2026 Northern Magazine

5 Fouberg Named Interim Provost Dr. Erin Fouberg will serve as Northern State University’s interim provost and vice president for academic affairs while the university conducts a national search. Fouberg has served as associate vice president for academic affairs and director of graduate studies since 2019. She joined Northern in 2007 and previously served as honors program director for 10 years, in addition to various faculty positions. Before joining Northern, she was a faculty member at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia. “As associate provost, Dr. Fouberg has provided leadership to a variety of academic programs and services,” said Dr. Laurie Nichols, who served as interim president during the presidential transition. “These experiences have prepared Erin to step into the interim provost role where she will provide stability and thoughtful guidance to the Academic Division.” Fouberg’s contract as interim provost runs from Dec. 1, 2025, through June 21, 2026. “Northern’s strength is faculty and staff who are committed to exceptional teaching and student success,” Fouberg said. “I am honored to lead a team of professionals who help our students realize their talents and develop their gifts to build purpose-filled lives, rewarding careers and strong communities.” Partnerships Expand to Meet Workforce Needs Northern State University has established new collaborative agreements with Dakota State University, Huron Community Campus and South Dakota State University to expand academic pathways and address workforce demands. Partnerships include dual degrees in criminal justice and cybersecurity with DSU, expanded associate degrees and teaching cohorts with Huron Community Campus, and combined pathways in accounting analytics and athletic training with SDSU. These collaborations provide students with expanded educational opportunities while addressing critical workforce needs across South Dakota. Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship Program Expands Northern State University’s Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship Program will introduce a new tiered model beginning in Fall 2026, providing all Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education majors with at least $1,901 per year while rewarding academic excellence with enhanced awards. “The Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship celebrates those who choose this meaningful work,” said Dr. Anna Schwan, dean of the Millicent Atkins School of Education. Awards range from $1,901 to $5,500 per year based on GPA and ACT scores, with four-year totals ranging from $7,604 to $22,000. No separate application is required — students are automatically awarded based on qualifications.

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzkyNTY=