Dan Dressen joined the St. Olaf faculty in 1982 after receiving his master of fine arts degree from the University of Minnesota, which is also where he received his doctor of musical arts degree. Before his current appointment, Dan served as the Associate Dean for the Fine Arts. He was the chair of the St. Olaf Music Department for 10 years, and currently serves as chair on the Commission on Accreditation for the National Schools of Music. In addition to his performances with the Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Minnesota Chorale, to name a few, Dan has performed in numerous Minnesota Opera productions.
As the Associate Provost, Dan manages faculty personnel and the processes related to recruitment, contract management, development, leaves, and retirements. He also manages key elements of academic resources including academic buildings, the natural lands, and the art museum.
Dan admires the St. Olaf community and its liberal arts nature, where people from all areas of the academy share a common interest in exploring diverse topics. “I like the breadth of perspective that St. Olaf students hold,” he says. “The supportive environment allows students to take risks and explore a wide range of interests.”