Minot State mourns the passing of Dean Frantsvog

MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University is saddened to announce the passing of alumnus, professor, and longtime supporter of MSU, Dean Frantsvog, who passed away Saturday at the age of 47.  

His funeral is tentatively scheduled for Friday, Sept. 2 at 10 a.m. at the Minot State Dome. 

Dean has been an absolute pillar at MSU for the past two decades – educating thousands of students in the College of Business and providing terrific support to Beaver Athletics as our Faculty Athletic Representative,” said Minot State President Dr. Steven Shirley. “I join the entire community of Dean’s colleagues at MSU, along with our students, alumni, and supporters who will sincerely miss Dean and the wonderful presence he added to the MSU campus. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with Sara, Quaid, Cambry, and the entire Frantsvog family during this very difficult time. 

Frantsvog was a business law professor in the College of Business over the past 18 years. He graduated from Minot State in 1997 with a degree in criminal justice. He earned his Juris Doctorate in 2000 from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Earlier this month, the Minot State Athletic Department announced Frantsvog will be inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in the Honorary Award category. The University will honor its Class of 2022 including Frantsvog during the Beavers’ Homecoming 2022 banquet Friday, Oct. 14. 

Frantsvog, along with his wife, Sara, American Trust Center, United Community Bank, and Vibeto Orthodontics, contributed to the Dean & Sara Frantsvog Academic Success Center, opened in 2018 in the Minot State Dome.  

As the Faculty Athletic Representative, Frantsvog also helped review and advise Minot State and the Beaver Athletic department on compliance and policy issues during MSU's transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II competition. He served as the department’s first FAR, beginning in 2010 until this year. 

During his years of service to Minot State, he was honored as the Minot State University Professor of the Year in 2018, the MSU Board of Regents Faculty Achievement Award in 2012, the MSU Golden Award for Young Alumni in 2011, and the MSU Vision 2013 Merit Award. 

About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.

Published: 08/27/22   


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