Always a Yote: Kari Oyen
From sitting with her dad in the stands of the DakotaDome at the age of four to leading the university’s school psychology program as a faculty member, Oyen has turned her Coyote pride into a career.
Before she embarked on her professional chapter at USD, Oyen was a school psychologist in the Lennox School District.
“I loved my time as a practitioner and enjoyed all of the students and families that I got to work with along the way,” Oyen said. “About seven years into my career, I was getting the nudge to learn more and start thinking about the next generation of school psychologists.”
That nudge led Oyen to pursue her Ph.D. at USD. After defending her dissertation, Oyen applied for and was offered the position of tenure-track school psychology professor at the university.
She has since become an associate professor and the program director of the school psychology program.
“It is so fun to walk the same halls that I have walked for many years in a role that allows me to make a difference in the lives of students,” said Oyen. “It has been the honor of my life to be granted tenure at a place that has meant so much to me both personally and professionally.”
With the support of USD, Oyen has pursued research and service in her primary area of interest: developing successful outcomes for children. Her passion has translated into impact at the local, state and national levels; from supporting rural schools in developing “homegrown” school psychologists to serving on the strategic planning task force for the National Association of School Psychologists, Oyen is actively working to address needs for students and help shape the school psychology profession.
“The biggest opportunity that I have as a professor at USD is to have a direct impact on my state and community through my work at the university,” Oyen said. “I love the encouragement to be able to make a difference in my field and the support to continue to partner with community agencies to address real needs for students in our state.”
While most recognized for her research, teaching and service, Oyen is also known around campus as one of the Coyotes’ most loyal fans. Her USD spirit and commitment to students intersect in her role as the USD faculty athletic representative to the NCAA.
Whether supporting future school psychologists or collegiate student-athletes, Oyen is inspired by the growth she witnesses at USD.
“My favorite part of both of my roles is watching students be so successful and achieving their dreams,” Oyen said. “It is so fun to watch someone learn and grow in their time at USD. What a gift it is to be a small part of this journey for students!”
Favorite USD Event: “I LOVE Dakota Days! The parade, the tailgating, the game! I also have come to love commencement. There is nothing like watching a first-generation college student walk across the stage! It shows the investments of not only the student but also all of those who have believed in them along the way. It is such a gift to watch!”
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