Alumni Spotlight: Cebe Schneider ’97

Few Dickinson State alumni have built a career as multifaceted as Cebe Schneider. Since graduating in 1997, she has become a successful entrepreneur, nationally recognized cheer coach, community leader, educator and mentor. One of North Dakota's most decorated cheer coaches, Schneider has led multiple high school state championship teams and was named the 2025 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Cheer Coach of the Year after helping establish Dickinson State as one of the nation's premier NAIA competitive cheer programs. Through every chapter of her career, one purpose has remained constant: using her talents to make a difference in the lives of others.

That mindset was shaped long before she arrived on the Dickinson State campus.

"Entrepreneurship has been part of my family for generations," Schneider said. "From an early age, I learned that success is about more than building a business. It is also about giving back to the community, creating opportunities for others and being intentional about making the places where we live and work better."

Today, Schneider and her husband co-own BC6 Builders, one of western North Dakota's premier commercial construction companies, where she believes leadership begins by serving alongside others.

"I have always believed it is important to understand the work being performed and to be willing to step in wherever needed," she said. "Whether working alongside construction crews, helping solve problems in the office or supporting athletes at practice, respect is earned by being willing to work alongside others."

That philosophy has followed Schneider throughout a remarkably diverse career spanning television reporting, healthcare marketing, fundraising, human resources, safety management, construction, higher education and coaching. While each role has been different, they all share a common thread.

"If I see an opportunity to improve something, solve a problem or help others succeed, I tend to engage," Schneider said. "I believe we all have a responsibility to leave things better than we found them."

Schneider credits Dickinson State with preparing her to embrace those opportunities.

By immersing herself in campus life, she learned to balance responsibilities, build relationships and develop the leadership skills that have served her throughout her career.

"It wasn't a single class or experience that prepared me," she said. "It was the combination of academic learning, campus involvement, leadership opportunities and relationships that taught me how to be adaptable and open to new opportunities."

Those experiences also inspired Schneider to stay connected to the university long after graduation. This fall marks her ninth season as head coach of Dickinson State's competitive cheer program, where she has helped build one of the NAIA's premier programs while mentoring hundreds of student-athletes.

Although her teams have celebrated championship success, Schneider says the greatest victories happen far from the competition floor.

"Watching young people grow into the best versions of themselves is far more important than any trophy or championship," she said. "Seeing them develop confidence, resilience, leadership skills and a stronger sense of who they are is the most rewarding part of coaching."

Her commitment to developing others extends well beyond athletics.

Schneider and her husband have raised six daughters, all of whom are actively involved in serving the Dickinson community. Together, they built their family around a simple phrase: We are raising strong women.

"We wanted our daughters to understand that success is not just about what you accomplish for yourself but also about the impact you have on others," Schneider said. "Watching them use their strengths, follow their convictions and serve others with purpose is one of the greatest blessings of being a parent."

Even after decades of professional success, Schneider continues to embrace new challenges. She is currently pursuing two master's degrees at Dickinson State while balancing work, coaching and family responsibilities.

She says returning to the classroom reflects a lifelong commitment to growth.

"I wanted my children and my athletes to see that I truly believe in the value of education," she said. "The most successful and fulfilled people I know are those who remain curious, open to new ideas and willing to continue growing throughout their lives."

Looking back, Schneider sees a common thread running through every stage of her journey. Whether leading a business, coaching student-athletes, serving the community or continuing her own education, her purpose has always been centered on helping others succeed. 

"When people combine their talents and work toward a common purpose," she said, "they can achieve far more than they ever could alone."