DSU Heritage Foundation Staff

Ty Orton accepted the position as Executive Director for the DSU Heritage Foundation in December 2015. In this role, Orton coordinates efforts to strengthen relationships and raise funds to support the university in fulfilling its commitment to provide high-quality accessible programs; to promote excellence in teaching and learning; to support scholarly and creative activities; and to serve the region. Orton began his fundraising career in 2002 at McCook Community College where he was the head men's basketball coach. Orton moved to Dickinson in 2007 where he continued to invest in relationships while coaching and fundraising for Dickinson State athletics. Just before his appointment at the DSU Heritage Foundation, he was the major gifts officer at Sanford Health. Orton serves on the President's Cabinet and President's Advisory Council. Orton earned a Bachelor of Education from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana in 1998. Ty and his wife, Michelle, have two sons: Tristan and Cooper.  

Amanda Bramhall is the Accounting Manager for the DSU Heritage Foundation.  Prior to joining the Foundation,  she worked as a Mortgage Processor and a Closing Escrow Agent in the title insurance field for 10 years.  Amanda’s role within the Foundation is managing the daily accounting operations and assists with general office  duties and Foundation events.  She is married to Joe and they have a daughter Megan, a recent graduate of  DSU.  Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, camping, fishing, crafting and playing with their three dogs.

Alicia Erickson was raised on a farm in NE Montana on the Montana/North Dakota border. She is a proud graduate of Medicine Lake High School and of Dickinson State University. She has 9 nieces and nephews and 12 great nieces and nephews. Her favorite thing about her job at the DSU Heritage Foundation is meeting new people and hearing stories of alumni, students, professors, and donors, because "everyone's story is unique but special." Alicia's favorite thing about Dickinson is supporting local businesses. She believes that "we have some great people living in our community that strive to make Dickinson an even better place than it already is. It's like a hidden gem." She never thought she'd live in the same town she graduated college in, but she's been in Dickinson for the past 23 years and she is proud to be a North Dakotan. When she isn't at work, Alicia likes to hang out with her family and friends and go shopping.

Kyle Smith joins the DSU Heritage Foundation as the Development Officer for Athletics & Rodeo. A former Blue Hawk, Kyle was a member of the football team as a player and coach during his academic career. Since graduating from DSU, Kyle has volunteered and served as a member of the Blue Hawk Booster Club, helping support athletic scholarships. Kyle is a part of numerous committees in the Dickinson community including; Dickinson Youth Football and Little Buddy Foundation and a former member of the St. John Trust Fund Committee. He is married Brittney (Morast ’11) and together they have two future Blue Hawks, daughter Brannigan and son Jett.