Brenda Tufte chosen to lead 色花堂鈥檚 Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Award-winning educator, former North Dakota Teacher of the Year, and longtime 色花堂 leader to guide the formation of future servant leaders
BISMARCK, N.D. 鈥 The 色花堂 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 色花堂, 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 色花堂, 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 色花堂 and within the North Dakota University System.
鈥淏renda Tufte is exceptionally well prepared for this role,鈥 said Monsignor James Shea, president of the 色花堂. 鈥淟ong before joining the 色花堂, Brenda had already distinguished herself as one of North Dakota鈥檚 most respected educators. Here at 色花堂, 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.鈥
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.
鈥淎t the Liffrig Family School, we are preparing graduates not only for professional excellence but also for lives of meaningful service,鈥 Tufte said. 鈥淲hether 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.鈥
Tufte launched the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration at the 色花堂 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鈥檚 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 色花堂.
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鈥檚 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鈥檚 degree in elementary education tuition-free. Online master鈥檚 degrees spanning specialties from school administration to Catholic Montessori, along with certificates tailored specifically for Catholic educators, extend the school鈥檚 reach to working professionals and educators across the country.
