Chairperson Education Doctorate Programs
Dr. Ric Dressen joined the Concordia University faculty at the start of the 2017-18 school year as an Assistant Professor in the Education Doctorate program. He has served as Chairperson since Fall 2018. He concluded his school administrative services in June of 2017 after 25 years as a superintendent and a total of 36 years in administration.
He was superintendent of Edina Public Schools in Edina, Minnesota – a first-ring, upper middle class, professional suburb on the southwest edge of Minneapolis – since July of 2006. Prior to this position and beginning in January 2000, he served as superintendent of Alexandria Public Schools in Alexandria, Minnesota; from 1992 through 1999, he served as superintendent of Waconia Public Schools in Waconia, Minnesota. His administrative career includes principalships in Waconia, Brooklyn Center, and St. Joseph, Minnesota. Dr. Dressen had been an adjunct professor at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota since 2000.
He helped create and chair The Superintendency Institute, a gathering of Minnesota superintendents focused on advancing the role of leadership in public schools, and is a recipient of numerous professional awards in leadership and innovation. In 2003, Dressen chaired the Minnesota Finance Reform Task Force at the direction of Governor Tim Pawlenty.
In 2013, the Minnesota Association of School Administrators awarded him their Polaris Leadership Award for his service to the educational leadership of Minnesota. He was president of the Association in 2003-04.
Dr. Dressen also served on a variety of leadership boards including the Board of Governors to the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering (St. Paul, MN), the Fairview Southdale Hospital Board of Directors (Edina, MN) and the Edina Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (Edina, MN).
Academic/Professional Credentials
- Ed.D. Educational Administration, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- M.S. and Specialist Degree, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud
- B.A. Elementary Education and Physical Education, Bemidji State University, Bemidji
- Minnesota Licenses: Elementary School Administration; District Superintendent
Areas Of Focus
Equity and Education, Ethical Leadership, Organizational Leadership, School Facilities, School Law, Public Policy and Governance, Educational Future Trends, Work/Life Blending, Teaching and Instruction, Public Finance and Time Management
Address: AD 333
Phone: 651-641-8235 Extension 8235
Email: [email protected] (Preferred)