DICKINSON, ND ( KXNET ) — On Monday, Dickinson State University president Steve Easton announced he’s stepping down. The university shared the news in a post on the school’s website.

This came after Easton had previously butted heads with some campus faculty.

Easton has served as campus president for four and a half years — but earlier in July, all seven of the nursing teachers quit.

One of Easton’s priorities was to make DSU’s registered nursing program a two-year degree, and he also pushed for larger class sizes.

In a statement posted to the University’s website, Easton said, “I took this job to defend DSU, and especially its students, against all threats, including financial threats.”

KX News also spoke with state senator Dean Rummel on Monday, who was surprised by the news of Easton resigning. He said that he and fellow legislators planned to meet with Easton today to discuss some of the problems at the university.

KX News also contacted for the North Dakota University System. A spokesperson says there’s no exit date for Easton.
A university system spokesperson says that Easton told the higher ed board and the chancellor he’ll step down after a ‘short and orderly transition.’
Meanwhile, Dickinson State University’s first day back to class is on August 26th.

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