Leadership

Scott Molander was appointed the 14th president of Dickinson State University in 2025. A native of Crosby and a proud DSU alumnus, Molander brings to the presidency a unique combination of entrepreneurial success, academic engagement, and deep personal ties to the university.

Molander began his academic career at what is now Williston State College, earning his associate degree in 1985.  After spending one year at NDSU, He transferred to Dickinson State University, where he graduated in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In 2016, he completed a Master of Business Administration from Indiana State University.

As co-founder and former Chief Operating Officer of Hat World inc, dba Lids Sports Group, Molander helped transform a business idea into a nationally recognized retail brand. Over more than two decades, he led the company through periods of rapid growth, strategic expansion, and operational achievement. His entrepreneurial leadership has been recognized nationally, including two Ernst & Young Indiana Entrepreneur of the Year awards (1999 and 2002) and North Dakota’s Business Innovator of the Year award in 2006.

Molander has remained closely connected to Dickinson State throughout his career. He previously served on the DSU Heritage Foundation Board, where he chaired the strategic planning committee, and has long supported the university’s mission. Before his return to DSU, he spent four years as a faculty member in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department at Butler University.

Grounded by his North Dakota roots and shaped by entrepreneurial experience, Molander is committed to transforming lives through the power of public higher education.

Scott Molander
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/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 Vice President serves on the President’s Cabinet.

Les Wietstock
Vice President

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.