Judy Siegle, highly acclaimed motivational speaker and author of “Living Without Limits: 10 Keys to Unlocking the Champion in You,” will be the keynote speaker at a leadership summit that will be held on the campus of Mayville State University Tuesday, April 14. In addition to Siegle’s keynote presentation, breakout sessions will be presented by Dr. Kelly Peters, associate principal at Red River High School in Grand Forks, N.D.; Joel Vettel, lieutenant with the Fargo (N.D.) Police Department and community volunteer; and Terry Kemmer, Mayville State professor emeritus of business and Larson Leadership Program Coordinator. There is no charge to attend the leadership summit and everyone is welcome.

The summit will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Campus Center Heritage Room with a session entitled “Leadership 101” with Terry Kemmer. The goal of this hour-long presentation will be to provide a better understanding of leadership and what can be done to enhance and develop this understanding. Leadership is a social influence that leaves a mark. It is also initiating and guiding with change being the result. This and other leadership theory will be presented and discussed in an interactive environment. Leadership is a concept that is both current and timeless. Kemmer will personalize the subject in hopes that participants will have the opportunity to reflect on effective leadership and leaders.

Judy Siegle will participate in a book-signing party in the Campus Center Foyer from 12:15 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Copies of Judy’s book, “Living Without Limits: 10 Keys to Unlocking the Champion in You” will be available for sale.

In a split second, Judy Siegle's dream of playing college basketball was lost when a car crash left her with a broken neck. In Living Without Limits,” Judy relates her story of intense rehabilitation and years of hard work that allowed her to become a two-time Paralympian. In a stunning departure from theory, Judy's intensely personal story of triumph shatters the most common barriers that prevent personal and professional success, revealing the principles of excellence that can help anyone achieve a life that is fulfilling and rewarding. She shares ten powerful life keys designed to unlock the untapped potential and purpose within each one of us.

At 18, Judy had just graduated from Pelican Rapids (Minn.) High School, after a stellar basketball and academic high school career. Her dream of playing basketball at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. was no longer possible when the accident left her wheelchair-bound. But Judy never gave up and never limited herself. She pursued a productive college life, was Concordia College homecoming queen, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, enjoys a decorated health care career, was named North Dakota Outstanding Employed Disabled Citizen, and excelled in World Games wheelchair racing.

Siegle’s keynote presentation will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the MSU Campus Center Luckasen Room. She’ll share how the choices we make every day affect our lives and those around us in powerful ways. Drawing on her personal experiences, Judy will provide tools that lead to success.

Dr. Kelly Peters will lead two breakout sessions titled “Leadership in a Teacher’s Life.” Both will be held in room 114 of the MSU Education Building. One session begins at 2:15 p.m. and the other at 3:30 p.m. Dr. Peters will share insights and expectations gained from his 23 years of working in public education. His presentation will focus on leadership in a teacher’s life, leadership enhancement offered in the education field, the teacher’s role in integration of classroom responsibilities and extra-curricular activities, and leadership opportunities available for young educators and the support they should expect from their administration.

Joel Vettel will lead two breakout sessions titled “Community Leadership through Community Service.” Sessions will begin at 2:15 and 3:30 p.m. in the MSU Campus Center Luckasen Room. Vettel will give real life examples of how community service makes one a better person. Participants will discover why community service and volunteerism are keys to improving quality of life, while learning how to balance busy schedules and maximizing ability to give back to the community. Vettel will demonstrate why community service is not only rewarding, but can also lead a person down the road of personal success.

The Larson Leadership Program is funded with the assistance of the Edson and Margaret Larson Foundation and is designed to promote the leadership enhancement on the campus of Mayville State University, as well as in the Mayville-Portland community. For more information about the April 14 leadership summit, contact Terry Kemmer, coordinator of the Larson Leadership Program, 701-788-4777 or terry.kemmer@mayvillestate.edu

Mayville State University Leadership Summit Speaker Biographies

 

Judy Siegle

Judy Siegle earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech/Communications from Concordia College and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota. She has a 20-year healthcare career and is currently employed as Director of Women’s Ministry. 

Judy’s volunteer work is extensive. As a Chair Corps representative for Wheels for the World, she has traveled internationally on distributions and conducted wheelchair drives that have collected over 1,250 wheelchairs. Judy is a retired elite wheelchair racer who continues to hold national records in the 400-, 800-, 1500-, and 5000-meter events for quadriplegic women. She is a two-time Paralympian and was named the 2000 Female Athlete of the Year by USA Wheelchair Track and Field. She is author of “Living Without Limits: 10 Keys to Unlocking the Champion in You.

 Dr. Kelly D. Peters

Dr. Kelly D. Peters is associate principal at Red River High School, Grand Forks, N.D. Following his graduation from Mayville State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1992, he has gained a wealth of educational experiences. He has been a classroom teacher, football and speech coach, activities director, counselor, college adjunct professor, and secondary principal in both Montana and North Dakota school systems. 

Dr. Peters earned a Master of Arts degree in counseling and development from Montana State University-Northern and his administrative credentials from Tri-College University. In 2008, he earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Dakota.

Dr. Peters is proud to be a North Dakota native and a Mayville State University alumnus. 

Joel Vettel

Joel Vettel grew up on a farm near Hillsboro, N.D. and attended Hillsboro High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University, and a master’s degree in management from the University of Mary. He is a 2009 graduate of Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety “School of Police Staff and Command.” He is a 2013 graduate of the 253rd class of the FBI National Academy. 

Joel was appointed to the Fargo Police Department in 1997 and later promoted to the rank of sergeant. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2006 and currently leads the department’s investigations and narcotics units. Joel has also developed numerous programs dealing with personal safety and de-escalation. He lectures extensively on the issue of workplace violence and dealing with physically aggressive people. 

Vettel is active with area youth athletic programs at both the high school and the college level. He serves as a current elected member of the Fargo Park Board, and is also a board member for the United Way of Cass Clay and a member of the FBI National Academy Association. He has served as the site liaison for ESPN Game Day and the Director of Operation for the USA Wrestling Asics National Wrestling Tournament, the largest wrestling tournament in the world. 

In his spare time Joel works as announcer for NDSU Athletics and a volunteer strength coach for Fargo Public Schools, and is an experienced adventure racer and obstacle course racer. Joel lives in Fargo with his wife and two daughters.