Landscape Design Technology Faculty

Kate Parkinson
Instructor
605.367.5407
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Kate has been in the green industry for 36 years and has taught at Southeast Tech for 16 years. She started Stonegate Outdoors, a landscape design/build firm, in 1997, and is also the Landscape Design Technology instructor here at Southeast Tech. She has held many positions in the Green Industry, including; horticulturist, interior foliage manager, nursery manager, perennial grower, lawn care & maintenance supervisor, Landscape Designer specializing in outdoor room creation, Christmas tree grower, Christmas décor expert, Commercial Chemical Applicator, Licensed arborist, landscape plant identification, trouble shooting for plant problems and South Dakota certified nurseryman.

Currently Kate’s passions are working with the propagation of native plants in our area and landscape design. Her bachelor’s degree from SDSU is in Horticulture with a minor in Plant Pathology and a business minor. Her graduate work at Iowa State University was with spider mites and sun impatiens. “The green industry is a field that impacts everyone from the dinner table to recreation!”

Education: BS, South Dakota State University; Certified South Dakota Nurseryman; Certified Commercial Chemical Applicator; Licensed Arborist; Certified Mauget Injection Technician

Stacy Hotchkin
Lab Specialist
605.367.4259
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Stacy has worked as a Lab Assistant in the Horticulture Division at Southeast Tech for 23 years. In addition, she has owned and operated Dakota Lawn & Landscape Service, providing full-service lawn and landscape services as well as snow removal, since 1983 with her husband Dale.

According to Stacy, “I enjoy seeing our students graduate and put what they learn into their career. I like to stay in touch and keep up with them.”

Her newest green adventure includes working with square foot gardening, which maximizes space in a small area.

Stacy’s hobbies include gardening, camping and spending time at the lake with her husband and two daughters as well as baking.

Education: AAS Degree, Southeast Tech; Certified SD Nursery Professional; Licensed SD Chemical Applicator