Presidential Search Committee Member Biographies

DJ Campbell
State Board of Higher Education Vice Chair, Co-Chair

Donald “D.J.” Campbell serves as a vice president and chief human resources officer for Sanford Health, a position he has held since 2020. In that role, he oversees all aspects of human resources for the regional health care organization’s Bismarck market, which encompasses 3,800 employees. He also develops statewide strategies around workforce development. Campbell also is member of Sanford Health’s HR executive team, which oversees human resources for nearly 45,000 employees spanning 26 states.

Campbell attended Bismarck State College and earned a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, he earned a Master of Business Administration from Minneapolis-based Capella University. He currently serves on the North Dakota Workforce Development Council, TrainND Advisory Council, the Greater ND Chamber Workforce Policy Committee and the North Dakota Make-A-Wish Foundation.

He resides in Mandan, North Dakota, with wife Janell and two children Dylan and Cooper.

Erica Buchhholz
Vice President for Business Affairs, Co-Chair

Erica Buchholz serves as the Vice President for Business Affairs at Valley City State University, where she leads the Facilities Services, Human Resources, Payroll and Business Office teams. In her role, she collaborates across campus developing and monitoring the operating and capital budgets, and completing financial reports that further the strategic initiatives of the university.

Buchholz earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Valley City State University in 2010. She has been with VCSU for 15+ years and served as Accounting Assistant and Controller prior to her current position. She has served as the president of the VCSU Foundation V-500 Scholarship board and Staff Senate during her VCSU career.

Buchholz resides in Valley City, ND with her husband Casey, and their four children.

Emily D. Wicktor, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Language and Literature

Emily Wicktor is an associate professor of English at VCSU, working in the Department of Language and Literature. Emily joined the VCSU faculty in 2022. She holds a Ph. D. in English from the University of Kansas.

Anthony Dutton, Ph.D.
Professor, Social Science

Anthony Dutton is a professor of history in VCSU’s social science department.

Anthony graduated from Valley City High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Valley City State University. He went on to earn a master’s degree at University of North Dakota and a doctoral degree in history at North Dakota State University.

He joined the VCSU faculty as a history professor in 2009 and also currently serves as department chair for the Department of Music.

Kerry Gregoryk, Ph.D.
Director for Institutional Effectiveness and Planning

Dr. Kerry Gregoryk holds a Ph.D. in Education from North Dakota State University and is currently the Director for Institutional Effectiveness and Planning at Valley City State University. In her 25+ years at VCSU, she has also served as a distance learning director, curriculum materials developer, instructional design team member, tenured faculty member, and division chair. She has been a member of the writing team for multiple successful HLC reaccreditation reviews and serves as VCSU’s HLC assurance system and data update coordinator. Kerry lives in rural Barnes County with her husband and has two adult daughters and a son-in-law.

Erin Heide
Director for Enrollment Services

Erin Heide serves as the Director of Enrollment Services at Valley City State University, overseeing student recruitment, the admissions process, and campus visits. She also manages the university’s customer relationship management system to support effective communication and engagement with prospective students.

Heide earned her Bachelor of Science in English Education and taught public school for six years before entering higher education.  She resides in Valley City with her husband, Jerrold, and their three children.

Morgan Hopewell
Facilities Office Manager and Safety Coordinator

Morgan Hopewell currently serves as VCSU Facilities Office Manager and Safety Coordinator, a position she started in May 2023. She also oversees the parking and event coordinating for campus events and meetings. Prior to working at VCSU, Morgan worked as a 911 dispatcher and shift supervisor for Red River Regional Dispatch Center in Fargo for almost 9 years.

Cory Anderson
Executive Director for University Advancement

Cory Anderson currently serves at Valley City State University as the Executive Director for University Advancement.

A VCSU alumnus, he brings over two decades of service to the institution across administration, coaching, and teaching. Anderson’s broad leadership experience provides him with a comprehensive understanding of VCSU’s mission, culture, and strategic priorities.

Josh Kasowski
Market President and Commercial Loan Officer, Bank Forward

Josh Kasowski currently works as market president and commercial loan officer for Bank Forward, Valley City, and serves on the VCSU Foundation Board of Directors.

A native of Valley City, Josh graduated from Valley City State University with a degree in business administration with a concentration in finance. He began his career in the financial services industry in 2003 and joined Bank Forward in 2009.

Josh was a standout football player at VCSU and was inducted into the Viking Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.

Josh Johnson
Superintendent, Valley City Public Schools

Josh Johnson is superintendent for Valley City Public Schools, a position he has held since 2016. Prior to that he was superintendent at Oakes Public Schools and a principal in the Devils Lake School District. He has been active statewide in education, including serving on the State Board of Public Education, State Board of Career and Technical Education and the NDHSAA Board of Directors.

Tyler Marthaler
Market President, Dacotah Bank

Tyler Marthaler has served as Market President for Dacotah Bank Valley City since 2021. He is a Valley City native, graduating from Valley City High School in 2003. Tyler graduated from North Dakota State University in 2007 with a degree in applied economics. He has worked for Dacotah Bank since 2008.

Tyler is active in the community, serving as committee or board member for the Valley City Image Enhancement and Tourism, Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation and Valley City Lions Club. He is also an advisory board member for the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. Tyler and his wife, Kayleen, reside in Valley City and have three children.

Mattilyn Nathan
Student Representative

Mattilyn Nathan is a senior at Valley City State University majoring in art education. A native of West Fargo, Mattilyn has enjoyed the smaller class sizes and chance for more one-on-one time with professors. During her time at VCSU, she has become involved in campus as an resident assistant and student senate member. She currently serves as the VCSU Student Senate NDSA Head Delegate.