Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Crossingham ’11

Dickinson State University alumna Sarah Crossingham has been named to Prairie Business’s 2025 40 Under 40 list, which recognizes young professionals making a significant impact in their careers and communities across the region.

At DSU, Crossingham majored in Composite Social Science and Secondary Education and was actively involved in campus life. She served as the student representative on the Teacher Education Council, was inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta and Pi Sigma Alpha honor societies, and held leadership roles with Student Ambassadors and the Homecoming Committee. She graduated cum laude and was named Outstanding Senior for the Department of Teacher Education.

Following graduation, Crossingham built her career in North Dakota education. She taught grades 7-12 social studies in Wishek before returning to Dickinson to teach at Dickinson Middle School. Today, she serves as an Assistant Professor of Education at DSU and leads the Blue Hawk Theatre Guild.

Her achievements include being named the 2017 Gilder Lehrman North Dakota History Teacher of the Year, receiving the Best of the Western Edge Professor award twice, earning DSU’s 2025 Innovative Faculty Member of the Year honor, and now joining Prairie Business’s 40 Under 40 list.

Reflecting on the honor, Crossingham said being named to Prairie Business’s 40 Under 40 list came as a surprise but was followed by deep gratitude. She emphasized that the recognition reflects the mentors, colleagues, and communities who have supported her throughout her life and career, rather than an individual achievement.

“The work I do cannot be done in isolation,” she said. “I am motivated and inspired by ambitious, passionate people who share a vision for education, creativity, and service.”

She noted that DSU has always felt like home, from her first days as an undergraduate to her return as a faculty member, crediting the Dickinson community for shaping both her professional path and sense of belonging.

Looking ahead, Crossingham said the recognition motivates her to continue strengthening education in North Dakota, preparing ethical and effective teachers, advocating for the arts in rural communities, and creating opportunities for creative expression.

When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Crossingham said she would encourage trusting instincts, taking risks, and believing in one’s own voice. She reflected that uncertainty is often a sign of growth, not failure.

"Hard work, creativity, and courage can coexist, and taking risks, even when they feel intimidating, often leads to the most impactful and fulfilling work," she said.

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Written by Alician Parks – DSU HF Student Writer