ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University Counseling Center Director Heather Aldentaler will take on an additional leadership role for the university, serving as Interim Dean of Student Affairs.
Aldentaler, who has worked at Northern since 2018, said she’s humbled and excited about being selected for the position.
“I’m really excited to be able to support NSU and its students in another capacity,” she said. “It’s just a wonderful opportunity.”
Aldentaler will take over as Interim Dean of Student Affairs later this month, replacing Dr. Checka Leinwall, former Dean of Student Affairs, who left Northern to seek other opportunities. As previously announced, Mr. Justin Fraase is assuming the duties as Vice President of Enrollment due to the upcoming departure of Dr. Jeremy Reed later this month.
As she shifts into this new role, Aldentaler said her goal is to provide stability for students, staff and faculty.
“I’m hoping that a familiar face will help in this transitional time,” she said. “I just really want to help students move forward in a positive way.”
Aldentaler will retain her existing role with the Counseling Center. Within Student Affairs, she will oversee Residence life, Students Rights and Responsibilities, and Student Involvement and Leadership. She also looks forward to serving on the hiring committee for a full-time Dean of Student Affairs.
Originally from Eden, Aldentaler is a longtime Aberdeen resident who earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Northern. Outside of work, she is passionate about volunteerism and serving the community. That includes serving as a Red Cross Volunteer-Disaster Mental Health and Military Reconnection Workshop Facilitator. She also plans to start volunteering soon at the Salvation Army, handing out meals to community members.
At Northern, working with students is definitely the best part of her job.
“Just getting to know them, their stories, and helping them along with their education,” she said. “I find it to be an honor and privilege to be able to support and collaborate for students’ growth for future change in the community, state, region and nation.”
College is a time of learning and growth, she said. In her own college years, she went through a tragedy in her home life that made her unsure she’d be able to finish.
“I had professors help me get back up,” she said. “If there wouldn’t have been supportive staff and faculty on campus, I don’t know if I would’ve finished.”
Now with her new interim role, she will have even more opportunities to help students who might be going through similar situations, focusing on growth and education.
“Sometimes you fall down,” she said. “This is where you learn and grow, and at times, students need some help to get back up and keep going.”
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $55 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.