Dickinson State University (DSU) has appointed Dr. Holly Gruhlke as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, effective January 5, 2025. Gruhlke brings more than seven years of academic leadership experience to the role, including guiding DSU through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Gruhlke has been a dedicated member of the DSU community since 2008. She was promoted to Professor of Business in 2024, following a successful tenure as Chair of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship from 2017 to 2020. She then served as Dean of the College of Education, Business, and Applied Sciences before assuming the position of Vice President in 2023. Gruhlke earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from DSU, a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Dakota, and a Doctorate in Business from Wilmington University.
Ty Orton, DSU's Acting President, praised Gruhlke for her dedication to innovation in academic programs and her leadership across various roles. "Dr. Gruhlke's efforts to innovate DSU’s academic offerings have significantly enhanced our ability to meet workforce needs. Her leadership has provided stability and consistency in our academic affairs team, and she embodies the qualities of a servant leader." Orton continued, "Her proven track record of effective decision-making, her deep understanding of our institution’s needs, and her commitment to our mission make her the ideal person to lead our academic division into the future."
The appointment follows the recent departure of Dr. Huijian Dong, who left DSU to pursue opportunities closer to family in New Jersey. Orton also announced a reorganization of the Academic Affairs division, reinstating the role of Vice President of Academic Affairs to ensure a continued focus on academic excellence and institutional growth.
Dr. Gruhlke expressed excitement about her new role and the future of DSU's academic programs. "I look forward to working more closely with our faculty to further innovate our academic offerings. With our upcoming accreditation visit, we are well-positioned to highlight the unique strengths of our programs and demonstrate how we are preparing our students to make an impact in our region."
Gruhlke's initiatives will focus on several key priorities, including preparing for the upcoming Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit, advancing the institution's newly revamped nursing program—now transitioning to a traditional bachelor’s degree format—setting a clear vision for the future in alignment with DSU’s dual mission, and ensuring academic programs are aligned with industry needs. "I see significant opportunities to further strengthen DSU’s academic programs, creating additional niches that will serve the Southwest region of North Dakota and beyond," Gruhlke added. "I am excited to collaborate with our faculty and staff to continue our progress and make a lasting impact."
Orton shared, “With Gruhlke at the helm, DSU's academic division is poised for continued growth and innovation, ensuring that the university remains a vital educational resource for its students and the surrounding community.”