NDSU alumna leads with purpose as college president

From being a leader on the volleyball court to leading a college, NDSU alumna Anita Hanson has always exhibited strength, resilience and the value of hard work no matter what role she’s in.

As the fifth president of the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, the nation’s only tribally chartered Tribal College that is also part of a state public higher education system (Minnesota State), located in Cloquet, Minnesota, Hanson guides the college’s strategic priorities and operations. She regularly meets with executive team members, administrators and leadership groups to review priorities, address challenges and support institutional goals, as well as members of the Tribal College Board of Directors, Foundation Board, Minnesota State’s Leadership Council and Board of Trustees.

While the role brings new challenges and priorities every week, Hanson feels honored and proud to be in the position and considers it a true privilege to serve in the role.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the college’s fifth president,” Hanson said. “I grew up on the Leech Lake Reservation in Cass Lake, Minnesota, and I’m an enrolled member of the White Earth Nation. I never dreamed that I would be where I am today. I have worked in higher education for 32 years and I’m currently in the middle of my 27th year at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC). The college has been a big part of my life, and it is deeply meaningful to help lead such a special institution.”

Among her favorite parts of the job is celebrating all the students who achieve their educational and career goals during the college’s commencement ceremonies every May.

“Watching the pride on the faces of our graduates as they cross the stage is super gratifying,” she said.

Hanson’s path to her president role wasn’t always clear-cut. From a young age, Hanson developed a strong passion for sports, which was nurtured by her high school coaches. It was during her sophomore year that Hanson first stepped onto NDSU’s campus to attend a basketball camp, and it was then that she knew she wanted to become a student-athlete at NDSU.

Hanson gained another glimpse of campus during her junior year when she attended a volleyball camp, where she met NDSU volleyball coach Donna Palivec, who coached at NDSU for nine years and was inducted into the Bison Hall of Fame in 1998.

“Many NDSU volleyball legends worked the camp, and coach Donna Palivec was a great coach, and had a fun and upbeat personality,” Hanson said. “It was an atmosphere that I wanted to be part of.”

Hanson was recruited to the volleyball team by Palivec, and because of her love of sports, decided pursuing a major in physical education would be a good fit.

Hanson’s time spent with coaches and teammates at NDSU created a strong sense of camaraderie that Hanson carries with her to this day. During her senior year, Hanson served as team captain.

Hanson fondly remembers hosting the Division II National Championships at NDSU her senior year and earning third place. She also feels a sense of pride in having had a part in contributing to the distinguished early history of NDSU women’s volleyball before the transition to Division I.

“My experiences as a student-athlete at NDSU were influenced by the people I encountered — coaches, our athletic director, student-athletes from other Bison teams and especially my teammates,” Hanson said. “The relationships I was able to build during my time at NDSU have had a lasting impact on me personally and professionally.”

Hanson has since enjoyed watching her former coach, athletic director and teammates be inducted into the Bison Athletic Hall of Fame.

“Many of my college teammates are central people in my life,” she said. “Being a Bison created lasting memories, fun trips and resulted in many humorous antics and stories that have been retold many times over when we are together. My time at NDSU is something that I’ve always been thankful for and extremely proud of.”

After graduating in 1990, Hanson was hired by her high school alma mater’s Indian Education program, which she said significantly influenced her professional path forward.

“This role allowed me to contribute to supporting American Indian students with their education and career goals, and it quickly became clear that my passion lay in guiding and counseling students,” she said.

Hanson went on to pursue a master’s degree in educational psychology, which led to her first job at FDLTCC as a faculty counselor and disability specialist in 1994. From there, she worked her way up to Interim Dean of Student Services after she developed a deep interest in leadership when she was selected to participate in a yearlong leadership academy.

After the unexpected passing of FDLTCC president Stephanie Hammitt in November 2022, Hanson was named acting president and ultimately president in June 2023.

“As president, I continually reflect on the leaders who held this position before me, since their guidance and opportunities to lead have deeply shaped my career. They instilled in me the importance of keeping our college’s mission at the forefront, and in promoting the language, culture and history of the Anishinaabeg and ensuring our students have the resources they need to be successful. Without their guidance and belief in me, I would not be in this position today,” Hanson said.

Hanson also credits her mother, who passed away in May 2023, one month prior to Hanson becoming president, for shaping her leadership abilities.

“Growing up, my mother raised me (and my siblings) as a single parent and showed tremendous strength and resilience, instilling in me the value of hard work that continues to guide me today,” Hanson said.

Her advice for students is to pursue what they’re passionate about and to explore various subjects and interests, while also taking part in job shadowing and internship opportunities.

Her advice for women wanting to enter a similar career path is to develop resiliency and to stay true to their values despite the additional challenges they may face.

“Lead with authenticity, honesty and integrity, and always treat others fairly,” she said. “Have confidence in yourself as a leader. Believe in your abilities and seek out mentors or a trusted support network to learn from. Step beyond your comfort zone for personal and professional growth. Prioritize listening over speaking and always communicate openly. Always say yes to new opportunities to grow professionally.”