The Process
Northern State University is engaging the campus community and stakeholders in developing our 2026-2031 Strategic Plan. This collaborative approach will shape our strategic direction for the next five years.
- Listening Sessions
In October 2025, consultants Kristi Wagner (Rushmore Center for Civic Leadership) and John Beranek (Intersections Consulting) facilitated listening sessions with Northern State University staff, faculty, students, and community members. Both in-person and virtual sessions were offered to ensure broad participation. The information gathered has been provided to the Design Team and will guide the ongoing planning process.
Download Strategic Planning Working Document (PDF)
- Design Team
The Design Team was formed and is made up of staff, faculty, students, and community members. Meeting in late October 2025, the team used the Listening Sessions Working Document to shape the framework and strategic direction of the 2026-2031 plan. The Design Team is currently working on developing objectives and will present the first draft during a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Download Strategic Planning Working Document (PDF)
Design Team
Executive Leadership Team
- Sean Blackburn
- Debbi Bumpous
- Nate Davis
- Zach Flakus
- Chad Hatzenbuhler
- Eric Kline
- Laurie Nichols
- Veronica Paulson
- Mike Wanous
Students
- Lexi Cutler
- Abiah George
- Carter Schmidt
- Jaeden Shaving
- Jorja Whempner
Community
- Heath Johnson
- Tanner Jondahl
- Kristie Martin
- Eric Payne
- Mike Quast
- Amber Schwab
- Kami Speaker
- Katie Washnok
- Gavin Wollan
Faculty and Staff
- Stacy Bauer
- Jessica Beilke
- Dean Berry
- Rocky Burkett
- Jodi Casanova
- Layton Cooper
- Russell Entzel
- Erin Fouberg
- Ashley Gauer
- Elizabeth Hatler
- Jason Henslee
- Laci Hettick
- Alyssa Kiesow
- Britt Lorenz
- Brenda Mammenga
- Sean Meyers
- Jon Mitchell
- Christian Pirlet
- Anna Schwan
- Dan Shannahan
- Bea Smith
- Elizabeth Varin
- Hannah Walters
- Kelly Weismantel
- Public Input Survey
The Design Team invites all members of the campus community and stakeholders to review the draft goals and objectives and provide anonymous feedback through our public input survey. We ask that you submit your feedback no later than December 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
- Strategic Plan First Draft Presentation
The first draft of the Strategic Plan was presented to the campus community during a Town Hall meeting held on December 3 in Kessler's Room, Barnett Center. We appreciate the feedback and engagement from those who attended.
For those unable to attend, Provide Your Input - Strategic Planning Survey.