Engelmann named January’s Civil Service Employee of the Month

Chuck Engelmann, a support services analyst for South Dakota State University Extension, has been named SDSU’s Civil Service Employee of the Month for January. 

He will be honored at a reception held from 2:30-4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, in Berg Agricultural Hall 117. 

Engelmann has worked at SDSU for the past 16-plus years. 

Director of IT Support Services Joe Portz and SDSU Extension Director Karla Trautman said Engelmann has served SDSU Extension by providing technology support to the organization through a variety of services, including when SDSU Extension opened eight regional Extension centers across South Dakota in 2011. 

“Chuck provided leadership to this massive undertaking by assessing each location for SDSU network installation, installed all computers, assisted with the installation of smart classroom equipment, and provided leadership to phone system installation with local providers. Since that time, Chuck’s responsibilities have required him to traverse the state to help staff with their technology needs on campus, at county Extension offices and regional Extension centers across South Dakota,” the supervisors said. 

Portz added that Engelmann has provided computer technology support to the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences administrative team, as well as the Ness School of Management and Economics. 

Several of Engelmann’s coworkers noted that his positive attitude and timeliness make him an asset to the workplace. 

Vickie Prussman, an administrative assistant for SDSU Extension, said, “Chuck’s friendly, easygoing personality is why I think he deserves this award. He is very dependable, giving people a timeframe of when to expect the fix of whatever issue arises.” 

Erin Christofferson, an administrative assistant for SDSU Extension, called Engelmann a devoted colleague who gives passion to his position and shines in serving others, balancing time and offsetting challenges. He’s always willing to lend a hand and answer questions. 

“Chuck is an outstanding employee who serves on and off campus. He proves efficient time management skills by helping individuals in numerous SDSU departments and buildings and traveling to eight different SDSU Extension offices located within the state,” Christofferson said. 

Trautman praised Engelmann for his honest assessments, straightforward communication style and bringing solutions to the table. 

“I have appreciated Chuck’s ability to assess technology needs and concerns related to SDSU Extension and then communicate those issues, along with potential solutions, when decisions have been needed or equipment purchases were imminent,” she said. 

Engelmann and his wife, Sue, have five adult children — Andy, Laura (David Rice), Pete (Esther), Zeke and Rachel — and two grandchildren, Hannah and Asher. 

He thanked those who nominated him and said he was honored to receive the Employee of the Month award. 

All SDSU Employee of the Month selections are determined through a nomination process by the Civil Service Advisory Council. Each civil service employee of the month receives an appreciation monetary gift from the F.O. Butler Foundation. The trustees of the foundation recognize the importance of civil service employees and take this opportunity to thank them for their exemplary service.