News

Dr. Shirley takes over presidency

By Scott Wagar

08/05/2014

Dr. Steven Shirley has taken over the presidency of Minot State University and Dakota College at Bottineau. He replaces Dr. David Fuller who retired on June 30.

Shirley was born and raised in Fargo. He holds three degrees from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in business, a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and his PhD in teaching and learning.

After earning his MBA, he worked the private sector for one year. Shirley then became a faculty member at the University of Minnesota-Crookston from 1997 to 2004; the vice-president for student affairs at Dakota State University in Madison, S.D., from 2004 to 2008 and then the president of Valley City State from 2008 to 2014.

With accepting the presidency at Minot State University, Shirley is pleased to have the opportunity to be in association with Dakota College at Bottineau in his positions with the schools.

“I am very much looking forward to serving as president of Minot State University and having the opportunity to work closely and collaboratively with Dakota College at Bottineau. While serving as president at Valley City State the past six years, I have worked with Campus Dean Ken Grosz and others at DCB on a number of active partnerships between VCSU and DCB. I have enjoyed those past relationships and collaborations and the many learning opportunities created for students,” Shirley said.

“DCB serves a key role in the North Dakota University System offering a number of important academic programs. DCB is a vital link to ensuring access to higher education in the north-central part of North Dakota. The MSU-DCB relationship is an important one, and I look forward to continuing to build strong and effective partnerships between Minot State University and Dakota College at Bottineau in the years ahead.”

Shirley and his wife, Jennifer, have a three-year-old daughter named Anna and their family enjoys spending time at Lake Metigoshe in their spare time.

“I have spent a lot of time at Lake Metigoshe and the Turtle Mountain region throughout my life. It is a beautiful part of our state and a great source of satisfaction, peace and serenity. Of course, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and especially enjoy watching our daughter grow and learn new things every day,” Shirley said.

“I am active in Rotary and enjoy volunteering in various service and community projects. In the months and years ahead, I look forward to attending many MSU and DCB events and getting more active in both the Minot and Bottineau communities.”

Shirley’s family has had a cabin at Lake Metigoshe for the past 65 years with four generations of the family enjoying their time in the Turtle Mountains.