Dakota State University assigns new department heads

Dakota State University has taken advantage of summer as a transitionary period to hire new deans for both the College of Arts & Sciences and the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences.

Mark Spanier becomes the official Interim Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences in late June. He began working at the University in 2015 and is now an associate professor in the Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences.
Spanier was given the 2023 Earnest Teagarden Award for excellence in teaching. He will remain the temporary dean as the university conducts a national search throughout 2023 and 2024.

Mary Bell is the other hire made by DSU. She assumes the role of the official dean of the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences on July 31. Bell has a background in the military spanning over two decades and has been teaching for more than ten years.
“Her leadership, adaptability, character, energy, and connections in the Department of Defense will serve The Beacom College and Dakota State University very well,” said Dr. Rebecca Hoey, Vice President for Academic Affairs at DSU, in a press release announcing the hire.

Pat Engebretson Ph.D., and David Kenley Ph.D., the current deans, are stepping down into teaching roles as their successors take over the positions.