Robert T. Wagner
1985 - 1997
Robert Wagner became president in 1985 after serving a very short time as chief administrator of Dakota State University. He held a doctorate from Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ and had been a teacher and administrator here and throughout the regental system.
Wagner led the school from a controversial era into a decidedly more tranquil time. His quiet attention to the internal workings of the college, rather than external politics, worked well and resulted in a great deal of growth. Despite constant budget problems under his administration, the campus expanded by more than 380,000 square feet. Twenty-two faculty were added and technology became a major factor in the university. The College of Education and Counseling was formed and many buildings were built, including Berg and Bailey Apartments (now Meadows Apartments), the Animal Disease Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ and the Northern Plains Biostress Laboratory.