Stepping into the role of Dean of the School of Applied Sciences is an exciting chapter for a dynamic leader who is ready to inspire, innovate, and foster a thriving academic community. With a rich background as a paleontologist and a passion for education, Dr. Elizabeth Freedman Fowler brings a unique blend of expertise and vision to the table. From leading dinosaur digs to directing museums and shaping academic programs, her journey has been one of discovery, dedication, and a deep love for science.
How does it feel to be named Dean of the School of Applied Sciences?
I am excited to lead this School and foster connections between students and faculty.
Can you tell us a little about your professional and academic journey that led to this milestone?
I am a dinosaur paleontologist, so I have a broad background and interests in biology and geology. As an undergraduate at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I spent my summers digging dinosaurs in Montana with the Museum of the Rockies. I then earned my Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from Montana State University – Bozeman, where I worked at the Museum of the Rockies, led summer dinosaur dig crews, and taught human anatomy labs to nursing and pre-med students. After finishing my Ph.D., I spent a summer as the Paleontology Director at the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum in Malta, Montana, and then returned to MSU to teach a paleontology class. After that, I became the Executive Director of the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site in St. George, Utah. I loved working with that museum and the people there, but I missed teaching, and life in the northern Great Plains. My husband, Dr. Denver Fowler, is also a paleontologist, so when he became the Curator of Paleontology at the Dickinson Museum Center, I moved back up here, and I was thrilled to start teaching at Dickinson State University.
What drew you to the field of science, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far?
I have always loved animals, with a special focus on dinosaurs. As soon as I learned the word “Paleontologist”, I knew that’s what I wanted to be. My favorite part of being a paleontologist is spending summers digging dinosaurs, and training new students. I’m very proud to see my students go to graduate school, get jobs, and become leaders in their field.
What is your vision for the School of Applied Sciences under your leadership?
I want our students to feel a sense of community in our School, to support each other and work together with faculty to help them achieve their career goals.
What are the top priorities or initiatives you’d like to focus on in your first year as Dean?
I want to reinvigorate our programs by updating the course requirements in each of our degree programs to ensure that our students are taking the most useful and interesting courses for their career plans. I’d like to add more flexibility in the degree pathways so that students can personalize their program to fit their exact goals.
Are there any new programs, collaborations, or areas of research that you are particularly excited to champion?
Biology is collaborating with our nursing program for some exciting updates to our anatomy labs – stay tuned! We will also be updating our computer science programs to incorporate the latest developments in the field.
How do you plan to foster interdisciplinary work within the School and with other
academic units?
The School of Applied Sciences is excited to welcome Agriculture and Technical Studies under our umbrella. The Science Club and Agriculture Clubs will be working together to create a great community for our students. The Natural Sciences, Math, and Computer Sciences serve students in Agriculture, Nursing, and Education, so we will be working with those disciplines to make sure that we are offering their students the most useful content for their careers.
How do you plan to engage with students, faculty, alumni, and external partners to strengthen the School’s impact?
During the renovations of the Agriculture building, Murphy Hall is now home to the Ag classes as well as science, math, and computer science, which has made the building full of activity. Students in all of our programs are sharing the student study room and getting to know each other better. (Thank you, Ag students, for keeping the coffee pot full!) This spring we will be hosting the annual regional MathCounts (February 13) and Science Olympiad (March 27) competitions for middle and high school students, which are fun and busy days for our DSU students and faculty to welcome future Blue Hawks to campus. I also look forward to meeting with industry leaders around Dickinson to see how our graduates can best serve southwest North Dakota.
Who has inspired or influenced you the most in your academic career, and why?
My mother was a science teacher, so I grew up helping with classes and public outreach events, and I knew that I wanted to be a professor. Even in high school, I was making mental notes about how my favorite teachers taught so well. Often during my DSU classes, I will think to myself, “I sound just like my mom”, and it makes me smile.
What advice would you give to students and young professionals aspiring to make a
difference in the applied sciences?
Take as many classes as you can, including extra classes outside your degree program. Do what you find interesting. Try to spend your summers doing something that will build your resume – there are lots of paid summer internships that can help you decide your favorite career path.
What excites you most about leading the School of Applied Sciences at this point in your career?
We’ve got some great faculty, staff, and students here at DSU, and I’m excited for us to all work together to create a vibrant community on and off campus.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the community as you begin this new chapter?
Welcome students, your faculty are happy to see you this spring!