MFA, University of Minnesota
MA, University of New Hampshire
BA, Skidmore College

Chad Dayton became the 16th president of Northland College in January 2023. Dayton had been serving on Northland’s board since 2015, having been named chair in 2018. He is a seasoned outdoor educator, a passionate advocate for public lands and waters, and a dedicated campaigner for impactful connections between communities and nature. Prior to becoming president of Northland College, he held various roles in an assortment of nonprofit organizations, always finding ways to engage his own interests in education and the outdoors, while also helping connect others with the wilderness in a meaningful way. Dayton serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of the Mississippi River and the Minnesota Zoo Foundation and is a member of the Minnesota State Water Trails Advisory Council. He also taught College English and writing for almost a decade.