ABERDEEN, S.D. — The South Dakota Board of Regents announced today the appointment of Dr. Alan LaFave as Northern State University's next president. Northern is pleased to welcome Dr. LaFave, who will assume the presidency in January.

Dr. LaFave returns to Northern after serving seven years as president of Valley City State University in North Dakota. His appointment marks a homecoming, as Dr. LaFave spent nearly three decades at Northern, advancing from music instructor to provost and vice president for academic affairs.

"I am thrilled, honored and humbled to be selected as the next president of Northern State University," said Dr. LaFave. "With over 30 years of experience on campus as both a student and employee, my ties to Northern State and the Aberdeen community run deep. This is an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact at my alma mater, and I appreciate the trust placed in me by the South Dakota Board of Regents. I look forward to working with the campus community and all stakeholders as we lead Northern into a future of continued growth, innovation and excellence."

During his tenure at Valley City State, Dr. LaFave led significant growth initiatives and fostered strategic partnerships that strengthened the institution's regional impact. At Northern, he previously served in multiple leadership roles including dean of the School of Fine Arts, associate dean, department chair and professor of music.

Dr. LaFave earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Northern State University and his master's and doctoral degrees from Arizona State University.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. LaFave back to Northern State University," said Nathan Lukkes, executive director and CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents. "His experience as both an accomplished academic leader and a proud Northern alum will serve the campus, community and regental system well. I look forward to working with Dr. LaFave as he builds on Northern's strong foundation of student success, innovation and community partnership."

The appointment follows a comprehensive national search process that included open forums with four finalists held on campus earlier this month. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members participated in the selection process. Dr. LaFave will make a few remarks at 4 p.m.

The Northern State University community is invited to welcome Dr. LaFave at a public reception on Friday, Nov. 21, from 3–5 p.m. in Kessler's Champion Club. The open house-style event will provide an opportunity for faculty, staff, students and community members to meet the incoming president. Dr. LaFave will make a few remarks at 4 p.m. 

Dr. LaFave succeeds Dr. Neal Schnoor, who departed earlier this year to serve as chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Dr. Laurie Nichols has served as interim president during the transition.