meet the oak hills board

Dr. Jeff Vogel
Board  Vice Chair
Serving on the board since 2009
Are you an alum? If so, grad year and a fun Oak Hills story or memory:
Yes. I graduated in 1981. One of my favorite memories is the boys’ dorm socials. It seems like all of them were comedy shows, and even though I am not very funny, some of the guys were hilarious. My recollection is that on at least one occasion we had one of the teachers rolling on the floor from laughing so hard.
Educational background:
After two years at Oak Hills, I attended the University of Minnesota for four years, getting a bachelors and then a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering. I then spent four years at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, receiving a Ph.D. In mechanical Engineering.
Business/work history:
I taught as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota for 6 years. I then left the University and worked at Boston Scientific for 11 years, followed by 12+ years at ev3 / Covidien / Medtronic – each company purchased by the next.
What made you want to be a Board member?
I consider the education I received at Oak Hills to have been exceptionally valuable – much more important than any of the fine education I received later. The unique perspective on education and disciple-making I learned at Oak Hills has guided my thinking and teaching and ministry throughout my life, and it has energized and directed my lifelong commitment to learning. I would see as many more people as possible experience that kind of life transformation.

Bea Daggett
Board Secretary
Serving on the board since 2014
Are you an alum? If so, grad year and a fun Oak Hills story or memory:
I came to Oak Hills after high school in 1971-72 and finished the one year Bible Certificate.  During the next few years, I received a Business Degree from MN School of Business and Worked and lived in the Twin Cities. I returned three years later to work as “Dorm Mom” and finished my two year degree while working in Student Affairs for the next three years.
Educational background:
Oak Hills (2 year degree) MN School of Business(Business/Accounting)
Business/work history:
After leaving Oak Hills, my husband John and I bought and have operated “Daggett’s Fresh Foods” in Hinckley, MN for the past 42 years. We are presently working on being retired and passing the business on to our daughter.
What made you want to be a Board member?
The opportunity to give back to a place like Oak Hills that had such a great impact on my life spiritually was the greatest motivating factor in being a board member. Having an opportunity to influence the future of a place like Oak Hills is a responsibility I do not take Lightly.
What do you love about Oak Hills?
I love the commitment of Oak Hills to hold fast to the Word of God and pass that love of the Word to the next generation.

LaVon Dennistoun
Board Treasurer
Serving on the board since 2016
If you’re not an alum, please include a fun fact about yourself:
I am a PK (Preacher’s Kid) and have learned over time and with maturity that I am at my best when doing God’s work. Volunteering at various levels in the community has allowed me to share my faith and help where needed. Whether it be at my church – First Lutheran or in the Local Business sector as a Leader of Bemidji Area Business Women. I also volunteer at the United Way on their Allocation Board to bring funding and services to the many needed agencies in the Bemidji community. You’ll also see me at the LaunchPad and Public Library as I also volunteer there.
Educational background:
My education is in Business Management and Entrepreneurial Leadership.
Business/work history:
I worked in Operations Management and Executive Leadership at AT&T and Integra Telecom before retiring in 2008. I then began to volunteer as a Business Consultant for SCORE and the SBA. Shortly after, I started my own consulting business where I specialize in helping Entrepreneurs get started on the right path to opening a business.
What made you want to be a Board member?
I am a relatively new resident to Bemidji (I moved here 3 years ago to be closer to family) and met an Oak Hills Alum at a local Christian Women’s meeting. At the time I was looking for ways to be more engaged in the community and started looking at Oak Hills as a way to volunteer and give back. I volunteered at the College in the Finance department for one summer and thoroughly enjoyed working with the people there. I was then approached to serve on the Board. I feel that my business and consulting background bring a unique element to the Board. I currently serve as the Board Treasurer.
What do you love about Oak Hills?
The staff and their dedication and commitment to serving the Mission of Oak Hills. It’s WJWD (what Jesus would do) and very admirable!

Scott Anderson
Serving on the board since 2009

D’Wana Carol
Serving on the board since 2014
If you’re not an alum, please include a fun fact about yourself:
D’Wana Carroll is married to her husband, Scott, and together they have one daughter.  She enjoys reading, music, cooking, entertaining, growing beautiful flowers, traveling, speaking to women’s groups, and going on boat rides with her husband and daughter. D’Wana’s life is very busy right now with wedding plans as her daughter is getting married June, 2019. This is a very fun time for her and her daughter but also a “hectic” time. D’Wana is looking forward to a new “son” and in the years to come grandchildren to spoil.
Educational background:
She received her BS in Music and Religious Education from North Central University in Minneapolis
Business/work history:
D’Wana has worked both in the corporate world and church world. She and her husband developed a business in Erskine, MN, and she managed the offices until they sold it in 2009. Currently, D’Wana gives piano lessons to 20+ children and is heavily involved in ministry to women both in her local church and state-wide.

Mike Heteen
Serving on the board since 2017
If you’re not an alum, please include a fun fact about yourself:
I enjoy collecting and riding antiques snowmobiles. My oldest is a 1960 that is in original condition and I show and ride this whenever I get a chance. During the summer, I enjoy walleye fishing and camping in the North West Angle of Lake of the Woods. I enjoy working with the Gideon organization and helping area Pastors by doing pulpit supply when needed.
Educational background:
I graduated from Roseau Public High School and then attended Moorhead Area Vocational Technical Institute.
Business/work history:
I was employed by Polaris industries for 36 years. Four years in Sales and Marketing and then 32 years in Procurement. I have been retired now for 3 years.
What made you want to be a Board member?
I am a firm believer in the need for options for higher post-secondary education for many students, especially it being Christian based. Having this type of option available on a rural basis for many students who are not either ready or do not want to attend a large, urban-based college, is important. My years of working in the corporate world gives me a good understanding of working with many different cultures, setting goals and being accountable to those goals, looking at current problems with an eye on the future to figure out changes that need to be made to stay viable in a changing world. “We must always respect the past, but embrace the future.”

Bill Oakes
Appointed to the board 3.2.2019
Are you an alum? If so, grad year and a fun Oak Hills story or memory:
Yes, 1989. I came to Oak Hills thinking I would attend for one year and stayed for 4.  Jim Hodgson was a big influence in my coming to Oak Hills. Jim was a few years older and I looked up to him and his Christian example.
Educational background:
BA from Oak Hills in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Youth Ministry & Counseling
Business/work history:  My first 17 years or so I worked with Timber Bay House, Upper Mississippi Mental Health Center as a Children’s Mental Health Case Manager and was the Executive Director of Boys & Girls Club of Leech Lake.  The last 17 years I have been a Licensed Real Estate agent serving the greater Bemidji Area.
What made you want to be a Board member?
Oak Hills provides a unique non-denominational setting for training lay leaders and those seeking full-time ministry service.  The college, along with Church Ministries, Center for Indian Ministries, and Camp Oak Hills are having a significant impact in our region and around the world and I want to support those efforts. I was significantly impacted by the training and relationships I formed during my time at Oak Hills, met my wife, Laurie, there and two of our three children attended Oak Hills as well.
What do you love about Oak Hills:
My mind goes to the staff, professors, and classmates that guided and loved a young kid from North Dakota and helped him figure out his place in the world.  It is very satisfying to know the same kind of investments are being made in lives today; I’m very grateful to Oak Hills and those in the past and present who sacrificially invest in others.