Ty Orton Executive Director/Acting President | Dickinson State University
Ty Orton Executive Director/Acting President | Dickinson State University
The North Dakota University System has initiated the search for a new president at Dickinson State University (DSU), inviting applications and nominations. This search comes following the departure of former President Stephen Easton in mid-July 2024.
The DSU Presidential Search Committee is co-chaired by Danita Bye, Vice Chair of the State Board of Higher Education, and Ty Orton, acting president of DSU. In November, eleven listening sessions were conducted with various stakeholders from the DSU community, including staff, students, faculty, and local residents.
Reflecting on these meetings, Danita Bye stated, “The DSU community expects leadership that will respect and promote its core values: integrity, accessibility, excellence, and inquiry and innovation. The new president must have a students-first attitude addressing academic programs, athletics, health and welfare and campus stewardship while supporting an inclusive culture for the DSU community.”
Ty Orton emphasized the need for strong leadership: “The DSU community wants to see genuine commitment and capability to establish a bold vision and future for DSU and the determination to make the vision a reality. The president must be an advocate for DSU’s focus on being a comprehensive public university that provides a sound liberal arts foundation while upholding the historic mission of teacher education, lifelong careers, and workforce needs.”
Those interested in applying or nominating candidates should do so by February 7, 2025. Applications will remain confidential until semifinalists are selected. Finalists will participate in campus visits before undergoing public interviews by the State Board of Higher Education. The board aims to appoint a new president who will take office by or before July 1, 2025.
For further details about the search process or application instructions, information is available at https://bit.ly/3DjPcJp.
The North Dakota University System was established in 1990 as a unified system governed by the State Board of Higher Education. It comprises two research universities, four regional universities, and five community colleges. Its mission is to enhance higher education's role in improving quality of life and economic vitality across North Dakota.
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