NDCPD bids farewell to Fifield and promotes Askvig to executive director

Brent Askvig, Ph.D., was appointed to replace Bryce Fifield, Ph.D., as executive director of the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities on Minot State University’s campus, according to Gary Rabe, vice president for academic affairs, effective July 1.

"Askvig clearly knows the field and has a vision for how NDCPD can grow and accomplish new and exciting initiatives," said Rabe. "He is a respected member of the MSU community, and I look forward to working with him as a member of my academic affairs team."

Before his current position, Askvig was the associate director of NDCPD and a professor of special education. While continuing as a special education faculty member, he served as assistant dean in the Graduate School. Askvig has been involved in numerous local, state and national activities in the disability community.

Askvig earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education and mental retardation and master’s degree in special education from Minot State University. He completed his doctoral degree with specializations in special education and educational research from the University of Idaho, Moscow.

"I am excited about my new role in NDCPD and the people in the center. Dr. Fifield has done a tremendous job over the past 11 years and has established a solid foundation for NDCPD’s future growth," said Askvig. "I am also excited about NDCPD’s role in supporting persons with disabilities throughout the state, and in working with MSU on its Vision 2013."

In July, Fifield became the executive director of the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University, Logan. By assuming this new position, he had the opportunity to return to the university and center where he began his career in the disability field. Under Fifield’s leadership, NDCPD experienced dynamic growth. Specifically, he provided expertise in reaching rural communities through distance technology and services.