Dakota State hires McKay as provost

April 28, 2017

Dr. Scott McKay, dean of science and engineering at Southern Arkansas University, has accepted the position of provost and vice president of academic affairs at Dakota State University. He will begin his duties on June 19, 2017.

“I believe that Dr. McKay’s deep understanding of the role regional state universities play, coupled with his extensive leadership on campus, in the community, and in support of economic development, will be a tremendous asset to Dakota State University at this transformational time in our history,” said DSU President José-Marie Griffiths.

McKay agreed that it is a truly exciting time to be at Dakota State. “DSU is becoming a leader in cutting-edge educational opportunities,” he said. “My family and I are very excited to be joining the Madison community and work with the DSU team.” 

At Southern Arkansas, McKay increased traditional and nontraditional student enrollment, initiated accreditation in chemistry and engineering, gained certification for the Natural Resource Research Center, implemented retention initiatives, developed new programs, and worked on economic development and community partnerships.

McKay also has an extensive research record of funded grants and peer-reviewed publications related to his research interests in alternative energy, petroleum products, crystal engineering, and proton exchange membranes for hydrogen fuel cells. His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, American Chemical Society, and Leonard Wood Institute-Army Research Laboratory.

He holds a B.S. in geology, a B.A. in chemistry, and an M.S. in chemistry from Eastern Kentucky University. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the Florida Institute of Technology.