Ridgewater Names MN Native to its Dean Position
February 16, 2022
HUTCHINSON and WILLMAR, MN – Ridgewater College is proud to announce the addition of David Gifford to its administrative team. Gifford began his position as the new dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences (transfer programs) in January.
Originally from Detroit Lakes, Gifford joins Ridgewater from his most recent position as Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) at Colorado Mountain College (CMC), a dual-mission, Hispanic-serving institution in the central Rockies of Colorado. Previous roles at CMC included assistant dean of instruction, developmental math instructor, and adjunct faculty representative. Prior to transitioning into higher education in 2012, Gifford taught and tutored secondary math and science for grades 7-12 in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon.
“We are excited to welcome Dave Gifford to our Ridgewater team,” said Mike Kutzke, Ridgewater Vice President of Student Success. “His experiences and leadership in administration, math, science, and diverse populations will be great assets for Ridgewater College.”
Gifford holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Natural Sciences from St. John’s University (MN), a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Portland, and is currently finishing a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University.
“In this first month, my focus has been on building relationships and identifying opportunities within Liberal Arts and Sciences,” Gifford said. “I hope to draw on past teaching and leadership experiences in higher ed to positively impact academic programming and the student experience at Ridgewater.”
After living out of state for several years, Gifford said he and his family are excited to be back “home” in Minnesota.
In his spare time, Gifford enjoys pursuing an active, outdoor lifestyle with his family. He currently resides in Hutchinson with his wife, Kelly, and three young children.