"President"

The South Dakota Board of Regents invites nominations and applications for the position of President of Northern State University. Located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Northern State University (NSU) offers the best of Midwest values—hard work, service, and community. Our campus is a close-knit environment where faculty and staff know students by name, and graduates go on to lead in every sector of society. The next President will lead a committed campus community in advancing academic quality, improving enrollment and retention, and finding innovative ways to serve students and the region.

Subject to the oversight and governance of the Executive Director and Board, the president is responsible for all operations of the university and for upholding and advancing the mission of the university.

Key qualities, experiences, and characteristics include:

• Strategic Visionary and Change Leader: A forward-thinking executive who can align institutional goals with long-term strategic planning, drive innovation, and position the university for sustained competitive advantage in an evolving higher education landscape.
• Relationship Builder and External Connector: Proven ability to cultivate and strengthen relationships with students, faculty, staff, business leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders to enhance the university’s influence, partnerships, and market relevance.
• Executive Communicator: A compelling and authentic communicator who actively listens, builds consensus, and represents the university with credibility and professionalism at the state, regional, and national levels.
• Organizational Optimizer: A team-focused leader who can empower high-performing talent, streamline operations, and foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Student Success and Innovation Champion: Committed to delivering measurable value for students by expanding academic quality, career-readiness initiatives, and experiential learning opportunities that align with workforce needs.
• Visible and Entrepreneurial Leader: A dynamic presence on campus and in the community - engaged, energetic, and eager to explore new business models and revenue-generating opportunities that serve both mission and margin.
• Skilled Fundraiser and Brand Ambassador: Demonstrated success in leading fundraising efforts, cultivating donor and alumni engagement, and elevating the institution’s brand and philanthropic culture.
• Financial Strategist: Deep understanding of higher education finance, including state-level appropriations, operational efficiencies, and long-term financial planning to ensure institutional sustainability.
• Industry and Government Collaborator: Ability to initiate and expand partnerships with private industry and government agencies that result in new programs, research opportunities, and economic development for the region.
• Calculated Risk-Taker and Change Agent: Informed by data and driven by outcomes, the candidate will embrace innovation and take bold, strategic actions to advance the university’s mission and impact.
• Proven Academic and Executive Credentials: An earned doctorate or terminal degree with a track record of executive-level leadership in complex, mission-driven organizations. Exceptional candidates with a graduate degree and substantial leadership experience will also be considered.
• Experienced Organizational Leader: Demonstrated success leading large, multifaceted teams and navigating complex organizational challenges with integrity, clarity, and operational discipline.

Additional Information and Leadership Profile

HOW TO APPLY

Nominations and applications will be accepted until an appointment is made, within the practical limits of the process, as finalists are identified. Applications will remain confidential except for those invited to the Northern State University campus for interviews.

For full consideration, applicants should submit materials by September 24, 2025. All application materials should be combined into a single document and submitted electronically to nsupresident@sdbor.edu and must include the following:

• A letter of interest;
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae; and,
• The names of five or more professional references with each person’s position, office or home address, e-mail address, and telephone numbers.

If interested parties have questions, contact Kayla Bastian, Chief Human Resource Officer of the South Dakota Board of Regents, at 605-773-3455.