Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) is pleased to announce the addition of four new faculty members for the Fall 2026 semester. Bringing a wealth of professional experience, academic achievement, and passion for student success, these instructors will help strengthen DCB's commitment to providing high-quality education and workforce training opportunities in a caring environment.

Tanya Gillen, BSN, RN, Nursing Instructor

Tanya Gillen joins Dakota College at Bottineau as a full-time Nursing Instructor, bringing a diverse background in healthcare, exercise science, and rehabilitation. Raised on a North Dakota farm, Gillen earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Special Education from the University of North Dakota in 1999. She later completed degrees in Athletic Training and Exercise Science at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Throughout her career, Gillen has worked as a physical therapy technician, personal trainer, and exercise physiologist in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. After her family relocated to Minot in 2016, she continued serving patients through Trinity Health and the YMCA. In 2021, she returned to DCB to pursue nursing and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Minot State University in 2024. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the University of North Dakota.

Outside the classroom, Gillen enjoys spending time with her husband, attending hockey games, traveling to Florida, and enjoying time with her daughter, son-in-law, two Yorkshire terriers, and cat.

Joanie Houser, Dental Instructor

Joanie Houser joins DCB as a Dental Instructor with extensive experience in dental hygiene and a strong passion for education. Raised in Max, North Dakota, Houser developed a deep appreciation for family, community, and rural living. She is the proud mother of two sons and grandmother to four grandchildren.

Houser earned an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene from Erie Community College in Williamsville, New York, and spent many years advancing her skills and knowledge in the dental profession. As dentistry evolved, she completed the Restorative Expanded Function Program through the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

Inspired by a passion for teaching and mentoring others, Houser earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Valley City State University. She looks forward to sharing her professional expertise and helping students develop the knowledge, confidence, and professionalism needed to thrive in their careers. When not teaching, Houser enjoys life on her small farm, where she spends time outdoors with her horses and many beloved pets.

Kortney Arnold, Social Sciences Instructor

Kortney Arnold joins Dakota College at Bottineau as a full-time Instructor of History and Humanities. Originally from Portal, North Dakota, Arnold graduated from Burke Central High School in Lignite before earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and German from Minot State University. During his undergraduate studies, he completed a semester abroad at Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg in Germany.

Arnold went on to earn a Master of Arts in Medieval History from Boston College, where he focused on medieval German political history. Returning to North Dakota, he served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the Souris Basin Planning Council and later taught as an adjunct humanities instructor through Minot State University's outreach program at Minot Air Force Base.

For the past six years, Arnold taught social studies and health education at Bowbells Public School while pursuing a Doctorate in Teacher Education at the University of North Dakota. His doctoral studies focus on critical thinking development in social studies classrooms.

Outside of teaching, Arnold enjoys traveling, reading, exploring pop culture, and spending time with his wife, Kelli, along with family and friends.

Cyla McMechan, Medical Laboratory Technician Instructor

Cyla McMechan joins DCB as Instructor and Program Manager for the Medical Laboratory Technician program. With a professional background in medical laboratory science and phlebotomy, McMechan is excited to bring real-world laboratory experience into the classroom.

She is particularly passionate about helping students understand the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential in laboratory medicine. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes not only learning procedures but also understanding the reasoning behind them.

A native of the area, McMechan looks forward to connecting with students, colleagues, and the community while helping the Medical Laboratory Technician program continue to thrive. When away from campus, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their two dogs, staying active, and reading.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome these new hires to the DCB community. Our faculty play an integral role in supporting our campus mission of providing a quality education in a caring environment,” said Dr. Lexi Kvasnicka-Gates, Assistant Dean of Faculty. “Tanya, Joanie, Kortney, and Cyla each bring professional and academic experience that strengthen our academic programs and provide students with a high-quality education.”