Dr. Anthony Bettendorf has assumed the Director of Residential Life role at Minnesota State Mankato, effective July 1.

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, the Director of Residential Life is responsible for the administration of all aspects of Minnesota State University’s residential life program encompassing five building complexes (four owned and one master-leased), 2,900 students, and a budget in excess of $27M.

This includes fostering a living and learning environment that supports the academic and personal development and success of students, providing leadership and direction of administrative functions including short and long-range financial planning and routine budget management, and providing leadership and direction for facilities functions including repair, maintenance, and new construction.

Previous to his appointment, Dr. Bettendorf was Director for Residential Life at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. and has spent over 20 years in higher education. He has served as an Assistant Director and Area Director of Housing and Residential Life at the University of Iowa, a Residence Director at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and has college teaching experience at the University of Iowa and Western Illinois University. His research interests include minority student retention and construction of race and its influence on beliefs, behavior, and actions. 

Dr. Bettendorf earned a doctorate in Educational Policy Administration from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in college student personnel from Western Illinois University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in history.

Following a national search, Dr. Bettendorf fills the position vacated by the retirement of Cindy Janney earlier this year. Torin Akey, assistant director of residential life, served as interim director.