During the summer heat of June 2016, Dr. Scott Beaulier became America’s youngest business dean at North Dakota State University after a year-long search. Beaulier came to NDSU with nearly ten years of experience in academia with an M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics. Now, after having some time to settle into his role and begin getting to know the community, Scott is ready to share his experience and expertise with the world. In the coming months, we will read Scott’s point of view on what is happening in business education, economic policy and much more. Let’s get to know Scott.

 

What topics will you be focusing on in your writing? 

Business education; trends in higher education; economic policy; leadership; social science

Where is home for you? 

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I’m a “Yooper” and grew up in Iron Mountain, MI, the hometown of Tom Izzo and Steve Mariucci.

What brought you to Fargo, ND? 

The position of Dean of Business at NDSU and the great people I get to work with every day. (I had actually been to Fargo with my wife in 2011 for the Fargo Marathon and was blown away by the strong community vibe throughout our visit!)

What is your personal or professional BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)? 

Specific to my current role: To make all of our College of Business programs relevant to our students, the larger university, and the greater Fargo-Moorhead community.

Specific to me: To be a transformative leader in higher education by day, while being a pretty good (and at times transformative!) husband and father.

On a scale of non-techie to tech guru, where do you fall?

Somewhere in the middle. I’m considered by most of my colleagues to be pretty connected and plugged in as far as social media and current tech and business trends. But, when I see what people do to actually make an App or interact with “big data,” I realize tech trends are moving way faster than me!

What is your role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem?

As Dean of NDSU’s College of Business, we offer talent to the ecosystem in the form of students, business competency and basics in the courses we teach, space through our wonderful downtown facilities, and a strong form of validation of what others are doing by showing our commitment.

When you’re taking time for you, what’s your go-to? 

I’m a long-distance runner, so you’ll see me hitting the pavement a lot whenever the weather is about 10 degrees or higher. I’m also a Chicago Cubs fan, so life is really good right now!

What’s your favorite hidden gem that you’ve discovered so far in Fargo?

The Wurst Bier Hall pretzels with marshmallow dip. OMG! And, the Space Alien Restaurant is pretty awesome for killing time with kids.

How did you first connect with Emerging Prairie?

Greg Tehven and the Emerging Prairie staff welcomed me before I even got to town!  They introduced me to dozens of interesting people in the community. I’m looking forward to building on this strong start. Together, we’re changing the College of Business’ approach to community engagement and partnerships and, in so doing, we are doing all we can to help sustain and improve Fargo-Moorhead’s reputation as a vibrant city for start-ups and innovation.

What is the best way to connect with or get into contact with you?

Email for sure: Scott.Beaulier@ndsu.edu; I’m also active on Twitter (@ScottABeaulier) and Facebook.

Join us in welcoming Dr. Scott Beaulier and be sure to keep an eye out for his guest pieces in the coming months.