After 34 years of service, Dr. Debora Dragseth is retiring from Dickinson State University (DSU), where she was the longest-serving faculty member. Dr. Dragseth joined DSU in 1989 and has been a significant influence on the university’s academic development through her teaching, leadership roles, and various initiatives.
Dr. Dragseth has held numerous positions, including Vice-President of Academic and Student Affairs and Provost, Chair of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, and Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program. Her leadership was also evident through her proactive response to the coronavirus pandemic, during which DSU saw enrollment increases. She introduced new graduate programs and secured funding for important projects like the nursing simulation lab.
“Dr. Dragseth’s impact on Dickinson State University is immeasurable,” said Ty Orton, DSU acting president. “Her dedication to students, innovative thinking, and commitment to academic excellence have shaped our institution for the better.”
Dr. Dragseth’s dedication extended beyond administrative duties. She facilitated student participation in leadership conferences and developed creative learning challenges like the Red Paperclip Challenge. Her teaching was driven by a desire to understand and address students’ personal challenges, asking, “What is going on in your life right now that I need to be aware of?”
Besides her university endeavors, Dr. Dragseth was active in the community, engaging with organizations such as the Dickinson Manufacturers Roundtable and Rotary International. Her published works have won awards in writing and journalism.
Dr. Dragseth emphasized the joy she found in her work at DSU: “Since coming to DSU, I have never held a position that I did not love or that didn’t bring me joy. Teaching, however, has always been my touchstone.”
Holly Gruhlke, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, remarked, “Working alongside Dr. Dragseth has been a privilege. Her commitment to student success, creative teaching approaches, and leadership development have been outstanding.”
A retirement celebration is scheduled for May 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. MT in the DSU Student Center Ballroom to honor Dr. Dragseth’s contributions to the DSU community.
