Meet Bailey (Swenson) Mohr, a proud Northern State University Triple Wolf graduate who has moved from teaching to coaching to leading in elementary education.

Bailey earned her bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Special Education in 2013 and taught 4^th grade for 11 years before becoming a Literacy Instructional Coach for the Aberdeen School District in 2024. Mohr leads the Aberdeen School District elementary literacy committee and provides professional development to teachers, helping guide the district’s transition to instruction grounded in the science of reading.

She earned her master’s in Teaching and Learning and a master’s in Leadership and Administration from Northern in 2017.

Bailey was recently named principal of May Overby Elementary School in Aberdeen, right across from Northern’s campus.

Mohr credits the mentorship of Northern faculty for her growth. “Northern has played a significant role in my journey, and I truly couldn’t have gotten to this point without the support, guidance, and encouragement of my Northern professors along the way. That mentorship has made a lasting impact on both my confidence and my growth as an educator and leader.”

We’re proud to see Bailey grow and lead in education. Once a Wolf, always a Wolf!

Meet Riccardo Done, a proud Northern State University double wolf graduate whose journey as both an athlete and a professional continues to inspire.

Riccardo earned his B.S. in Human Performance and Fitness in 2020 while competing for the Wolves as a middle-distance runner. One of his standout achievements came in 2021, when he placed 2nd at the NSIC Outdoor Track & Field Championships and set a new school record in the 3000m steeplechase.

He went on to complete his M.S. in Sport Performance and Leadership in 2022, serving as a Graduate Assistant Swimming Coach from 2020–2022.

After graduating, Riccardo returned home to Venice, Italy, where he now works as a track & field coach, continuing to apply the skills and experiences he developed at Northern.

Riccardo has also continued his own competitive career, achieving all-time personal records in the 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, and 10k. Up next, he will be competing at Nationals this July.

We’re proud to see Riccardo continue to excel on and off the track. Once a Wolf, always a Wolf!

Meet Trista Henderson who is making her mark in the School of Business at Northern State University — both inside and outside the classroom.

After earning her undergraduate degree in Accounting with a minor in Banking and Financial Services, Trista continued through Northern’s accelerated (4+1) program and will complete her master’s degree in Accounting Analytics this summer.

As a graduate assistant and vice president of the Business Club, she has embraced leadership and connection.

“I chose Northern because of the smaller class sizes and the close-knit campus environment,” she said. “Building relationships with professors and peers makes such a difference.”

Her advice? Get involved. Take advantage of opportunities. The connections you build matter.