Josh Christianson will be the foundation’s next executive director of university advancement. He’ll take the helm there May 14.

Christianson comes to BSU from the University of North Dakota, where he is director of development and alumni relations at the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences.

There, Christianson worked to strengthen the school’s major gifts program and oversaw the school’s overall development and alumni relations.

“He is a respected professional with a deep understanding of what is needed to cultivate relationships with friends, donors and alumni,” BSU and Northwest Technical College Faith Hensrud said of Christianson. “He values collaboration and strategic planning, and he has experience with all aspects of development and alumni relations.”

Previously, Christianson has served as director of development for the UND Aerospace Foundation, as a development officer for the University of North Dakota Foundation and as executive director of the Northland Community and Technical College Foundation. He has a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of North Dakota.

Christianson will succeed Marla Patrias, who is retiring in June after working with BSU Alumni & Foundation in a variety of roles for 20 years. She was named executive director in June 2016 and previously held positions as chief administrative officer, chief development officer, director of alumni relations and director of major gifts & planned giving.

“I’m excited about this position because it is a great opportunity to guide the BSU Alumni & Foundation as we build support for Bemidji State University’s second century,” Christianson said. “I was impressed by the dynamic people I met during the interview process and their commitment to and affinity for BSU. I look forward to working with Dr. Hensrud and her team, and the BSU Alumni & Foundation staff and Board of Directors.”