
Dr. Timothy M. Downs is the 17th president of Northern State University. Now in his 31st 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.
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.
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.
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 months, Northern has added or is in the process of constructing three new residence halls, the Regional Science Education Center, Athletic and Recreation Fields, and a potential 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 the Aberdeen and entire region.
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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.
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
President Downs' Article 'Philanthropy Matters at State-Run Colleges and Universities'
Dec. 27, 2017 - Published in Prairie Business magazine
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
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)
President Downs' Remarks at Spring Commencement 2017
May 6, 2017 - Dr. Timothy Downs addressed NSU graduates at the spring commencement ceremony
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
President Downs' Inauguration Speech
Nov. 10, 2016 - Dr. Timothy Downs was inaugurated as Northern State University's 17th president
President Downs' Article on Transitioning to the Presidency
Summer 2016 - Published in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities quarterly magazine, Public Purpose