Brenda Tufte chosen to lead University of Mary’s Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Award-winning educator, former North Dakota Teacher of the Year, and longtime University of Mary leader to guide the formation of future servant leaders
BISMARCK, N.D. — The University of Mary has appointed Dr. Brenda Tufte as dean of the Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, effective Aug. 15.
Over the past 14 years at the University of Mary, Tufte has served as a professor, chair of undergraduate education, chair of graduate education, and most recently as associate dean, bringing the steady presence of servant leadership to each role. Prior to her arrival at Mary, she was an acclaimed high school English teacher and was named the 2012 North Dakota Teacher of the Year, all while teaching education part time at both Mary and within the North Dakota University System.
“Brenda Tufte is exceptionally well prepared for this role,” said Monsignor James Shea, president of the University of Mary. “Long before joining the University of Mary, Brenda had already distinguished herself as one of North Dakota’s most respected educators. Here at Mary, she has built on that remarkable record as a gifted educator, a trusted colleague, and a faithful steward of our Catholic and Benedictine mission. Her leadership in developing our Doctor of Education program reflects her gift for forming leaders who go on to strengthen schools and communities. I am confident she will lead the Liffrig Family School with wisdom, vision, and great care.”
Tufte says she is grateful for the opportunity to build upon the strong foundation established within the Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences and to continue forming graduates who are called to serve others.
“At the Liffrig Family School, we are preparing graduates not only for professional excellence but also for lives of meaningful service,” Tufte said. “Whether they become educators, counselors, social workers, psychologists, law enforcement officers, or leaders in their communities, our students are called to make a lasting difference in the lives of others. I am deeply honored to lead a school so fully dedicated to that mission.”
Tufte launched the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration at the University of Mary in 2015 and expanded it with a Higher Education Leadership track in 2017. The program has filled to capacity every year, a testament not only to its quality, but to Tufte’s gift for bringing people together around a shared sense of mission. Under her leadership, the doctoral program has graduated educational leaders who now serve schools, dioceses, colleges, and organizations throughout the region and across the country.
She has built partnerships with Catholic schools and community organizations across the region and in Arizona. She has served four consecutive terms on the North Dakota Educational Standards and Practices Board, including as chair.
Beyond her administrative accomplishments, Tufte is known among colleagues and students for her genuine hospitality, her commitment to forming servant leaders, and her dedication to advancing the Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine mission of the University of Mary.
Tufte succeeds Dr. Rod Jonas, whose steady leadership and commitment to students have left a lasting mark on the Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Throughout his tenure as dean, Jonas championed academic excellence while advancing the university’s Catholic and Benedictine mission.
The university extends its gratitude to Jonas for his 37 years of dedicated service.
Dr. Tufte formally begins her deanship Aug. 15.
About the Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
The Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences prepares students for careers dedicated to serving others, offering nearly 20 undergraduate degrees alongside graduate and doctoral programs in education, social work, psychology, counseling, and criminal justice. The school is home to the Elementary Education Academy, which allows qualifying students to complete a bachelor’s degree in elementary education tuition-free. Online master’s degrees spanning specialties from school administration to Catholic Montessori, along with certificates tailored specifically for Catholic educators, extend the school’s reach to working professionals and educators across the country.
