NEWS

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University recognized two faculty members with prestigious awards during the spring commencement ceremony Saturday, May 9, at the Barnett Center.

Dr. Darci Bultema, professor of music, received the NSU Foundation Faculty Excellence Award, which recognizes a faculty member known for excellence in teaching and learning, a sustained commitment to service and achievements in research and creativity within their discipline. Dr. Christian Pirlet, assistant professor of educational technology, received the NSU Outstanding Early Career…

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University associate professor of counseling and program coordinator Dr. Shalini Mathew has been honored with the Mary W. Lark Humanitarian Award from the South Dakota Counseling Association, recognizing her extraordinary service and commitment to the well-being of others.

Mathew was nominated for the award by her counseling graduate students, who cited her advocacy for student mental health, her accessibility as a mentor and her commitment to creating inclusive, trauma-informed learning environments. In addition to teaching and…

ABERDEEN, S.D. — The Millicent Atkins School of Education at Northern State University recognized its first-ever Student Teachers of the Year during the Millicent Atkins School of Education Clubs Graduate Celebration on Tuesday, May 5.

The new recognition program was created to honor teacher candidates who demonstrated exceptional impact, professionalism, growth and relationship-building during their student teaching experiences. Nominations were submitted by cooperating teachers, university supervisors and Millicent Atkins School of Education faculty members…

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University was represented at the Rocky Mountain Marketing Research Symposium, where Dr. Amanda Garrison, associate professor of marketing, was invited to present her latest research.

Held annually and by invitation only, the symposium brings together scholars from leading R1 research institutions, marketing journal editors and doctoral students. This year's theme, "Business for a Better World," focused on marketing research connected to meaningful societal outcomes.

Garrison presented research co-authored with Dr. Linda…

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University is pleased to announce that Dr. Erin Fouberg has been named provost and vice president for academic affairs, effective May 11, 2026.

Fouberg has served as interim provost since December 2025 and brings deep institutional knowledge and a proven record of academic leadership to the role. She has served as associate vice president for academic affairs and director of graduate studies at Northern since 2019, leading comprehensive initiatives in graduate enrollment management, academic program development, innovation and…

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University will honor the achievements of more than 300 students during its spring commencement ceremony Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m. in Wachs Arena at the Barnett Center.

Jim Thares, founder and chief executive officer of Primrose Retirement Communities, will serve as this year's commencement speaker and will receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree during the ceremony.

Thares, a native of Ipswich, S.D., earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Moorhead State University in 1983 and is a certified…

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Nearly 200 student-athletes and coaches from Northern State University teamed up with United Way of Northeastern South Dakota for the annual Day of Champions, completing service projects across Aberdeen and surrounding communities.

The Day of Champions, which began in 2002 as a collaborative service initiative between Northern and the United Way, has grown into a cornerstone of community engagement. Since its inception, more than 3,400 NSU student-athletes have completed more than 292 projects, contributing more than 22,200 volunteer hours, an…

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University marked a significant milestone Thursday, April 30, with the official ribbon cutting of its new Business and Health Innovation Center, a facility designed to prepare students for in-demand careers and strengthen workforce and economic development across the region.

During the ceremony, university President Dr. Alan LaFave reflected on the transformation of campus facilities over the past decade, highlighting new residence halls, renovated and newly constructed academic buildings, and expanded athletic facilities.…

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University is proud to share that three members of the NSU community were selected to participate in the 23rd annual SculptureWalk Sioux Falls, one of the largest annual public sculpture exhibitions in the world.

Assistant professor of art and gallery director Tim Rickett and graduating senior Daria Poor, who is earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art with a 2D emphasis in 2026, were both selected for the exhibition. NSU alumnus Darwin Wolf, a 1983 Northern State University graduate, also has a piece on display.

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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…