ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University has named Dr. Anna Schwan associate vice president for academic affairs, broadening her leadership responsibilities across the university. Schwan will continue to serve as dean of Northern’s Millicent Atkins School of Education while taking on additional responsibilities in academic affairs.
Schwan has served as dean of the Millicent Atkins School of Education since 2023, following a year as interim dean. During her tenure, the school has added academic pathways and partnerships designed to respond to workforce needs across South Dakota, including teacher apprenticeship programs, a new Bachelor of Science in Education in Career and Technical Education and an expanded Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship program. Schwan led the school through a major renovation of Gerber Hall to create more collaborative, technology-rich learning environments for students.
“Dr. Schwan has demonstrated that she is willing to rethink how we serve students, build partnerships and foster exceptional teaching,” said Dr. Erin Fouberg, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “She has provided outstanding leadership for the Millicent Atkins School of Education, and she will continue that work as dean. With this additional role, Anna will be responsible for several areas that directly impact the student experience at Northern.”
As associate vice president for academic affairs, Schwan oversees Graduate Studies, Online Learning and Continuing Education, Empowering Innovators and Northern’s Center for Statewide E-Learning. She also chairs Northern’s Graduate Council, giving her a greater role in graduate curriculum and academic policy across the university, and represents Northern on the South Dakota Board of Regents’ Academic Affairs Council.
Schwan also serves as Northern’s apprenticeship coordinator. In addition to Northern’s work with teacher and early childhood education apprenticeships, she is helping develop new apprenticeship models. Schwan led the development of Northern’s Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway, which provides paraprofessionals with a flexible pathway to earn teaching degrees while continuing to work in their communities.
“Northern means so much to me, and I care a great deal about this university and the community that makes it special,” explained Schwan. “I am incredibly proud of what we have built together in the Millicent Atkins School of Education, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to expand that work across Northern. I believe strongly in who we are, the momentum we are building, and what is possible for Northern as we continue to grow. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve Northern in this expanded role and to work alongside our students, faculty and staff as we continue moving our university forward.”
Schwan joined Northern in 2017 following 16 years in public K-12 education as a teacher and secondary school administrator. Before becoming dean, she served as chair of the Department of Teacher Education and graduate faculty coordinator for Northern’s Educational Studies and Leadership and Administration programs.
She earned a Doctor of Education and Specialist in Education from the University of South Dakota, a master’s degree from Valley City State University and a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University.
For more information, contact Chad Hatzenbuhler, director of communications and marketing, at chad.hatzenbuhler@northern.edu or 605-626-2046.