MSU to honor Michels, Schillo in 2024 Academic Hall of Fame class
MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University will induct two new members, Vicki Michels ’88 and Jacob Schillo ’15, into the Minot State Academic Hall of Fame to represent its 2024 class.
A reception ceremony honoring Michels and Schillo is planned for Friday, Sept. 13, at 3 p.m. at the Hartnett Hall Collaboration Space on second floor. The public is invited to honor the newest members.
“Minot State is proud to announce Dr. Vicki Michels and Dr. Jacob Schillo as members of the Academic Hall of Fame,” said Laurie Geller, MSU vice president for academic affairs. “Both Vicki and Jacob are exemplary scholars and leaders who have made significant contributions to their disciplines. We are proud of their accomplishments and are excited to honor them both.”
The duo joins 11 other past recipients. Becky Becker ’91 and Tim Henry were the most recent members of the Academic Hall of Fame, enshrined in 2020. Veronica (Cavallo) Pinnick ’04 was inducted in 2019, Robert Hubbard ’91 in 2014, Kim Baldridge ’82 in 2013, Robert Holmen ’83/’88 and Joe Alme ’68 in 2012, and Carrie Forshner Evans ’90, Lisa Feldner ’86/’90, Delane C. Kristky ’65, and Rosanne Olson ’72 were a part of the inaugural class in 2011.
Michels received her bachelor’s degree, majoring in psychology, from Minot State University, and her doctorate from the University of Wyoming in clinical psychology. She is a licensed psychologist, professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Criminal Justice Chair, and the director of the Addiction Studies Program at Minot State.
She was part of the team that helped establish Trinity Health Center’s outpatient behavioral health unit. Michels has served as the president of the International Coalition for Addiction Studies Education, the president of the North Dakota Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners, the chair of the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission Board of Commissioners, and the editorial board for the journal Substance Abuse. She has published research examining factors impacting post-traumatic growth, women prisoner’s mental health, and older adults’ cognitive abilities and mental health.
Schillo, a native of Iowa, served six years as a nuclear weapons specialist in the U.S. Air Force. His military service brought him to North Dakota, where, after completing his service, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Minot State University. During his time as an undergraduate student at Minot State, he began his cancer research career under the mentorship of Heidi Super, focusing on how chemotherapies affect DNA structure in leukemias.
He then pursued a doctorate in genetics at the University of Iowa, where he developed novel genetic sequencing technologies that advance our understanding of cancer evolution. Currently, as a scientist at Yale University, Schillo is working to uncover the mechanisms driving lung cancer metastasis, developing new therapeutic regimens to combat the disease.
Induction into the Minot State University Academic Hall of Fame honors meritorious service in an academic discipline and highlights the accomplishments of our most distinguished alumni. Nominations may be made by any individual or organization, either within Minot State University or from the community at large. Nominees must be Minot State alumni who completed a significant portion of their education at Minot State, have gone on to complete an advanced degree, and made a substantial contribution to the advancement of their field of study.
More information on the Minot State Academic Hall of Fame, including past winners and to nominate individuals, can be accessed ONLINE.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 09/10/24
