Jane Vangsness Frisch currently serves as vice president for student affairs at North Dakota State College of Science. She is the first to hold this position, successfully blending several existing departments into a cohesive division focused on enhancing students’ success. During her career in higher education, Dr. Vangsness Frisch has provided progressive leadership in diverse areas including student success, assessment, accreditation, enrollment management, career services, student life and conduct, diversity and equity initiatives, alcohol and other drug prevention, budgeting, crisis communication, and state legislative processes.

Prior to joining NDSCS, she served as director of student affairs for the North Dakota University System, which encompasses all 11 state institutions in North Dakota, allowing her unique insight into the administration and oversight of both two- and four-year institutions.

Dr. Vangsness Frisch serves her professional and local community as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission and as a member of the board of directors for the West Central Minnesota Initiative Foundation, North Dakota Women in Higher Education Network, and Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead. She is committed to formally and informally mentoring women seeking to navigate higher education at all levels. Additionally, she has coauthored and carried out several funded proposals and conducts research related to college student alcohol and other drug use and perceptions.

Dr. Vangsness Frisch holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication with an emphasis in public relations, a master’s degree in mass communication, and a Ph.D. in education with an emphasis in institutional analysis.