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 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 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 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 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 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.