ABERDEEN, S.D. — Dr. Alyssa Kiesow, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern State University, has been named provost of Texas A&M-Victoria starting July 1. Dr. Kiesow joined Northern in 2007 and served as an exceptional faculty member in biology, chair of science and math, and for the past six years as dean.

"Dr. Kiesow cares deeply about Northern and has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure students are well prepared for success — both during their time here and as alumni," said Dr. Erin Fouberg, interim provost. "She leads the largest college on campus and has served as a mentor and advocate for faculty and staff."

During her time at Northern, Kiesow served as the university's first director of undergraduate research, securing funding that established and sustained the program's growth. From 2020 through January 2026, she served as director of sponsored projects, playing a critical role in helping faculty and staff secure multiple grants. She helped grow Rising Scholars into a high-enrollment program with embedded faculty mentorship. Kiesow also created Northern's first opportunity for nursing by launching the SDSU Accelerated Nursing partnership and was a determined leader in the development of Northern's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

"I was fortunate to work with many amazing faculty, staff and students over the years, for which I am thankful," Kiesow said.

The campus and community are invited to the Noon Forum at noon Wednesday, May 6, where Kiesow will present "The Last Lecture I'd Ever Give," reflecting on Northern's evolution through her lens as faculty, chair and dean.

Dr. Elizabeth Haller will serve as Northern's interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Haller is a professor of English and has served as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for six years. She previously served as chair of the English, Communication and Global Languages department. The university will conduct a national search in the fall.

"Curriculum development and revision were central to my work as associate dean, and these areas remain a focus in this role," Haller said. "I also look forward to working with our faculty and the other schools on campus to identify areas of further collaboration, with local and state businesses and organizations to secure additional internship opportunities for our students, and with Student Government Association representatives to advance their creative ideas for raising the college's visibility. There has been great momentum in the College of Arts and Sciences, and I want to make sure we keep building on it."