USD School of Education to Award Five Individuals with the Legends of Delzell Award
A prestigious recognition, the Legends of Delzell Award is given to retired faculty, staff and alumni who reflect the values and spirit of the school in their work and service.
The recipients will be awarded in October during Destination Delzell at Dakota Days. This special event brings together current and former faculty, staff and students to reconnect, share stories and celebrate those who have contributed to the USD School of Education’s legacy.
Gale Wiedow, Ph.D., will receive the Faculty Award. Wiedow served as associate dean of the School of Education from 1981 to 2003 and as chair of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. Wiedow is a highly respected leader in the fields of health, physical education and recreation, recognized for his excellence as an administrator, educator and scholar. He is known for his approach and commitment to student and client success, consistently creating meaningful learning experiences through both instruction and research. He is also recognized for his ability to foster strong collaborations with colleagues and community members, bringing perspective to the evolving challenges in public education and higher education.
His long-standing dedication to professional service is evident through impactful leadership roles at the state, regional and national levels. Notably, he served as director of the National Youth Sports Program—an NCAA-supported initiative focused on youth athletics and nutrition—and later as president of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Colleagues describe him as an insightful thinker and engaged listener, with a youthful energy and enthusiasm that have propelled his distinguished career. He was also instrumental in coordinating efforts involved in the School of Education’s preparation for accreditation visits by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Three staff members will receive the Legends of Delzell Alumni Award.
Pamela Homan, Ed.D. ’96, has spent more than 45 years shaping the landscape of education in South Dakota through leadership, innovative thinking and a deep commitment to students and the community. From her start as a special education teacher to her transformative tenure as superintendent of the Sioux Falls School District, she has consistently driven programs that expand access and elevate outcomes. Under her leadership, initiatives like the Career and Technical Education Academy, Spanish Immersion Program and New Technology High School redefined what student success could look like, earning both state and national recognition. Her work continues in higher education, championing efforts like the Academy of Behavioral Health in partnership with Sanford Health.
A mentor to many, Homan’s impact is evident in the careers she’s helped shape, the systems she’s improved and the communities she’s strengthened. Her leadership has been recognized at the highest levels, including her induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Meredith Allen, M.S. ’09, B.M. ’05, is an experienced senior leader, with deep roots in education and software. Her career reflects a blend of creativity, leadership and forward-thinking innovation. With a background in music education and a passion for student-centered learning, she has built a professional journey that spans classrooms, boardrooms and international conference stages.
Allen’s work has touched every corner of education, from teaching and consulting to leading initiatives at companies like Soundtrap by Spotify, Scrible and Splice. Across each role, she strives to make learning more meaningful, engaging and accessible through technology and creativity.
Allen’s commitment to innovation is matched by her deep care for people, creating spaces where others feel empowered, supported and inspired to grow. Her colleagues and students emphasize that she leads with empathy, listens with intention and lifts people with honesty and encouragement.
Ted Williams, Ed.D. ’84, has made an extraordinary impact on mental health services in South Dakota, with a career marked by advocacy, leadership and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children and families across the state. As lead clinical psychologist and director of the South Dakota Developmental Center from 2001 to 2004, and later as interim cabinet secretary under Gov. Dennis Daugaard, he brought compassionate leadership to some of the state’s most critical systems of care. His career spans inpatient, outpatient and school-based settings. He is especially known for mentoring and supervising mental health professionals—including counselors, psychologists and school psychologists—on their path to licensure and certification.
He also received the South Dakota Association of School Psychologists’ only Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. One example of his impact was the development of innovative, therapeutic programs that enabled people to receive treatment in South Dakota, saving the state over $50 million. Whether working in schools or systems serving individuals with developmental disabilities, he consistently prioritizes the needs of others, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Wendy Knutson will receive the Professional Staff Award for her outstanding service within the Educational Leadership Division, as well as her longstanding commitment to quality. She brings an exceptional depth of knowledge about educational leadership programs and a unique ability to solve problems efficiently. She plays a key role in supporting faculty advisors and new students, skillfully assembling programs of study and guiding students through their academic journeys with professionalism and patience.
A previous recipient of the Career Service Award for Outstanding Service to the University in 2007, Knutson continues to exemplify professionalism through her precise record-keeping and her calm, supportive presence. Her adaptability and deep understanding of university processes make her a trusted go-to resource, while her positive demeanor, collegial relationships and clear communication style elevate the experience of everyone she works with. Whether helping colleagues navigate new leadership transitions or offering steady support to students, Knutson’s contributions consistently reflect the mission and values of the School of Education, as well as USD.
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