Paul B. Beran, Executive Director
Paul B. Beran was appointed July 27, 2018, to lead South Dakota’s six public universities and two special schools as the Board of Regents’ executive director and chief executive officer. Dr. Beran began his duties with the Board of Regents in the Pierre central office Sept. 1, 2018.
Dr. Beran’s career in higher education includes service in six states, first as a faculty member and administrator, and for 17 years as a university CEO in Arkansas and Oklahoma public university systems. Before joining the University of Arkansas System in 2006 as chancellor of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Dr. Beran was president of Northwestern Oklahoma State University, with campuses in Alva, Enid, and Woodward, Okla.
Prior to his time in Arkansas and Oklahoma, Dr. Beran served as a senior administrator at community colleges in Massachusetts and Missouri. At the beginning of his career, he was a faculty member at the university and community college level in Texas.
He holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction in higher education from Texas A&M University and has completed post-graduate work at the University of Houston. He also has a master of arts degree in English and bachelor degrees in English and political science, all from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. Paul and Janice Beran reside in Pierre, S.D. They have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren.
Paul B. Beran
Executive Director
Location: Pierre
