ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University President Dr. Alan LaFave has announced the retirement of Susan Bostian, associate vice president for human resources, effective Sept. 25, 2026. Bostian joined Northern in June 2006 and has provided 20 years of dedicated service to the university.

Bostian came to Northern after 17 years as human resources director at the Aberdeen American News. A 1989 graduate of Northern State University with a degree in accounting, she has spent her career building expertise in all aspects of human resources — from recruitment and retention to employee relations, compensation, benefits administration and professional development.

During her two decades at Northern, Bostian rose from human resources director to associate vice president for human resources, a promotion she received in June 2016. Her responsibilities expanded in June 2023 to include oversight of human resources for the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Throughout her tenure she also served in interim leadership roles, including two stints as interim vice president for student affairs in 2012 and 2014 and brief periods as interim marketing director in 2013 and 2016 — reflecting the trust campus leadership placed in her across a wide range of responsibilities.

Bostian is a certified Professional in Human Resources through the Society for Human Resource Management and a member of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources.

"Susan Bostian has devoted her career to serving Northern State University with exceptional professionalism, integrity and genuine care for our people," said Dr. Alan LaFave, president of Northern State University. "For 20 years, she has been a trusted adviser, a steady leader and an advocate for our faculty, staff and students. As a proud Northern alumna, Susan's commitment to Northern has extended far beyond her role in human resources. She has helped shape a workplace culture grounded in respect, collaboration and service, leaving a lasting impact on countless employees and the institution. We are deeply grateful for her decades of dedication, leadership and friendship, and we wish Susan all the best in this well-earned retirement."

"When I joined Northern 20 years ago, I never imagined the opportunities and experiences that lay ahead," Bostian said. "Looking back, I am most grateful for the relationships I have built and the chance to contribute to an institution that has been a part of my entire life — as the daughter of a long-time dean, an alumna and now an employee. It has been incredibly rewarding to help support the people who make Northern such a great place. I will always cherish my time here and look forward to watching the university continue to grow and succeed."