Former CSC professor, Zane Dickinson, dies in Minnesota

A memorial service is planned for the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Chadron.

Dickinson and his wife, LaVida, a longtime journalism instructor and adviser of the Eagle, were familiar and friendly faces to hundreds of students during their time at Chadron State. Both retired from CSC in 2009. The couple were living in Northfield, Minnesota, at the time of his death.

Dickinson was known for his down-to-earth approach to teaching. While at CSC, he taught technical writing and composition. He also served a period as CSC’s faculty development director, conducted the Teaching Analysis by Students program and served as campus chairman for the Chadron State Foundation’s annual fund drive.

He was an avid outdoorsman, even organizing and advising Chadron State’s Hunting and Angling Club. He worked as an aquatics instructor for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, guided the Governor’s Turkey Hunt and was the president and officer of the Chadron Kiwanis Club.

Dickinson graduated from Hot Springs High School in South Dakota in 1960. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota in 1966 and a master’s degree from Iowa State University in 1970.

Dickinson started his career in education at Vale High School in South Dakota. He also taught high school in Newell, South Dakota, technical writing at Iowa State, Rock Valley Community College and the University of South Dakota at Springfield. While at USD-Springfield, he also taught industrial journalism.

He is survived by his wife, three children – Shelly, Derek and Danita – and grandchildren.

A memorial services for Dickinson will be Feb. 28, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Chadron at 2 p.m.
 

—Alex Helmbrecht, Director of College Relations