According to CSC Marketing Coordinator Tena Cook, Associate Professor Dr. Brittany Helmbrecht has been named the Interim Dean of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences at Chadron State College. Helmbrecht’s first day as interim dean is Aug. 5.
A member of CSC’s faculty since 2015, Helmbrecht earned a bachelor’s in journalism from Central Michigan University, a master’s in physical education from the University of Nebraska Kearney, and a doctorate in health education from A.T. Still University.
“It is my pleasure to welcome Dr. Helmbrecht to the Academic Affairs senior leadership team as interim dean,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Kimberly Paddock-O’Reilly. “I look forward to working with her to better connect with faculty and staff in her school, improve collaboration across departments, identify and implement academic innovations, and work toward a culture of assessment on campus, in addition to her many other important duties.”
Helmbrecht, who became the institution’s first female Faculty Athletic Representative in 2021, advises many students and has taught Personal Health and Wellness, Fitness Activities, Group Fitness Instruction, Health Topics, and Community and Environmental Health at CSC. She teaches the Sports Reporters Capstone course and has previously taught Sports Officiating, Advanced Fitness Activities, and Team Sports.
Helmbrecht said she is excited to work alongside faculty and the administration as interim dean.
“I’m thankful for the experiences, opportunities, and mentorship that have prepared me for this position. I look forward to supporting faculty, staff, and students as our institution continues to move forward,” said Helmbrecht, who graduated from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ Emerging Leaders Program in 2022.
Helmbrecht was named CSC’s Campus Wellness Officer in early 2023 after she authored a successful application for a $100,000 wellness grant from the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska. She said she wrote the grant with the intent to help students and assist with lightening the workload at CSC’s counseling center. Helmbrecht said she plans to collaborate with others on campus during the three-year life of the grant to support educational events, guest speakers, contracted services, part-time student employment, and promotional materials.
In the community, she is the president of the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association, a group involved in maintaining trails for hiking and non-motorized vehicles. She is the secretary of Bike Walk Nebraska, a member of the American College of Health Association, and a certified group fitness instructor by the American Council on Exercise.
Her husband, Alex, is the Director of College Relations. The couple has two children.
A national search for the permanent Dean of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences will begin this fall. During Helmbrecht’s interim appointment, Paddock-O’Reilly will oversee the college’s assessment processes.