Dr. Debora Dragseth, professor of business at Dickinson State University, recently won three national awards for her writing from the National Federation of Press Women, a nationwide organization of professional communicators that has counted among its members such luminaries as Eleanor Roosevelt and former Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham. In order to be considered for a national award, a participant must have placed first in the author’s home state competition.
Dragseth’s three national award pieces are as follows:
“Guys gone wild: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally,” first place winner in the category “Writing for the Web.”
Originally written for “NewGeography,” this piece elaborates on the demographic and cultural phenomenon of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in the sleepy town of Sturgis, S.D.
“Dakota daughter makes good happen in the ‘City of Angels,”’ second place winner in the category “Personality Profile.”
Written for “Today’s Giving Magazine,” this piece highlights Carla Christofferson, owner of the WNBA Los Angeles Sparks. Christofferson, a native of Tolna, N.D., is a woman who continues to move forward while generously giving back to people.
“Redefining ‘Niners’: Football on the Great Plains,” third place winner in the category “Writing for the Web” This piece, also written for “New Geography,” explores one of the most isolated places in the lower 48 states: Harding County in South Dakota. Often referred to as the “middle of nowhere,” it is one of the best places in America in which to grow up, according to a local football team.
This is the second time in three years Dragseth has taken national first place honors. She will be attending the NFPW conference in September in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to receive her awards. In addition to her doctorate, Dragseth also has a degree in English literature. “Writing allows me to diversify my interest, utilize both of my degrees, meet fascinating people and have the honor of telling their stories in ways that touch others,” said Dragseth.
