Computer Technician Faculty

Todd Wohlwend
Instructor
605.367.5562
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Todd began teaching at Southeast Tech in 1998 after teaching at SDSU for eight years. He has a BA in EET – Electrical Engineering Technology and a MSIM in Industrial Management from South Dakota State University. His masters thesis was titled “Computer Interfacing, Automation and Laboratory Control”.

He holds CompTIA certification in Network +, and an RHCT – Red Hat Certified Technician certification.

Working with students is the best part of his job as an instructor. “I have been blessed to work with a variety of students of different ages, races, and nationalities,” he says. “I learn so much from them and their experiences.”

Todd’s interests include fishing, camping and outdoor activities.

 

Education: MS, South Dakota State University; BS, South Dakota State University; Red Hat Certified Technician, Network+

Merrel Pepper
Instructor
605.367.5513
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Merrel teaches CIS Networking with a specialization in Cisco’s CCNA curriculum. He began teaching at Southeast Tech in 1998. He has a master’s degree in kinesiology-physiology with an emphasis in exercise physiology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He holds five publications in exercise science in refereed journals and has presented at state and local conferences. He has accrued extensive industry experience, having:

• Worked at Gateway computers for 1994-1997
• Connecting Point Computers 1997-1998
• Cisco Regional Academy Director since 2002
• Director AITP state competition for networking
• Taught many K-12 and post-secondary instructors on Cisco’s CCNA curriculum

Merrel was honored as the 1992 Dell Rapids, HS Coach of the Year. He has coached many youth sports teams since 1995.

Regarding his teaching philosophy, he states, “I believe that it is a teacher’s role to facilitate the learning and success of our students. I support and encourage students to reach their full potential.
Merrel has been the Cisco Regional Academy director at Southeast Tech since 2002.

Education: MPE, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; BA, Augustana College; Doctoral work in Adult Education at University of South Dakota.

Kenneth Schaffer
Instructor
605.367.5866
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Ken teaches CIS Networking with emphasis on Computer Network Security. He began working at Southeast Tech in the fall of 2007 as the department workstudy. Upon graduating in 2008, became a part-time CIS Networking instructor at Southeast Tech. His industry experience includes IT Administration – over six years for a private-sector business performing all aspects of Information Technology skills including: