Search for Next BSU/NTC President Narrows

Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical School are one step closer to naming its next president. Minnesota State Colleges and University recently named Dr. Rodney Hanley, Dr. Faith Hensrud and Dr. Al Thompson, as final contenders for the position.

The semifinalists were recommended by a search committee composed of faculty, staff, students and community leaders. The three candidates are scheduled to visit the campus between March 21 and 23 and are intended to provide members of the community an opportunity to meet the candidates and provide feedback. All campus visits will be held from 7 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. at Beaux Arts Ballroom on the BSU campus.

The three candidates include:

• Dr. Rodney Hanley has served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Fisk University in Tennessee since 2014. Previously, he served Lakehead University in Ontario, Canada, as provost and vice president. Dr. Hanley holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s from Eastern Illinois University, a master’s from the University of Cambridge, England, and a doctorate from the University of Kansas. His campus visit will be held on Monday, March 21.
• Dr. Faith Hensrud has served the University of Wisconsin-Superior since 1995 in several capacities including provost/vice chancellor for academic affairs since 2012; interim provost/vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean of faculties from 2010 to 2012. She served the U.S. Army from 1986 to 1989 and the U.S. Army Reserve from 1989 to 2000. Dr. Hensrud holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, a master’s from the College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, and a doctorate from the University of Minnesota. Her campus visit is set for Wednesday, March 23.
• Dr. Al Thompson has served the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point as vice chancellor for student affairs since 2011 and chief diversity officer since 2012. Previously, he served Eastern Washington University as associate vice president for student affairs and dean of student life from 2008 to 2011; the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse as the assistant to the chancellor for affirmative action and diversity from 1997 to 2008. Dr. Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s from the University of Iowa, and a doctorate from Saint Mary’s University, Minneapolis. His campus visit will be held Tuesday, March 22.

The anticipated start date for the new president is July 1, 2016.