Western ND News

Dickinson State University has announced the appointment of Dr. Holly Gruhlke as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, effective January 5, 2025. Dr. Gruhlke has been part of the DSU community since 2008 and brings over seven years of academic leadership experience to her new role.

Dr. Gruhlke was promoted to Professor of Business in 2024 after serving as Chair of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship from 2017 to 2020. She later became Dean of the College of Education, Business, and Applied Sciences before taking on the position of Vice President in 2023. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree from DSU, an MBA from the University of North Dakota, and a Doctorate in Business from Wilmington University.

Ty Orton, DSU's Acting President, commended Gruhlke for her commitment to innovation in academic programs and leadership across various roles: "Dr. Gruhlke's efforts to innovate DSU’s academic offerings have significantly enhanced our ability to meet workforce needs. Her leadership has provided stability and consistency in our academic affairs team, and she embodies the qualities of a servant leader." Orton added that her decision-making skills and understanding of institutional needs make her well-suited for this leadership position.

This appointment comes after Dr. Huijian Dong left DSU for opportunities closer to family in New Jersey. Orton also announced a reorganization within the Academic Affairs division, reinstating the role to ensure focus on academic excellence.

Dr. Gruhlke expressed enthusiasm about her new responsibilities: "I look forward to working more closely with our faculty to further innovate our academic offerings. With our upcoming accreditation visit, we are well-positioned to highlight the unique strengths of our programs and demonstrate how we are preparing our students to make an impact in our region."

Her initiatives will address several priorities including preparation for a Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit, advancement of a revamped nursing program transitioning to a traditional bachelor’s degree format, setting future visions aligned with DSU’s dual mission, and ensuring alignment with industry needs: "I see significant opportunities to further strengthen DSU’s academic programs, creating additional niches that will serve the Southwest region of North Dakota and beyond," said Gruhlke.

Orton concluded by stating that under Gruhlke's leadership, "DSU's academic division is poised for continued growth and innovation, ensuring that the university remains a vital educational resource for its students and the surrounding community."