Minot State graduate returns to lead admissions department

Kevin Harmon, a Minot State University graduate, will not have to move his office far to assume his new position as dean of admissions for Minot State University. Gary Rabe, vice president for academic affairs, announced on July 17 that Harmon will assume the job the beginning of August.

"I am pleased to bring in someone who is no stranger to MSU. During his campus interview, Kevin presented ideas for recruiting and retaining students that align very well with the direction MSU is taking in these areas," said Rabe.

Harmon has spent the past five years working for MSU’s neighbor, Minot Catholic Schools, as their superintendent. His career in education started right out of college, after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and a minor in physical education from MSU in 1989. To further his education, Harmon earned his Masters of Education in educational leadership from the University of North Dakota in 1999.

"I’m really excited to have the opportunity to work at MSU. Over the past few years I’ve observed President Fuller’s clear leadership in making Vision 2013 a cornerstone for the university and community," said Harmon. "I feel my personal views are very much aligned with this vision for the future of Minot State University."

Harmon brings with him a dedication to the community and a strong desire to serve. He is a current member with the Minot State University Dean of Business Advisory Council, the Student Business Organization Advisory Council and Beaver Boosters. Harmon belongs to the Minot Noon Rotary Club and is active on various committees within the Souris Valley United Way. He presently serves as the president of the North Dakota State Association of Non-Public Schools and said his years of educational training, starting as a teacher at a private elementary school in small-town Minnesota, all the way to superintendent of Minot Catholic Schools, have prepared him to serve MSU’s needs in admissions.

"This is a challenging time for all universities in North Dakota. The task of attracting the best and brightest to our beautiful campus is not overwhelming, but if we want different results to accomplish our goals then we have to put a different system in place. That’s what I’m excited about," said Harmon.

Harmon’s main job responsibilities will include overseeing student recruitment and admission functions at the university. In addition, Harmon, as the new dean of admissions, will be responsible for the representation of all Minot State University educational opportunities to potential students. The role of a dean of admissions within these challenging times is a crucial one for institutions of higher learning across the country.

"It’s no secret that across our region we are facing declining numbers in our youth demographic. That reality forces us to think in new and proactive ways about recruiting students," said Rabe. "Kevin brings experience and the qualities of proven leadership that are essential in our successful response to this challenge."

The Minot State University community is proud to welcome Harmon to the campus. We’re eager to implement new ideas and push forward with strategies aimed at fulfilling Vision 2013, MSU’s strategic plan, where the university’s goal is to achieve national distinction as one of the premier public, regional universities in the "great" Great Plains.

» More MSU News