Students Bid Farewell to Dr. Boyd

Sean Lee

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

2-2011

Campus Unit

University of North Dakota

Abstract

It’s hard to find someone who doesn't have their own “Dr. Boyd” story at The University of North Dakota. In my three years as a UND undergrad, Dr. Robert Boyd, Vice President for Student Affairs, has served the students of UND with distinction and honor.

More than 200 students, faculty and staff came to celebrate Dr. Boyd at the UND Memorial Union ballroom on Friday. He is stepping away from his position as Vice President, but isn't going far. He'll be leading UND's transition team focusing on the logo and nickname. Boyd was also in attendance with his closest family and friends.

“He’s a true gentlemen,” UND President Robert Kelley said. “[Dr. Boyd] is someone we all aspire to be like.”

President Kelly hosted the afternoon’s events with some lighthearted commentary, poking fun of Boyd’s 32 years of service. A short video featuring scenes from around campus thanked Boyd for his hard work.

In a total of 32 years of service, Boyd has been a mentor for thousands of students. Boyd spent countless hours as a principle advisor to Student Government. “He’s always been there if I had any concerns,” said Student Government President Matt Bakke, who presented Dr. Boyd with a plaque on behalf of the student body.

“He was always there to provide advocacy for the students,” Bakke added.

Bakke announced that the “student of the year” award will soon be renamed the “Robert Boyd Student of the Year” award, in his honor.

Students first

During my entire experience at UND, I have not met anyone more dedicated to the welfare of students than Dr. Boyd.

As a senator for Student Government, Boyd’s office was always open for last-minute questions that my constituents had. Boyd and his office staff were always glad to go the extra mile to see things through.

It was tough to find a student at the celebration who didn’t have a “Dr. Boyd story” of their own.

“The better question is ‘what didn’t he do for UND?’” said Mark Thueson, a recent UND alumnus. “In one way or another, Boyd was involved with almost everything that happened on campus,” Thueson said. “He’s someone that you could easily approach and talk with on a personal level.”

Boyd gives much credit to the University community for his success during his tenure that spanned more then three decades. “From the person who mows the lawn up to the University president, everyone plays a terribly important role in helping students become successfully,” Boyd said.

Dr. Boyd will officially retire as Vice President on February 7. He will remain on campus for “at least a while to help with the retirement of the nickname and logo,” Boyd said.

“We’re saying goodbye to one of North Dakota’s finest,” President Kelley added.

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