Fourth Annual BVU Women Making History Event on March 20
Four inspiring BVU alumnae share their journeys of success.
Buena Vista University invites the community to celebrate Women’s History Month at the fourth annual BVU Women Making History event on Thursday, March 20. This dynamic panel discussion will showcase four distinguished BVU alumnae, each nominated by their respective academic schools, as they share their personal and professional experiences.
This year’s panelists include:
- School of Education: Dr. Stephanie (Nelson) Anderson is the Riverside Community School District Superintendent. A native of Newell, Iowa, she earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from BVU in 1999. She began her career teaching in South Dakota and then in Storm Lake, Iowa before transitioning into administration. Dr. Anderson obtained her master’s from the University of South Dakota, her doctorate from the University of Kentucky, and her superintendent certification from the University of Northern Iowa. She was appointed superintendent in 2023.
- School of Liberal Arts: Xochitl de Anda is a second-year graduate student at the University of Minnesota, earning her doctorate in sociology. She grew up in Sioux City and graduated from BVU in 2013 with her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in gender studies. She went on to complete her master’s in social justice and community development at Loyola University Chicago.
- School of Science: Dr. Caitlin Hof is a Neurohospitalist at Avera Medical Group Neurology in Sioux Falls, S.D., specializing in acute neurological conditions such as stroke, seizure, and encephalopathy. A 2014 graduate of BVU with a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry, she went on to earn her MD from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine. Dr. Hof completed her neurology residency at the University of Iowa, followed by specialized training in vascular neurology at the University of Utah. She joined Avera in 2023.
- School of Business: Katie (Watson) Schwint is the Executive Director of Community Development at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, Iowa. A 1998 graduate of Buena Vista University with a bachelor's degree in marketing and corporate communications, she leverages her expertise to strengthen community engagement in a rural setting and support public health initiatives. With a passion for leadership, she is dedicated to fostering a positive corporate culture in the high-pressure healthcare industry, especially during challenging times.
The panel presentation will take place at 6 p.m. in Anderson Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, see bvu.edu/events.