ABERDEEN, S.D. (Press Release) – Dr. Greg Blair received Northern State University’s 2018-19 Outstanding Faculty Award.

Blair, associate professor of art and Northern Galleries director, was announced as this year’s winner during Northern’s spring commencement ceremony on Saturday.

Blair received several letters of nomination from faculty and students, and also from NSU School of Fine Arts Dean Dr. Kenneth Boulton.

Boulton praised Blair’s artistic talent and dedication to his program.

“Dr. Blair is a rare individual in our demanding field, combining a keen sense of artistic sophistication and intellect with a formidable eye for curating numerous exhibits in Northern’s four primary gallery spaces,” Boulton wrote. “Dr. Blair’s unstinting efforts have resulted in no fewer than 40 distinct exhibitions featuring the work of regional, national and international artists.”

Blair has achieved his own national and international reputation as a visual artist and scholar, wrote Boulton. He pointed out highlights of Blair’s year, including the publication of his book, “Errant Bodies, Mobility, and Political Resistance,” by Palgrave Macmillan. Blair also makes all students – majors and non-majors alike – fall in love with art and its place in the world.

“Dr. Blair is one of the brightest faculty stars at Northern,” Boulton wrote. “Dr. Blair’s ability to inspire and connect with his students on so many levels is genuinely remarkable.”

NSU College of Arts and Sciences Interim Associate Dean Dr. Alyssa Kiesow also wrote a letter of support, calling Blair a true scholar highly respected by his peers, and an excellent educator.

“As an educator and advisor, Dr. Blair has shown great guidance to students – always encouraging students to practice individuality, involvement and independence,” wrote Kiesow.

In her nomination letter, NSU Honors Program Director Dr. Erin Fouberg called Blair an incredible teacher highly regarded by students taking his Honors Art Appreciation course.

“Northern is a better place because of the presence and dedication of Dr. Greg Blair,” Fouberg wrote.

NSU student Isaac Seaton also wrote a letter of support, saying he has taken multiple classes with Blair and each has been a unique, enriching experience.

“He is a superb educator for two reasons: he dives deep, giving his students a more holistic understanding of the material, and he fuels creativity,” Seaton wrote.

In her letter, fellow Northern student Kyla Herman called Blair an exceptional instructor and a valuable asset to the art program.

“I have heard from my classmates, and I heartily agree, that he is the best teacher on campus,” Herman wrote.

Blair has worked at Northern for 10 years. A native of Alberta, Canada, he holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from the University of Lethbridge; a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from the University of North Dakota; and a Ph.D. in Visual Art and Art Theory from the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts based in Portland, Maine.