Eckhard Rolz

Eckhard Rolz is a Professor of German and Global Studies at South Dakota State University (SDSU), where he has taught since 2005. He leads the Department of Modern Languages and oversees the summer study-abroad program in Germany. His academic journey includes a B.A. in German literature from Utah State University (1994), followed by an M.A. and Ph.D. in German literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1996 and 2000).

His research focuses on childhood depictions in 18th–19th century German literature, language pedagogy innovation, and refugee integration in Germany. He has led student initiatives with refugees in Germany and presented at national/international conferences.

Notable awards include the 2018 South Dakota World Language Association Teacher of the Year and the 2015 Faculty Award for Global Engagement. His teaching excellence is recognized through multiple grants and accolades, including the Hogan Award (2011) and state/federal awards for study-abroad advocacy.

• Education:
  • B.A., German Literature, Utah State University (1994)
  • M.A., German Literature, UNC Chapel Hill (1996)
  • Ph.D., German Literature, UNC Chapel Hill (2000)
• Advising & Grants:
  • Directed SDSU study-abroad programs in Germany, securing $8,000 in private donations for scholarships (2016)
  • Recipient of F. O. Butler Grant (2005) and multiple teaching enhancement grants
• Labs/Teams: Coordinates the Germany study-abroad program and refugee engagement initiatives.