Faith-Hensrud’s transformative leadership advances access, diversity, and opportunity in Minnesota’s universities.
Faith C. Hensrud is best known for her tenure as president of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College from 2016 to 2022. Her career is marked by a steadfast dedication to expanding educational access, promoting diversity, and fostering institutional growth. From her beginnings as a first-generation college student to leading two prominent Minnesota institutions, Hensrud’s journey exemplifies decades of thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to creating greater opportunities for students.
Key Facts About Faith-Hensrud
| Fact | Details |
| Full Name | Faith C. Hensrud |
| Profession | Higher-Education Administrator and University Leader |
| Known For | President of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College (2016-2022) |
| Birthplace | Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Military Service | U.S. Army Transportation Corps officer (1986-1989); later served in the Army Reserve until 2000 |
| Education | Bachelor’s – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay; Master’s – The College of St. Scholastica; Doctorate – University of Minnesota |
| Academic Career Start | Lecturer at University of Wisconsin-Superior (1995) |
| Major Leadership Role | Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Superior |
| University Presidency | 11th President of Bemidji State University and leader of Northwest Technical College |
| Key Achievements | Expanded Indigenous partnerships, record Native student enrollment, campus modernization projects |
| Retirement | Retired June 30, 2022 |
| Honorary Title | President Emeritus awarded by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees |
| Spouse | Neil Hensrud, former associate professor of business |
| Children | Two adult children |
| Notable Advocacy | Strong advocate for first-generation college students |
Early Life and Background
Faith Hensrud grew up on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, located in the state’s Upper Peninsula. The region is known for its rugged landscapes and close-knit communities, factors that shaped her early perspective on education and opportunity.
As a first-generation college student, Hensrud faced challenges common to many students navigating higher education without family experience in academia. However, this background would later become a defining influence in her leadership philosophy. Throughout her career, she frequently highlighted the importance of supporting students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
After completing high school, Hensrud chose a path that would further shape her leadership abilities: military service. She enlisted in the United States Army in 1986, serving on active duty until 1989 with the 24th Transportation Battalion at Fort Eustis in Virginia. She later continued her service in the Army Reserve until 2000.
Educational Journey
Following her military service, Hensrud began her academic journey in earnest. She earned her undergraduate degree in Human Adaptability from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. The program’s interdisciplinary focus exposed her to diverse fields and provided a broad understanding of human development and social systems.
She then pursued graduate education, completing a Master’s degree in Management at The College of St. Scholastica. This degree strengthened her expertise in organizational leadership, management strategies, and institutional operations.
Her academic pursuits culminated with a Doctorate in Educational Policy and Administration from University of Minnesota. Her doctoral research examined quality assurance in online and distance education at smaller universities.
Early Academic Career at the University of Wisconsin-Superior
Hensrud began her long academic career in 1995 at University of Wisconsin-Superior. Initially hired as a lecturer in the Department of Business and Economics, she quickly established herself as an educator with strong leadership potential.
Over two decades, Faith Hensrud advanced through several key leadership roles at the university, beginning as a lecturer in Business and Economics and later serving as Associate Vice Chancellor, Interim Provost, and ultimately Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Her role as Provost was particularly influential. She oversaw a significant academic budget and managed faculty across numerous departments while also supervising research institutes such as the Lake Superior Research Institute.
During this period, Hensrud gained extensive experience in academic governance, strategic planning, and program development. Her work in distance education also demonstrated early awareness of how technology could expand access to learning.
Presidency at Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College
In 2016, Hensrud reached a major milestone in her career when the Minnesota State Board of Trustees selected her as president of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College.
She officially assumed the position on July 1, 2016, becoming the 11th president of Bemidji State University and only the second woman to hold the role.
During her presidency, she focused on enhancing student success programs, building stronger ties with Indigenous communities, advancing diversity and inclusion on campus, improving academic and technical pathways, and upgrading campus facilities to meet modern standards.
Throughout her tenure, Hensrud emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive learning environment where all students could succeed.
Advancing Diversity and Indigenous Partnerships
One of the most notable aspects of Hensrud’s leadership was her commitment to strengthening relationships with Native American communities in northern Minnesota.
Under her guidance, the university created American Indian Advisory Councils and established dual-admission agreements with tribal colleges. These partnerships helped streamline pathways for Native students to enroll and complete degrees.
The impact of these initiatives became particularly visible in 2020 when Bemidji State University reached a historic milestone with its highest recorded Native American enrollment and graduation rates.
These accomplishments aligned with the broader goals of Minnesota State’s Equity 2030 initiative, which aims to eliminate educational achievement gaps among underrepresented student groups.
Campus Development and Institutional Growth
In addition to student-centered initiatives, Hensrud also oversaw major infrastructure improvements at both institutions.
Among the most significant developments was the construction of a new science facility at Bemidji State University. The $45 million project, completed in 2020, replaced older science buildings and introduced modern laboratories, classrooms, and research spaces.
Northwest Technical College also benefited from upgrades to facilities and expanded training programs designed to meet workforce needs in northern Minnesota.
Retirement and Recognition
In August 2021, Hensrud announced that she would retire from her role as president, with her final day of service scheduled for June 30, 2022.
Her retirement was widely recognized by the academic community, faculty members, and regional leaders who praised her contributions to higher education.
Later that year, the Minnesota State Board awarded her the honorary title of President Emeritus, an honor reserved for leaders who demonstrate exceptional service and leadership.
Personal Life and Community Engagement
Faith Hensrud is married to Dr. Neil Hensrud, an associate professor of business who previously taught at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
The couple met during their time in the Army and later built their careers in higher education. They have two adult children and have remained actively involved in the communities where they lived and worked.
In Bemidji, the Hensruds became well known for their participation in community events and university traditions, including homecoming parades where a vintage Cadillac often made an appearance.
Their involvement reflected a belief that universities should maintain strong ties with the communities they serve.
Interesting Facts About Faith Hensrud
Several unique aspects of Hensrud’s life and career highlight her distinctive journey:
Military Leadership: Before entering academia, Hensrud served as a Transportation Corps officer in the U.S. Army, an uncommon background among university presidents.
First-Generation Advocate: Her personal experience as a first-generation student has shaped her advocacy for expanding access to higher education.
Trailblazing Leadership: She became only the second woman to serve as president of Bemidji State University.
Classic Car Philanthropy: Following her retirement, she and her husband donated a vintage 1976 Cadillac Eldorado to the university foundation. The proceeds supported scholarships for first-generation students.
Long-Term Academic Service: Across her career, Hensrud spent more than two decades at the University of Wisconsin-Superior before becoming a university president.
Leadership Philosophy
Hensrud’s leadership approach combines several guiding principles: collaboration, accessibility, and strategic planning.
Her experiences in the military taught her the importance of clear communication and teamwork. Meanwhile, her academic career emphasized the value of institutional partnerships and community engagement.
She has consistently advocated for expanding opportunities for students who may face barriers to higher education, including first-generation students, rural populations, and Indigenous communities.
Conclusion
The career of Faith Hensrud illustrates the lasting influence of dedicated leadership in higher education. From her beginnings as a first-generation college student and Army veteran to her role as president of two Minnesota institutions, she consistently focused on expanding educational opportunity and strengthening communities.
Her tenure saw important achievements in diversity initiatives, campus development, and student success programs. By the time of her retirement in 2022, her work had helped position Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College for continued growth.
As President Emeritus, Hensrud’s legacy remains closely connected to the institutions she served and to the broader mission of making higher education more accessible and inclusive for future generations.
