News

NEO President Dr. Kyle Stafford recently announced Dustin Grover as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs. Following the retirement of Dr. Bethene Fahnestock in 2020, Grover had served in the interim role as NEO conducted a formal search process. “Since arriving on campus, I have not only seen Dustin’s dedication to NEO first-hand, but heard several positive comments from our campus community about his performance,” said Dr. Stafford. “I want to thank our search committee, chaired by Agriculture Department Chair Dr. Mary Booth, for the thorough work they did to screen and interview our qualified candidates. I know Dustin will continue to be a valuable asset to NEO leading academic affairs.”

Grover is a longtime member of the NEO family, earning his NEO associate degree in 1992. He returned to NEO as a Computer Science Faculty and Men’s Basketball Coach in 2005. He soon became the Athletic Director until transitioning to administration, becoming the Assistant Vice President in 2018. Over the past three years, Grover has been a critical member of the NEO administrative team, directing student retention efforts, providing IT oversight, and directing the athletics department. Grover holds a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University, a master’s degree from Northeastern State University, and is currently A.B.D. in his Ed.D. program from the University of Arkansas, with an expected graduation date of July 2021. “NEO is a special place to me and I am looking forward to working with faculty and staff to create a great learning experience,” said Grover. “I appreciate the faith placed in me by Dr. Stafford, the selection committee, and the OSU A&M Board of Regents.” The OSU A&M Board of Regents approved Dr. Stafford’s recommendation at an April board meeting and Grover has already begun his new role. For more information on Academic Affairs at NEO, contact Ruth Coyne at ruth.coyne@neo.edu.