Leadership

Ty Orton was appointed the acting president of Dickinson State University during a State Board of Higher Education meeting on July 31, 2024. 

Orton also holds the position of executive director for the DSU Heritage Foundation (DSUHF). Since he was named the executive director in December 2015, the DSUHF has raised over $60 million dollars to support Dickinson State University.  In this role, Orton coordinates efforts to strengthen relationships and raise funds to support the University in fulfilling its commitment to provide high-quality accessible programs; to promote excellence in teaching and learning; to support scholarly and creative activities; and to serve the region.

Orton began his fundraising career in 2002 at McCook Community College where he was also the head men’s basketball coach. Orton moved to Dickinson in 2007, where he continued to invest in relationships while coaching and fundraising for Dickinson State athletics. Just before his appointment with the DSU Heritage Foundation, he was the major gifts officer at Sanford Health. Orton serves on the President’s Cabinet and DSU’s Planning and Budget Committee. As a fundraiser, his focus has been to raise money that invests in and grows the local community. He brings that focus with him to the position as executive director of the DSUHF and as the acting president. Orton earned a Bachelor of Education from Rocky Mountain College and a Master’s in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Adams State University.

Ty Orton
Acting President

Academic and Student Affairs work together to support DSU students in learning, research, and service in and beyond the classroom. Staff and faculty strive to deliver high-quality programs that stimulate imagination, strengthen critical thinking, and build skills for successful futures.

The Vice President, Provost, and Dean of Students serve on the President’s Cabinet.

Holly Gruhlke
Vice President

Huijian Dong
Provost

Kayla Noah
Dean of Students

The Division of Finance and Administration consists of seven staff departments: business affairs, public safety, facilities, human resources, mailroom services, financial aid, and information technology services. The division's staff works together to create a well-maintained, safe campus environment that encourages positive interactions between students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The Chief Operating Officer serves on the President’s Cabinet.

Les Wietstock
Chief Operating Officer

The Office of Intercollegiate Athletics is proud to include 16 competitive sports including: baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross-country, esports, football, golf, rodeo, softball, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. DSU is a member of the North Star Athletic Association conference and nationally affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. In 2019, DSU began offering opportunities to compete at the junior varsity level. Blue Hawk athletics uphold DSU institutional values and the NAIA Champions of Character values including integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. Coaching of student athletes goes beyond the field and supports development of character in life and in competition.

The Director of Intercollegiate Athletics serves on the President’s Cabinet.

Pete Stanton
Athletic Director

The DSU Heritage Foundation was established in 2015 with a vision to be the premier supporter for Dickinson State University in its commitment to provide the finest and most invigorating global-learning environment. The DSU Heritage Foundation works with alumni and friends of the university to develop scholarship funds, which enables students to pursue higher education. Scholarship areas include academic, merit, intercollegiate, athletic, department, and performance. The DSU Heritage Foundation and its Board promote the university by hosting and participating in community events.

The Executive Director of the DSU Heritage Foundation serves on the President’s Cabinet. 

Ty Orton
Executive Director

Dickinson State University’s Faculty Senate brings any campus issues to the administration’s attention, discusses and develops ideas for university improvement, helps create general university policy, and provides communication between all members of the university community.

It’s important to DSU leadership to have faculty involved in recommending and developing policies and procedures as these affect the entire campus community.

The President of Faculty Senate serves on the President’s Cabinet. 

Dickinson State University’s Staff Senate, established in 1996, is a representative body of the University's staff employees. Staff Senate communicates issues of mutual concern between the university president, the Staff Senate Executive Committee, and staff employees. It also strives to create a spirit of unity, pride, and cooperation among all university employees.

The President of Staff Senate serves on the President’s Cabinet. 

The Student Senate, elected by the student body, forms recommendations, makes decisions, and votes on matters concerning the students. Serving as a channel of communication amongst administration, faculty, staff, and students, the Student Senate represents the student voice by making recommendations to university administrators on student issues.

The President of Student Senate serves on the President’s Cabinet.

Visit Student Senate webpage

Campus organizational charts are available upon request from Human Resources.