ABERDEEN, S.D.(Aberdeen American News)- The South Dakota Board of Regents announced Tuesday morning the three candidates who are finalists to become the next president at Northern State University.

The finalists are David Jones, Alan LaFave and Neal Schnoor.

One of the three candidates will succeed Timothy Downs, who announced his resignation last month.

The former president had overseen many changes during his five years at Northern, including freshmen class growth, new residence halls, the new South Dakota School of Blind and Impaired, a regional science center, athletic fields, renovations to the Barnett Center and the on-campus football stadium and softball field.

He also advocated for nearly 20 new programs during his time at Northern, and growth in graduate programs that contributed to a 30% increase in graduate credit hours this spring.

To learn more about the 3 finalists go to www.aberdeennews.com.