David Bertolini has been named dean of NDSU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences following a national search. He has served as interim dean since July 2017.
“Dr. Bertolini is a skilled scholar and leader,” said Provost Beth Ingram. “He has successfully advanced NDSU’s strategic priorities as a department chair, and I have great confidence in his ability to lead the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. I look forward to working with him.”
Bertolini joined NDSU in 2013 as professor and chair of the architecture and landscape architecture department. He worked with the department’s advisory board and faculty to develop a comprehensive fundraising campaign, bringing in $678,000 for scholarships and an endowed chair fund. In addition, he secured significant future estate gifts.
He also developed a student recruitment and retention strategy to reverse the nationwide trend of declining enrollment in the field and to improve student retention. The plan, implemented in collaboration with the faculty, has improved student retention and increased enrollment by 29 percent.
“This is a great honor,” Bertolini said. “The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences has remarkable faculty, staff and, most importantly, amazing students. I look forward to working with President Bresciani, Provost Ingram and members of our college. The arts, humanities and social sciences are integral to our community and state, and the college is prepared to educate tomorrow’s leaders today.”
Bertolini came to NDSU from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, where he served as graduate coordinator and associate professor. Before that, he was a lecturer at Villanova University in Philadelphia. He also has worked as a practicing architect for firms in Pennsylvania, New York and France.
Bertolini earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida, Master of Architecture at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and doctorate in English from Temple University.
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