Alumni Spotlight: Jackson Willems ’25

When Jackson Willems crossed the stage as a Dickinson State University graduate in 2025, it marked the culmination of years spent preparing for a future dedicated to serving others. This fall, the criminal justice graduate, Blue Hawk football student-athlete and Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program (TRHLP) participant will take the next step toward that goal as he begins law school at Creighton University.

For Willems, the road to law school was shaped by the people who invested in him throughout his time at Dickinson State.

Among those who made the greatest impact were head football coach Pete Stanton, the late criminal justice professor Michael Jennings and Dr. Debora Dragseth.

"Coach Stanton does an amazing job at creating great men," Willems said. "Playing under him taught me the importance of community and giving back to those in it."

Willems also credits Jennings for helping solidify his passion for the legal profession.

"Professor Jennings was one of the most personable educators I have ever had," he said. "His knowledge and admiration of the courts and criminal justice system was a huge motivator for my career goals. He was an amazing man who helped me every step of the way."

As Willems prepared for law school applications, Dr. Debora Dragseth became another trusted mentor, offering guidance throughout the application process while continuing to challenge and encourage him in the classroom.

Although he always had an interest in criminal justice, Willems discovered his true calling after completing a judicial internship following his freshman year. Working for a district judge in his hometown of Billings, Montana, gave him a firsthand look at the legal system and confirmed the path he wanted to pursue.

"After seeing different parts of the justice system, I knew I wanted to be an attorney," Willems said. "I was drawn to the vast opportunities and different areas of law that can be practiced."

Balancing academics with collegiate football and the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program demanded discipline, resilience and careful time management. More importantly, Willems says those experiences taught him the importance of servant leadership.

"Football and the TRHLP highlighted the importance of servant leadership," he said. "The demands of these programs strengthened my work ethic and time management skills. Being a student-athlete is a full-time job and creates many values that help you be successful on and off the field." 

Beyond the classroom and football field, Willems found one of Dickinson State's greatest strengths in its people.

"One of the biggest lessons I learned is the value of community," he said. "The people you keep around have a major impact on your life. Dickinson State is full of people who want to see you succeed. The relationships I built here have been incredibly valuable and will continue to benefit me throughout my legal career."

As he looks toward earning his law degree, Willems hopes to return home to Montana to practice law. While he has not yet settled on a specific area of practice, one goal remains clear: using his education to serve others. His recent work with the Dakota Children's Advocacy Center further reinforced his desire to make a meaningful difference through the legal profession and to support nonprofit organizations that strengthen their communities.

For current Dickinson State students pursuing ambitious goals, Willems encourages them to embrace every opportunity the university has to offer.

"My advice would be to work hard and take chances," Willems said. "School and athletics can be stressful, but there are so many benefits. Take advantage of your time at Dickinson State and build as many relationships as you can."

Throughout his journey, one phrase has remained a guiding principle.

"Life is about the journey, not the destination," Willems said. "Make the most out of each step along the way and remember that it's okay not to have it all figured out."

As Willems begins law school, that mindset continues to guide him, carrying forward the lessons, relationships and servant leadership that defined his Dickinson State experience.