Dr. Timothy M. Downs is the 17th president of Northern State University. Now in his 32nd?year in higher education, Downs began his career as a professor and over time evolved into the administrative ranks spending time in California, Kansas, Pennsylvania and New York higher education institutions.
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Downs holds a Ph.D. in organizational communication from the University of Oklahoma; a master’s degree in communication studies from West Virginia University; and a B.A. degree, also in communication studies, from California State University, Sacramento.?
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Downs is an active member in the community, currently serving on the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Board, the United Way of Northeastern South Dakota Board and the Aberdeen Family YMCA Board. He is a member of the Rotary Club and enjoys curling, hunting and golf with his wife, Mary Downs.
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Since being named Northern’s president in 2016, Downs has worked to redefine enrollments, update the university’s brand and marketing strategies, and spearhead the creation of a comprehensive campus master plan. In recent years, Northern has added?three new residence halls, the Jewett Regional Science Education Center, and Athletic and Recreation Fields, and is in the process of building a? regional sports complex. All of these efforts enhance the experience for current and future Northern students, while leading the university toward increased enrollment and impacting the economy of?Aberdeen and the entire region.
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Message from President Downs: Campus Covid-19 Update
July 24, 2020 - Dr. Timothy Downs reveals more detailed plans for fall semester.
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Message from the President: Mask Up, Wolves!
May 29, 2020 - Dr. Timothy Downs discusses cloth face coverings and other protective measures.
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Message from President Downs: Fall 2020 Semester
May 1, 2020 - Dr. Timothy Downs offers a look at fall semester plans.
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Message from President Downs: Financial Changes due to Covid-19
April 3, 2020 - Dr. Timothy Downs details financial support available to students.
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Covid-19: President Downs' Zoom Meeting with Students
March 27, 2020 - Dr. Timothy Downs answers students' questions about Northern's response to Covid-19.
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President Downs Shares Response to Covid-19
March 24, 2020 - Dr. Timothy Downs discusses changes related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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President Downs Receives TRIO 2018 Friend of ASPIRE Award
Oct. 2, 2018 - Dr. Timothy Downs was recognized by ASPIRE, the regional professional association of TRIO programs.
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President Downs Highlights Longstanding NSU/Avera Partnership (video)
Jan. 21, 2018 - Dr. Timothy Downs and Avera St. Luke's Hospital Regional President/CEO Todd Forkel discuss the partnership between two of Aberdeen's oldest organizations
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President Downs' Article 'Philanthropy Matters at State-Run Colleges and Universities'
Dec. 27, 2017 - Published in Prairie Business magazine
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President Downs' NSU Welcome Video
Oct. 19, 2017 - Northern State University created a one-of-a-kind welcome video to show that NSU is a university unlike any other
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President Downs Discusses NSU, SDSBVI Project (video)
Oct. 4, 2017 - Dr. Timothy Downs discusses a joint project that would include a new $13.7 million home for the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SDSBVI)
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President Downs' Remarks at Spring Commencement 2017
May 6, 2017 - Dr. Timothy Downs addressed NSU graduates at the spring commencement ceremony
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President Downs to Serve on Regional Boards
Jan. 20, 2017 - Dr. Timothy Downs will serve on the boards of directors for two regional nonprofit organizations
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President Downs' Inauguration Speech
Nov. 10, 2016 - Dr. Timothy Downs was inaugurated as Northern State University's 17th president
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President Downs' Article on Transitioning to the Presidency
Summer 2016 - Published in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities quarterly magazine, Public Purpose
Strategic Action
NSU Campus of Distinction: A Framework for Strategic Action
