ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University Interim President Dr. Laurie Nichols today announced the retirement of Veronica Paulson, Vice President for Finance and Administration. Paulson joined Northern in 1990 and has provided more than 35 years of dedicated service to the university, with strategic oversight of financial operations, facilities management, budgeting, and major capital projects. Paulson's retirement will be effective in June 2026.

"Veronica leaves a legacy at Northern State University through her visionary leadership and financial stewardship," said Nichols. "Under her leadership, the university saw $168 million in construction and renovation projects that have completely modernized our campus. Her expertise in implementing cutting-edge financial systems and her commitment to fiscal responsibility have positioned Northern for continued success. While it is difficult to imagine Northern without Veronica, I know I speak for many when I say that we are deeply grateful for her three decades of service and wish her all the best in this well-deserved retirement."

Paulson's tenure has been marked by significant accomplishments that have modernized university operations and infrastructure. She led the implementation of multiple financial information systems, including serving as co-lead for a major enterprise financial system project that went live in 2007. Since 2014, she has managed transformational building projects that have updated every major sector on campus—from academic facilities to student housing, dining, athletics, and technology infrastructure.

"My time at Northern is a feeling that is impossible to describe," Paulson said. "It's been rewarding and also challenging. I have enjoyed the variety of projects and being part of the ever-changing landscape of higher education. It's been a privilege to work with so many good people with great ideas who want to provide students with skills that will set them up for success. Every day I get to see people taking pride in doing their part, whether they're front line or behind the scenes, to make Northern a great place to be for students, faculty, and staff. I've also had the pleasure of working with many incredible people in the community. The ongoing support is just amazing, and it truly makes a difference in the lives of our students."

Reflecting on her decision to retire, Paulson noted what she'll miss most: "That's easy—I'll miss the people. I'm going to miss the daily interactions with people on campus. After 35 years, you become friends and not just colleagues, so I know that we’ll stay in touch."

A 1985 graduate of Northern State University, Paulson began her career at Harlan W. Peterson & Co. (later Levi, Engelhart, Wolff & Co.) before earning her certificate of public accounting in 1989. Her time at Northern began in 1990 and she has witnessed dramatic changes in higher education operations over the past three decades—from paper-driven processes to digital systems, and from a campus in need of updates to a completely transformed learning environment.

In retirement, Paulson looks forward to spending more time with her husband Dick, their three sons and daughters-in-law, and eight grandchildren. She plans to visit her final two states—Delaware and Hawaii—to complete her goal of seeing all 50 and will spend more time at the lake and enjoying outdoor activities with her family. "Overall, I look forward to living life at a more relaxed pace," she said.