Education
B.S. in Business Administration – Marketing, BHSU
M.B.A. – Chadron State University
Ed.D. – expected December 2025, USD
Breif Bio
Lisa Carlson, M.B.A., is an experienced higher education leader with over 15 years of progressive experience in student success and strategic institutional initiatives. As the Associate Vice President for Student Success at South Dakota Mines, she has led transformative efforts that have significantly improved student retention, advising structures, and holistic support services. Lisa has a strong track record of implementing data-driven strategies, including transitioning the university to a tandem-advising model, overseeing large-scale academic support reorganizations, and spearheading the integration of predictive analytics tools such as EAB’s Navigate. Passionate about fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments, she is committed to enhancing student and faculty success through innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making. Lisa is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, with a research focus on how advising culture influences student persistence at STEM-focused institutions.