Dickinson State University is preparing to welcome five finalists in the search for the next president. Each candidate brings valuable experience in education, leadership, and community engagement. As they visit campus, students, faculty, staff, and community members will have the opportunity to learn more about their backgrounds, leadership styles, and visions for DSU’s future. Please go to dickinsonstate.edu/presidentialsearch to view the upcoming schedule of these visits.

Finalist bios and additional information (presented alphabetically by last name):

Jeff BordenJeff D. Borden - Click here for CV

Doctor of Education                Argosy University       
Master of Arts                          University of Northern Colorado      
Bachelor of Arts                       University of Northern Colorado

Jeff Borden is the Dean for the School of Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University. Dr. Borden and his team support students, staff, and faculty through program development, instructional design, market analysis, assessment, and more. A student success expert, Dr. Borden has been a lifelong advocate for learning efficacy and has addressed educators throughout the United States and in 55 countries on this topic, promoting effective strategies for practitioners and students. Dr. Borden believes he will bring practical, researched, intentional strategies to the leadership of the university. 



Scott MolanderScott Molander - Click here for CV

Master of Business Administration                Indiana State University       
Bachelor of Science                                       Dickinson State University

Scott Molander has been the builder of businesses, communities, and students throughout his career. Innovative entrepreneurship has been a guiding tenet of his work, both as a current member of the Butler University faculty team and the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Lids Sports Group. An alumnus of Dickinson State University, Mr. Molander devotes time to the DSU Heritage Foundation as a board member and chair of the strategic planning committee. Mr. Molander believes that strong, personalized education must remain DSU’s priority for current and future students.



Carmen SimoneCarmen M. Simone - Click here for CV

Doctor of Philosophy               Colorado State University   
Bachelor of Science                University of North Dakota

Carmen Simone has a broad background in higher education administration and teaching. Currently the Dean for Dakota College at Bottineau, an affiliate campus of Minot State University, her past experiences include the presidency of Western Nebraska Community College, Vice President and Dean for the University of South Dakota-Sioux Falls, President of Trinidad State College, and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lewis-Clark State College. Dr. Simone knows it is imperative to appreciate DSU’s history, understand the role it plays in the region, and embrace DSU’s traditions.



James TaylorJames Y. Taylor - Click here for CV

Doctor of Education                Grand Canyon University     
Master of Science                    Montana State University
Bachelor of Science                 University of Utah

James Taylor is a Vice President for Utah State University, overseeing a Statewide Campus System comprising 30 campuses. Dr. Taylor knows the classroom firsthand as an Associate Professor. Earlier assignments saw him as a Vice President and Dean of Colorado Mountain College. Dr. Taylor also held previous executive and academic leadership roles for a national college specializing in online healthcare and nursing education. He understands the rigors of team and system work, and believes his background as a naturalist supports a commitment to people and place, thus strengthening his respect for campuses and communities served.



Jodi WashingtonJodi E. Washington - Click here for CV

Doctor of Philosophy               Florida Atlantic University
Master of Science                    Florida International University
Bachelor of Science                Dickinson State University

Jodi Washington currently serves as the Executive Director of Student Services Initiatives for Broward County Public Schools (FL). She guides nearly 1,000 employees across five district departments. Dr. Washington has championed programs to eliminate academic barriers, addressing behavioral, mental, physical, and social health and wellness needs for students and employees, both district-wide and when she was in a principalship. Dr. Washington believes engaged alumni and community leaders with the DSU campus community will assure continued growth and success.