NDSU President Dean L. Bresciani has been recognized with the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award by Humboldt State University, Arcata, Calif. Bresciani earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from the university in 1984.

The honor acknowledges Humboldt State University alumni for outstanding achievements in their fields or service to their community, nation or their alma mater. Bresciani was one of four Humboldt graduates recognized with 2012 awards.

According to Humboldt, the magazine of the university, Bresciani worked for the Humboldt Orientation Program for one summer and that channeled his efforts to helping students. According to the magazine, “The experience laid the groundwork for a career in higher education administration, which has included top posts at universities throughout the country.”

Prior to being named NDSU’s 14th president in 2010, Bresciani was vice president for student affairs at Texas A&M University in College Station. He previously was at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, holding positions including interim vice chancellor for student affairs. From 1992 to 1998, he worked at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, in positions including director of Residential and Greek Life and interim associate vice chancellor for student affairs.

A native of Napa Valley, Calif., Bresciani earned his master’s degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio; and doctorate in higher education finance, with a doctoral minor in economics, from the University of Arizona, Tucson.