Margaret Fitzgerald, dean of NDSU’s College of Human Sciences and Education, will assume the duties of interim provost as the university begins a national search for a permanent provost, President Dean L. Bresciani announced Nov. 25. He also said Ken Grafton, who is currently serving as interim dean, has requested a return to the faculty at the end of the calendar year.
Fitzgerald earned her bachelor’s degree at NDSU, master’s degree from Arizona State University and doctorate at Iowa State University.
“She has proven to be an exceptional leader, in particular since being named Dean of the College of Human Sciences and Education in 2016. She has led efforts to expand the Education Leadership program throughout the state, continues to enhance the Great Plains-IDEA consortium efforts on campus, and is engaged with faculty on new program development to enhance enrollment growth,” Bresciani said in an email to campus. “Dean Fitzgerald is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusivity, is committed to shared governance and supports interdisciplinary teaching and research collaborations.
Besciani also praised Grafton, who came to NDSU in 1980 as a post-doctoral fellow after earning his doctorate at the University of Missouri. “He is also one of our most recognized and respected representatives with industry leaders, civic leaders and state legislators across the entire state. Their respect for his experience, wisdom and calm demeanor is resounding,” Bresciani said.
More information about the search process will be provided by the start of next semester. The intention is for a new provost to be named by next summer.
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