Bemidji State Removes Two Deans, Jeffrey Bell and MaryTheresa Seig

Two academic leaders at Bemidji State University were removed from their dean posts and reassigned to other duties when they arrived on the first day of the spring semester, a change that raises questions about campus leadership and continuity for students and faculty.

Jeffrey Bell, formerly dean of the College of Sciences and Health, and MaryTheresa Seig, formerly dean of the College of Creativity, Enterprise and Place, were told on Jan. 12 that they would be reassigned to alternative work assignments. Bell was hired in 2022 and Seig in 2020. University and system officials have not disclosed the reasons for the reassignments.

“While we do not comment on specific personnel matters, we can confirm that the university has made changes in academic leadership involving two dean positions,” a Bemidji State spokesperson said. “These decisions were made after careful consideration and with the long-term best interests of our students, faculty and community in mind.” Marah Jacobson, Bemidji State provost, said, “When Jeffrey Bell and MaryTheresa Seig arrived on Jan. 12, the first day of the spring semester, they were ‘notified that they would be having alternative work assignments.’” Jacobson also said officials are making decisions based on the new strategic plan, which will be adopted “in the next month or so.”

Minnesota State system officials confirmed the two administrators were not fired, that both remain on the payroll, and that officials are looking for other positions for them. Neither Bell nor Seig responded to interview requests.

The personnel moves drew differing reactions from employee representatives. Jonathan Bohn, spokesperson for the Inter Faculty Organization, said, “I think this would be considered more rare than the typical dismissal or demotion.” Kay Pedretti, regional director of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, said the Minnesota State system “does this more regularly than I’d like.”

For students and staff in the affected colleges, the immediate impact centers on leadership, advising and program continuity. Reassigning deans at the start of a semester can disrupt curriculum planning, accreditation work and faculty hiring processes. Campus leaders have not publicly named interim deans or outlined how day-to-day oversight for the College of Sciences and Health and the College of Creativity, Enterprise and Place will be handled while officials seek new assignments for Bell and Seig.

The lack of a stated reason and limited details about the nature and duration of the alternative work assignments underscore a tension between personnel confidentiality and the university’s obligation to ensure stable academic operations. Local residents and campus stakeholders should expect follow-up from university officials about interim leadership arrangements, the scope of the reassignments and any effects on student services as the institution moves forward with its strategic plan.