ND Representative Mike Lefor:
President Easton has dedicated the past four and a half years to Dickinson State University. A one-time student of this institution, he came back to Dickinson State to help make a difference for the institution and our community. Academic excellence and student success have been his top priorities. His commitment to bringing new career and technical programs like welding and diesel technology have been pivotal in meeting local industry needs in our region. Dickinson State University is a better place because of his leadership and I want to commend him for his steadfast loyalty and service to DSU.
SBHE Chair Tim Mihalick:
Under President Easton’s tenure, Dickinson State has accomplished many noteworthy objectives. He has been a responsive leader, guiding the institution through the pandemic and budget deficits, while still ensuring the institution’s dual mission path was strengthened. He has worked alongside institutional leaders to raise scholarship funding to benefit students, and ensured workforce needs remained an emphasis to meeting the demands of western North Dakota. As a testament to his leadership, enrollment has gone up at DSU, and new programs and certificates have been implemented that benefit the entire state. We thank him for his efforts serving the Dickinson community, and his deliberate work focused on the betterment of Dickinson State University and the students it serves.
Chancellor Mark Hagerott:
President Easton and his leadership team have done transformative work building a dual mission campus, one of the most innovative not only in North Dakota but in the Northern Plains/Mountain Region. Moreover, over two tumultuous years of COVID-disrupted budgets and campus operations, his team’s response under pressure has been both innovative and of the highest integrity. The ND University System and the State Board of Higher Education thank him for growing enrollment and successfully navigating one of the biggest shocks to the NDUS and DSU campus in the past century. I appreciate all that he has done to lead the dual mission focus to create a viable workforce and sustainable programming that North Dakota needs and North Dakota students want.
Accomplishments:
President Steve Easton's tenure at Dickinson State University (DSU) has been marked by remarkable achievements and steadfast leadership. Under his guidance, DSU has experienced an approximate 8% increase in enrollment since the start of the pandemic, a testament to his commitment to enhancing the institution's appeal and accessibility.
One of President Easton's notable accomplishments is the introduction of new career and technical programs critical to our region, including welding and diesel technology. These programs have been pivotal in meeting local industry needs and providing students with valuable skills for the workforce.
DSU has also earned the distinction of being a master’s degree-granting institution under President Easton's leadership. The university has expanded its offerings to include six master’s degree programs, providing advanced educational opportunities for students.
President Easton has significantly expanded extracurricular opportunities and fostered a culture of campus participation, resulting in residence halls consistently being above 80% capacity. New additions, including Women’s Wrestling and Shooting Sports, are relevant and supportive of the interests of the region. This vibrant campus life enriches the student experience and promotes a strong sense of community.
A major highlight of President Easton's tenure is securing a $10 million grant from the Walton Foundation to support the Theodore Roosevelt Center. This grant has been instrumental in completing the Pulver Hall (now Lowman Walton Hall) project, which houses a vibrant Theodore Roosevelt Center and exhibit space, as well as cutting-edge teaching and student residence spaces.
Additionally, President Easton successfully secured legislative appropriations for the renovation of the Nursing Simulation space and the DSU Agriculture Building and indoor arena. These improvements are crucial for providing state-of-the-art facilities for our students and faculty.
Through close collaboration with the DSU Heritage Foundation, President Easton also completed the Sanford Sports Complex. By securing substantial donations, this complex has become a premier facility for athletics and recreation, especially in the sport of softball and soon in soccer, enhancing the university's sports programs and providing a top-tier venue for students and the community.
Remarkably, all these achievements have been accomplished while reducing DSU's budget by millions of dollars. This financial prudence has made it possible to offer free tuition for four consecutive years, significantly easing the financial burden on students and their families.
Under President Easton's leadership, DSU has also developed an organizational structure and set of policies that encourage accountability and set clear expectations and goals for faculty and staff alike. This framework ensures that everyone is aligned with the university's mission and objectives, fostering a culture of transparency, responsibility, and continuous improvement.
President Easton's invaluable contributions and tireless work will no doubt leave a positive impact on DSU for many years to come. His leadership has set a strong foundation for the university's continued success and growth.