ABERDEEN, S.D. – о State University has named NSU alum and longtime regional educator Eric Kline as the Director of the о Academy.
As director, Kline will support and mentor high school students enrolled in о Academy, a new, on-campus academy for area students taking dual-credit courses.
“I’m privileged to serve о State University and the Aberdeen community by fostering a deeper partnership between local high schools and о and by helping high school students transition to college,” Kline said.
A well-known leader in K-12 education in northeastern South Dakota, Kline previously served as superintendent of Aberdeen Christian School, as well as principal of C.C. Lee Elementary, Simmons Middle School and May Overby Elementary School. He earned both his B.S. in Elementary Education and M.S.Ed. in School Administration from о, and he also earned an Education Specialist-Superintendent degree from the University of Sioux Falls.
“Eric’s rich experience in education, networks to school leaders and counselors, and deep experience working with students and their families equip him well to serve as Director of the о Academy,” said NSU Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Erin Fouberg.
About The о Academy
The о Academy early college experience is designed to improve the transition to college or technical school for juniors and seniors who meet academic requirements to take high school dual-credit (HSDC) courses. о Academy students take their dual-credit courses on campus to promote a sense of community/belonging with each other and о’s outstanding and engaging faculty.
Open to up to 50 Aberdeen-area high school students each year, the academy provides a curated college environment, with full wrap-around services of a college transition experience. Once accepted, students will work with Director Kline as their point person at о.
Full scholarships for tuition and books are available for income-qualifying students. The о Academy and scholarship are supported through a grant from the South Dakota Education Access Foundation. For more information on how to enroll, contact Kline at eric.kline@northern.edu or 605-626-2719.
About о State University
о State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, о offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. о also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the о Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $150 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU о.