JJ Ostenson’s path to Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) began with curiosity and a desire to broaden his horizons. Hailing from Edgemont, South Dakota — a tiny town of about 750 residents and a K-12 school with just 126 students — Ostenson was used to tight-knit communities where involvement was essential. His first visit to SMSU was meant to be routine, but it quickly turned memorable. Walking the campus, he felt a sense of belonging that was immediate and profound.

“I got on tour here and I was like, this is where I want to go,” he said. The campus felt right-sized: big enough to offer new opportunities, but small enough to feel like home.

Ostenson’s college search started at a fair in Custer, South Dakota. Most schools represented were local, but JJ wanted something different. A conversation with SMSU recruiter Jacob Benson opened his eyes to the possibility of pursuing multiple interests — history and theater– without having to choose one path. Encouraged to attend a Mustang Saturday event, he convinced his mom to make the eight-hour drive. The campus tour was decisive: “It just clicked,” Ostenson said.

At SMSU, Ostenson started as a theater arts major, drawn to the creativity and energy of performance. After reflecting on his long-term goals and the influence of an inspiring middle school teacher, he switched to secondary history education, adding minors in acting/directing and political science. Ostenson is passionate about connecting history to the present, believing in engaging students beyond rote memorization. His theater background shapes his teaching philosophy; he hopes to make history lessons more dynamic and relatable.

Ostenson’s involvement at SMSU is extensive. He participates in Mustang Buzz student newspaper, serves in Student Association as the ACE coordinator, sings in campus choirs and concert band, and is active in the theater main stage productions and Drama Club. He also contributed to SMSU’s e-Sports program and helped revive the campus College Democrats organization. Ostenson believes this level of engagement is possible because of SMSU’s size; at larger universities, he says, he’d have to choose just a few activities.

A standout experience came from a drama club production of “Sleepy Hollow,” where Ostenson and others helped write the script, fostering creativity and collaboration. This spring, he was excited to be cast in “Tartuffe,” furthering his love for performance.

Ostenson’s passion for community naturally led him into leadership. As an orientation leader during Gold Rush Days, he helped welcome new students, famously using a megaphone to turn volleyball tournaments into lively social events. Now, he’s been chosen as a senior orientation leader, tasked with coordinating the experience for incoming students.

Ostenson’s leadership extended to university decision-making when he served as the only student on the presidential search advisory council. He approached the role with a clear goal: advocate for a president who values student engagement and community. The experience gave him a deeper understanding of university operations and reinforced his desire to make a lasting impact.

When asked what makes SMSU special, Ostenson highlights the campus’s sense of community. He prefers sharing stories over slogans, like a psychology professor who remembered him by name after a single class or choir director Stephen Kingsbury (Dr. K) publicly recognizing his effort. Ostenson appreciates the “unsung heroes” of the admissions team and credits Charlotte Wahle for her support. He never forgets that his SMSU story began with a recruiter who listened and encouraged him to explore both his passions.

Ostenson’s small-town upbringing influences his approach to campus life. He sees participation as a responsibility, not just an option, and worries about what happens when fewer students step forward. He’s dedicated to succession planning for the organizations he leads, aiming to leave them stronger than when he arrived.

Ostenson believes scholarships are a practical investment in students and the communities they serve. Financial barriers can prevent talented students from attending college, but scholarship support helps them get their foot in the door. For Ostenson, this investment strengthens both SMSU and the broader region. He hopes donors recognize the ripple effect their support has — helping more students achieve their goals and contribute to the workforce.

Ostenson’s future holds multiple possibilities. His primary plan is to student teach and then become a history teacher, potentially for two or three decades. He also imagines a second chapter in politics, using his community-minded perspective and knowledge of history to advocate for others. If his path shifts, he considers returning to school to become a political science professor. No matter the direction, Ostenson’s thread remains consistent: he wants to help people learn, participate, and see the bigger picture.

For now, Ostenson is focused on making the most of his remaining time at SMSU — building programs, mentoring new students, and embracing opportunities that challenge him. The campus that felt “just right” on his first visit has become a place where he can be fully himself: an education major who loves theater, a small-town student with big energy, and a leader who fosters community through both action and humor. Asked if he’s glad he chose SMSU, Ostenson’s answer is emphatic: “Oh, 100%. I don’t think I’d choose anywhere else.”