a degree in Industrial Engineering and a minor in Occupational Safety.   Her engineering experience has been in a variety of industries including copper smelting, aggregate mining, construction, and healthcare.  Corinne and her husband (ME ’07) moved back to the Black Hills in 2017 and enjoy spending time outdoors with their three boys and golden retriever.

Corinne.Heiberger@sdsmt.edu
(605) 394-1270

Heather Bunkers

Student Success Office Coordinator

Heather Bunkers works as the Student Success Office Coordinator. Heather graduated from National American College with a degree in Accounting. Before staying home to raise her three daughters, she used her accounting degree in the medical field. As her daughters grew, she started volunteering in the Rapid City Area Schools which naturally led to her working for the public school system. She enjoys helping students find success which makes this position ideal for her. Heather and her husband (IS ’92, MTRO ’93, AEWS ‘05) enjoy spending their time hiking, playing cribbage, and traveling to visit family.

Heather.Bunkers@sdsmt.edu
(605) 394-2547