Hektner Named Interim Dean of the College of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies

North Dakota State University has named Joel Hektner Interim Dean of the College of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies following an internal search. Hektner, who has led the Department of Human Development and Family Science for the past 11 years, will begin the role on June 1.

“Joel brings deep experience in graduate education and a clear understanding of what students and faculty need to thrive,” said Provost Shari Veil. “His steady leadership will provide continuity for the college while we take a thoughtful look at how it can best support NDSU’s research mission and serve the next generation of graduate students.”

In the interim role, Hektner will lead efforts to advance graduate education at NDSU and oversee the college’s core services, including graduate admissions, assistantships, faculty credentialing and program assessment. He will partner with Strategic Enrollment Management and Global Programs on graduate recruitment and retention, and work with the vice president for research and creative activity to align graduate education with NDSU’s research mission. That work includes advocating for interdisciplinary research clusters and graduate programs that drive research productivity.

Hektner will also lead a strategic review of the college’s structure and service model, engaging deans, department chairs, graduate program directors, faculty, staff and the Graduate Council. Recommendations developed during his interim term will inform the scope of the permanent position and the future of graduate education at NDSU.

About Joel Hektner

Hektner has served as department head and professor in Human Development and Family Science for 11 years. The department serves more than 600 majors and minors and 99 graduate students. He has taught online and in-person graduate courses in professional master’s and research-focused PhD programs.

Hektner led his department in launching its Developmental Science PhD program and accelerated master’s programs. He recently worked with faculty in Counselor Education to bring that program into the department, and the two groups are now working to expand it.

As an eight-year member of the Graduate Council, Hektner helped define affiliate faculty levels and chaired several graduate student appeals committees. He has provided grant-funded assistantships to 14 students, mentored 50 master’s and PhD students and served on committees for 75 others.

NDSU thanks the search committee for facilitating the search process.