John L. Hoffman, Ph.D.

Dr. John Hoffman serves as the president of Bemidji State University and NTC, Bemidji’s Technical College. These two institutions are joined in a unique shared service alignment designed to serve the higher educational needs of Northern Minnesota and its three largest Indigenous nations. Following significant declines during the COVID-19 pandemic, BSU and NTC have experienced growth in enrollment, improvements in student persistence rates, and decreases in equity gaps under President Hoffman’s leadership. Among other accomplishments, Hoffman has diversified his executive cabinet, enhanced alumni and community engagement, and significantly increased fundraising.

John previously served in a variety of academic and student affairs roles. Signature accomplishments included implementing multi-faceted student success programs credited with increasing student retention and graduation rates, reducing first-year retention rate disparities between BIPOC and white students, and diversifying faculty and student affairs personnel. He holds bachelor’s degrees from Concordia University, Nebraska, and graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota. He is the husband of Dr. Joy Hoffman and the proud stepparent of Hanna and CJ. John enjoys daily walks with his dog, occasional home improvement projects, listening to music, and the annual hope and heartbreak of being a Minnesota Vikings fan.