Daniel Decino

Daniel Decino is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling and Psychology in Education at the University of South Dakota's School of Education, where he has served since 2016. His expertise spans school counseling, counselor education, and gatekeeping practices within mental health training programs.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Northern Colorado (2014)
• M.A. in Clinical Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado (2009)
• B.A. in Sociology with Criminology Concentration from Mesa State College (2002)

Dr. Decino's research examines school counselor roles in crisis response, gatekeeping in doctoral programs, and rural counseling challenges. His work integrates qualitative and quantitative methodologies to address ethical dilemmas in counselor training and the impact of technology on educational practices. Recent studies explore bioecological systems theory applications to gatekeeper identity development and pandemic-related adaptations in professional development.

His 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveal three dominant trends: methodological innovations in qualitative research for counselor education, evolving gatekeeping practices in accreditation contexts, and rural school counselors' unique ethical challenges. These works consistently emphasize practical applications for training programs and school-based practice.

His research excellence has been recognized through:

• Excellent in Research Award (USD School of Education, 2023)
• Housker Award (USD School of Education, 2021)
• Excellence in Research Award (USD School of Education, 2020)

Dr. Decino secured a Center for Teaching and Learning grant (2017-2018) for multicultural competency research. His advising impact is evident in publications analyzing dissertation chairing relationships and student experiences in research methods courses. He actively mentors through duoethnographic mentoring frameworks and presents regularly at ACES, AARC, and ASCA conferences on topics from AI integration in teaching to subpoena experiences.

His collaborative work with Phillip Waalkes and interdisciplinary teams addresses technology integration in education and counselor training innovation, though no formal lab structure is documented.