Ben Hoffman has been hired to lead Bemidji State University’s Department of Admissions as its executive director, effective January 18.

Hoffman, who holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of North Dakota, comes to Bemidji State having worked since 2019 as registrar and director of academic advising at Northland Community and Technical College in East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls. Prior to his role at NCTC, Hoffman worked over 21 years in admissions at UND, serving as enrollment services representative, assistant director of enrollment services and director of admissions and records for the UND School of Law.

Carola Thorson, associate vice president for enrollment management at BSU, said Hoffman’s diverse experience in student recruitment and retention within 2-year, 4-year and professional studies will continue to move BSU toward its enrollment goals.

“We are fortunate to have Ben join our campus community to further enrollment efforts,” Thorson said. “He holds the understanding that the work we do is based in relationships, collaboration and engagement along with planning, executing and assessing.”

Hoffman welcomes the challenges that come with the executive director title and is looking forward to building connections with BSU staff and faculty, prospective students and their families.

“I see joining BSU as a ‘coming home’ where I can affect change in some subtle ways to enhance our enrollment,” he said. “I hope to make BSU synonymous with higher education.”