Dr. Alan D. LaFave returns to Northern State University as the institution's 19th president, marking a historic moment as the first alumnus ever to lead NSU. This homecoming represents more than a professional milestone — it reflects a lifelong commitment to Northern and the Aberdeen community.

A native of Onida, South Dakota, Dr. LaFave graduated from Sully Buttes High School before coming to Northern State as a student in 1980. He earned his bachelor's degree in music education in 1985, and during those formative years, he developed a deep appreciation for Northern's mission and values — principles that would guide his leadership for decades to come.

After three years teaching at Aberdeen Central High School, Dr. LaFave pursued advanced study at Arizona State University, where he earned his master's degree in clarinet performance in 1989 and his Doctor of Musical Arts in clarinet performance in 1998. He has performed with the Phoenix Bach Choir Orchestra, the Arizona Ballet Orchestra and the South Dakota Symphony, and was principal clarinet with the Arizona State University Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra and American Serenade Band. As an accomplished musician and educator, he is recognized regionally and nationally for his contributions to music education.

Following a one-year sabbatical replacement at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, Dr. LaFave returned to Northern as a faculty member in 1991, launching a career that would span nearly three decades. He began as an instructor and professor of music, building a clarinet studio from zero majors to an average of 12 music majors each semester, many of whom went on to pursue graduate studies at premier institutions such as Arizona State University, the University of Iowa and the University of North Texas. He also served as director of bands, conducting the NSU Symphonic Band in performances at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and leading regional and national band festivals as a guest conductor and adjudicator.

His expertise and dedication led to successive advancement: he served as department chair from 1994 to 1997, associate dean from 1997 to 2000, dean of the School of Fine Arts from 2000 to 2015 and provost and vice president for academic affairs from 2015 to 2018. As dean, he led major capital initiatives including a $14.5 million renovation and expansion of the Johnson Fine Arts Center and a $4.5 million renovation of Spafford Art Studios. He oversaw the successful accreditation of NSU's art program by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and guided the development of new degree programs including a Master of Music Education. Throughout his tenure, he maintained a visible presence at student performances and exhibitions, demonstrating his commitment to the arts and to student success.

From 2018 to 2025, Dr. LaFave served as president of Valley City State University in North Dakota, where he gained executive leadership experience managing annual budgets, leading the president's cabinet and overseeing major strategic initiatives. During his presidency, he helped secure $45.5 million for new and renovated facilities and $1 million in workforce education funding, led campus retention efforts that increased fall-to-fall retention from 71 to 77 percent and helped launch the institution's first-ever capital campaign with a lead gift of $5 million. He also worked to strengthen community partnerships and regional connections while advancing the university's academic mission.

Dr. LaFave's leadership philosophy is grounded in transparency, collaboration and a commitment to meaningful results. He believes in empowering teams, listening actively and fostering cultures of accountability and continuous improvement. Throughout his career — whether as a professor, dean or administrator — he has demonstrated a genuine investment in student success, faculty development and institutional excellence. He has received numerous honors for his contributions to music education and higher learning, including the South Dakota Music Educators Association Distinguished Administrator Award and the National Federation of State High School Associations Outstanding Music Educator Award. He is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association.

With more than 30 years of experience as both a student and employee at Northern, his ties to the university and the Aberdeen community run deep. He has built lasting relationships across the region and the state, positioning him to be a visible, trusted and effective advocate for NSU. Dr. LaFave is committed to honoring Northern's rich legacy while leading the institution into a future of continued growth, innovation and meaningful community engagement.