ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University is pleased to announce that Dr. Lorelle A. Davies has been named vice president for finance and administration. Davies will assume the role on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Davies currently serves as vice president of administration and finance and chief financial officer at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, Mont., where she leads comprehensive financial management, campus operations and institutional modernization initiatives. Prior to that role, she served as chief financial officer at Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles, Ore., where she led a major enterprise resource planning (ERP) modernization project, oversaw multi-year financial planning and served on the presidential leadership team.

A native of Bowman, N.D., Davies brings a grounded, community-centered leadership approach shaped by more than two decades of experience in higher education finance, operations and auxiliary services. Her work has consistently focused on simplifying systems, strengthening cross-functional collaboration and reducing administrative burden so faculty and staff can focus on teaching, learning and student support.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Davies to Northern State University,” said Dr. Alan LaFave, president of Northern State University. “Her extensive experience in financial leadership, combined with a collaborative and student-centered approach, will be instrumental in strengthening our operations and supporting the university’s continued growth.”

Davies has served as an adjunct faculty member since 2010, teaching undergraduate and graduate-level courses in accounting and business across multiple institutions. She currently serves as a foundation board member for the National Association of College Auxiliary Services and has been a longtime volunteer with the organization.

"I am honored to join Northern State University at such an important time in its continued growth," Davies said. "I look forward to working alongside faculty, staff and leadership to support a strong financial foundation, advance budget transparency and ensure resources are aligned with student success and institutional priorities. Northern's commitment to its students and community deeply resonates with my own values."

Davies holds a Doctor of Management in organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Business Administration in accounting from Colorado Technical University and a Bachelor of Arts in business administration and speech communication from Dickinson State University in Dickinson, N.D.

Davies succeeds Veronica Paulson, who retired after more than 35 years of dedicated service to Northern State University. During her tenure, Paulson oversaw $168 million in construction and renovation projects that modernized the campus and helped position Northern for continued growth.