STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 24 Similar to the popular fall tradition, students were encouraged to take a break from studying, gather with friends, and enjoy a free meal as they prepared for finals week. Faculty and staff joined the fun by volunteering to serve breakfast, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. To distinguish the spring event from its fall counterpart, the menu featured French toast sticks, tritater hash browns, eggs, sausage links, and orange juice instead of the traditional pancakes. "Students love seeing their favorite faculty and staff join the fun and appreciate the support as they enter one of the most stressful times of the year," said Sean Blackburn, dean of students. "The Spring Late-Night Breakfast is another reminder that at Northern, students are the center of everything we do." The success of the inaugural event has established a new tradition that students can look forward to each spring as they prepare for final exams. BAU NAMED ASSISTANT DEAN OF STUDENTS April 2026 - Krista Bau assumed the role of Assistant Dean of Students, reflecting her leadership within the Dean of Students Office and her expanding responsibilities in support of student success. She will continue to lead Student Rights and Responsibilities and serve as Title IX Coordinator. Krista navigates complex student welfare cases, oversees Campus Safety, manages Title IX processes, supports Student Accessibility Services, and regularly engages with parents, faculty, staff, and students on behalf of the Dean of Students. She also serves as Chair of the Northern CARES Committee and provides direct supervision for key functional areas that ensure a coordinated, student-centered approach to care and accountability. The Assistant Dean title appropriately reflects both the level of independent decision-making required of her position and the breadth of her leadership across campus. This step is also an important element of continuity of operations and succession planning within Student Affairs. Ms. Bau is a proud Northern State University alum who began her professional journey on campus in 2014. She first served as the TRIO Student Support Services Program Coordinator and Academic Advisor before transitioning in 2021 into her current role as Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities and Title IX Coordinator. Since that time, she has been a vital member of the department, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to student support and well-being. Known for her commitment to student advocacy and community engagement, Ms. Bau was recognized in 2025 as one of the Northern State University Foundation’s Leaders of the Pack and as one of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce’s 4 Under 40. Her involvement extends beyond campus through service on multiple state and local boards dedicated to supporting youth and adolescents. She holds a B.S. in business marketing from Northern State University and a M.A. in
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