Vanderboom Office of Student Success

The Vanderboom Office of Student Success is here to support you throughout your academic journey—connecting you with the tools, resources, and guidance you need to thrive at South Dakota Mines. Whether you're looking for academic support, time management strategies, or help navigating campus life, we're dedicated to helping you succeed inside and outside the classroom.

Personnel

Arika Beals

Student Success Advisor
Phone: (605) 394-2725
Arika.Beals@sdsmt.edu

Arika is a dedicated educator with two master's degrees, Arika has spent years shaping minds in the classroom, driven by a passion for facilitating student achievement and exploration. Arika’s background includes extensive experience in curriculum development, innovative teaching strategies, and individualized mentorship.
Susan Satter

Student Success Advisor
Phone: (605) 394-2723  
Susan.Satter@sdsmt.edu

Susan Satter works as a student success advisor.  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 Mines and SDSU).
Grisel Aguinigas Fox

WiSE Coordinator and Student Success Advisor
Phone: (605) 394-5127
Grisel.Aguiniga@sdsmt.edu


Grisel graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Sacramento. She had worked in a K-12 setting for several years before joining the South Dakota Mines family. Working in the Office of Admissions for more than 2 years before transitioning to work in the Vanderboom Office of Student Success, Grisel hopes to be a key resource for all students looking for support at Mines.