Alumni Spotlight: Dustin Dassinger ‘97

For Dustin Dassinger, serving the Dickinson community has never been just a career. It has been a calling.

A proud Dickinson State alumnus and the City of Dickinson's current City Administrator, Dassinger has dedicated more than 26 years to public service. He began his career with the City in 1999 as a police officer, rising through the ranks before serving 11 years as Chief of Police. Today, he leads the city as its administrator, helping shape Dickinson's future while continuing a lifelong commitment to the community he calls home.

Looking back, Dassinger credits Dickinson State with providing the foundation for a career built on leadership, integrity and service. "The biggest lesson I took away from DSU was that leadership begins with service," he said. "Success isn't measured by your title. It's measured by hard work, how you treat people, the relationships you build and the positive impact you have on those around you." Those principles have guided him through some of the community's most significant challenges, from leading the Police Department during the Bakken oil boom to helping guide the city through the COVID-19 pandemic. While he is proud of the positions he has held, Dassinger says his greatest accomplishment is spending his entire career serving the citizens of Dickinson.

That commitment to service extends beyond his own career. His family has embraced the same calling, with his son Cayden serving as a deputy with the Stark County Sheriff's Department and his son Hunter working as a lieutenant with the Dickinson Fire Department. His youngest son, Ty, is continuing the family tradition at Dickinson State as a student and member of the Blue Hawk football team. Hunter also attended Dickinson State and played football for the Blue Hawks. "It's incredibly rewarding," Dassinger said. "Watching them experience many of the same traditions and opportunities that shaped my own life has been very meaningful."

Behind every step of his career has been the unwavering support of his wife, Patti, whom Dassinger credits for helping make a life in public service possible. "Public service isn't easy, and you certainly have to have thick skin," he said. "It certainly is not possible without strong family support, and my wife Patti has certainly provided that support throughout my career."

Dassinger's appreciation for Dickinson State has only grown over time. As a student, he valued the education and close relationships he built with professors and classmates. As a parent, he has developed an even deeper appreciation for the university's commitment to developing future leaders. "The university focuses on developing the whole person, not just preparing them academically but helping them become responsible leaders and members of their communities," he said.

He believes Dickinson State remains one of the region's greatest assets, preparing graduates who become teachers, healthcare professionals, business leaders, first responders and public servants across western North Dakota. The partnership between the university and the City of Dickinson, he says, continues to strengthen the community and shape its future.

For today's students, Dassinger encourages them to embrace every opportunity. "Build relationships with your professors, students and teammates. Get involved, volunteer and don't be afraid to challenge yourself," he said. "Your career will be shaped just as much by your character as your education. Work hard, stay humble, treat people with respect and always look for ways to serve others."

Today, being a Dickinson State alumnus means far more to Dassinger than earning a degree. It represents the relationships, values and experiences that have shaped both his life and his family's story.

"When I think about DSU today, I think about opportunity, community and service," he said. "I will always be grateful for the role the university has played in my life, and I'm proud to call myself a Blue Hawk. Go Hawks!"