The Mission of SeekLearnGrow is to encourage and assist non-traditional students as they improve their lives and achieve their goals through education and personal growth.
SeekLearnGrow was established in 2012 by a group of individuals who believe in the value of education and helping others pursue their educational goals. This organization is committed to providing services, resources, programs and training to anyone seeking continued education, with a primary focus on helping adult learners in the Black Hills area of South Dakota.
Why do our board members value education?
“I worked for over 10 years in higher education. During that time, my primary career was to assist nontraditional students in achieving their goals in higher education. On a daily basis, I saw their struggles and also shared in their joys and accomplishments. They wanted a better life for themselves and their children. I feel privileged to continue to assist these determined students in their choice to continue their education. Erich Fromm, a famous philosopher and psychoanalyst in the 20th century, posed the following question, “Why should society feel responsible only for the education of children, and not for the education of all adults of every age?” This question is still relevant today.”
– Kathy D. Jones, President and Executive Director – BA in Education, MS in Strategic Leadership
“Education is more than gaining knowledge or jumping a hurdle, it’s preparing yourself for your future. Continuing to learn opens up opportunities to reach for something more in life. Thanks to education I’ve had the opportunity to work in the computer industry, to be an IT Supervisor for a large medical facility, and to be an educator at the technical, high school, college, and corporate levels. I believe in the value of education and how it can transform your life so I am happy to help Seek Learn Grow in this quest to assist others in continuing their education.” “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” -Henry David Thoreau
– Karla Krebsbach, Director At Large – BS in Business Education with Computer Minor, AS in Data Processing
“I’ve been blessed in my life to have had educational opportunities that many do not. Working for South Dakota’s largest hunger relief organization gave me rare insight into the obstacles many struggling adults face on a daily basis. I have personally seen the correlation that exists between higher education and the individual’s quality of life. The most difficult task, in many cases, is knowing where to turn – how to turn dream into reality. It is my pleasure to offer my assistance to Kathy, and this organization, who truly knows how to provide these invaluable resources.”
– Ryan D. Chocholousek, Vice President – BS in Biology, BS in Horticulture
“I feel my formal education and informal clinical training have opened doors for me, and assisted with directing me down the road I had envisaged. Although I don’t believe a typical college education is for everyone, I believe it is vital to never stop learning and striving for the best. Advancing your education is not an automatic ticket to success and happiness, but rather allows opportunity, in addition to hard work and passion, to pursue your dreams and goals. Knowledge is power, and I am happy to serve on this board and assist others in any way I can.” “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” ― Socrates
– Kelly L. Chocholousek, Treasurer – BS in Biology, MS in Physical Therapy
“I have a great appreciation for education because of the impact it has made in my life and the life of so many people I know. As an IT professional, I know that digital information is everywhere and educational goals can be achieved in various ways. That said, evaluating all of your options alone and sifting through all of the digital information out there can be intimidating and challenging. It can also be hard to know what resources you can trust. I joined SeekLearnGrow because I wanted to be a part of an organization that focuses on helping others connect with the information and resources they need to be successful in their pursuit of education.”
– Mikel P. Jones, IT Director – BS in Management Information Systems
“As a corporate recruiter, I speak to candidates with many different education backgrounds. No matter what stage they are in their life, they are able to reflect on how their education has shaped them and brought them to where they are today. Through my experience, both personal and professional, I feel education is an important lens that better helps understand our talents and interests. Being a part of SeekLearnGrow, I am proud to help others find their way and begin the next chapter in their lives or finish one they’ve already started.”
– Bri A. Jones, Marketing Director/Communications Director – BS in Business/Marketing
“I believe in the importance of educating women and mothers, as children are the natural benefactors. I raised two daughters on my own, worked, went to school, and eventually earned a Master’s Degree. I gave my girls an example to follow and now both have graduated from higher education, with their own achievements.”
– Jolie Hogancamp, Project Management Director – MS in Library Science, BA in History, and AAS in Business Marketing Management
You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.” -Brigham Young
Mothers are the first educators, the first mentors; and truly it is the mothers who determine the happiness, the future greatness, the courteous ways and learning and judgement, the understanding and the faith of their little ones.” -Abdu’l-Baha