VCSU’s LaFave named President at Northern State University

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University President Alan LaFave has accepted the same position at his alma mater, Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D.

Northern State University and LaFave announced the hiring on Monday, November 10.

“Although I am extremely excited to be going back to my alma mater, it is a bittersweet moment to realize I am leaving VCSU,” LaFave said in a message to VCSU’s campus. “The last seven years have been a rewarding experience, not necessarily for the milestones we have accomplished, but for the relationships I have built with faculty, staff, and students.”

LaFave’s last official day at VCSU is Dec. 31. He begins his job at Northern State on Jan. 5, 2026.

LaFave was selected to serve at VCSU’s president on Sept. 27, 2018, and formally began his service on Dec. 17, 2018. During LaFave’s seven years leading VCSU, the university has seen consistent record-breaking enrollment and major campus improvements. Fall headcount has grown 18% under LaFave’s leadership, reaching a Fall enrollment record of 1827 students this year.

The campus has also undergone major transformations. The $32 million Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts opened in 2022, and the University’s first-ever capital campaign was launched in 2021. The Capital Campaign has raised money for scholarships and campus projects, including the complete renovation of McCarthy Hall, which reopened this fall. The campaign has also funded construction of the Tharaldson Family Athletic Center, an expansion to VCSU’s athletic facilities that began this fall and will be completed in 2026.

LaFave earned his undergraduate degree in music education from Northern State University and worked nearly 30 years there, finishing as provost and vice president for academic affairs before accepting the presidency at VCSU in 2018.

“We are deeply grateful for Dr. LaFave’s seven years of leadership and service to VCSU, a period marked by record-breaking enrollment and significant campus improvements,” said Mark Potts, director for public relations at VCSU. “We wish him the best in his new position leading his alma mater. Meanwhile, our campus remains focused on our mission and the exciting opportunities ahead for VCSU.”