BEMIDJI, Minn. (June 14, 2011) — Bemidji State University President Richard A. Hanson announced today that Robert Griggs has been named interim vice president for academic affairs at the University.

Griggs, who has been with the University since the summer of 2000 as dean of distance learning and summer session, interim associate vice president for extended learning and information technology and, since 2008, as associate vice president for extended learning and library services at the University, will take over a position vacated by the end of an interim appointment for Dr. Nancy Erickson. Erickson had been Bemidji State’s interim vice president for academic affairs since 2008.

His appointment as interim vice president for academic affairs begins in July.

“Bob brings an extensive program planning and development background to the position as well as the ability to address the complexities of higher education with creativity and innovation,” Hanson said. “His collaborative style, listening skills, and ability to make careful, well thought-out decisions will be invaluable as we continue to advance our goal of sculpting and reshaping the University.”

Griggs has substantial experience in both developing and teaching online courses and has served on the national steering committee for the Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications, and on the Minnesota Online Council and Minnesota Online Executive Council. He has facilitated Bemidji State’s efforts to develop online programs in education, criminal justice, business and technological studies, and has co-chaired the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities’ e-Student Services Committee.

He has authored dozens of presentations and publications on a broad range of topics, including developing e-student services, managing distance education opportunities, best practices in distance education and the application of intellectual property laws.

Griggs is currently serving on the Minnesota Learning Commons Advisory Board and the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Learning Network. He also is president of the North Central Conference on Summer Sessions, which includes 60 four-year colleges and universities in 21 states.

Griggs began his professional career as an associate attorney at Banks, Johnson, Johnson, Colbath and Huffman in Rapid City, S.D., before joining the faculty at National American University, also in Rapid City. At NAU, he served as a department chair, academic director for distance learning and finally associate dean for distance learning before coming to Bemidji State.

Griggs holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Dakota and earned his juris doctorate from the University of North Dakota School of Law. He is a member of the state bar associations in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

A search for a full-time appointment for the vice president position will re-start in mid-summer.