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Rebecca Bott-Knutson, dean of the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College at South ��ֱ���� State University, announced today that she will leave her position after the conclusion of the academic year. 

Bott-Knutson will become dean of the Virginia Tech Honors College beginning July 1. 

“I sincerely appreciate the outstanding leadership and vision that Dean Bott-Knutson has provided for the Fishback Honors College at South ��ֱ���� State University,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dennis Hedge said. “During her time as dean, Becky has continued to elevate the Fishback Honors College to a level where it is now readily recognized by honors educators across the country as among the very best in the nation.” 

Prior to leading the Fishback Honors College, Bott-Knutson held Extension, teaching and research appointments in the Department of Animal Science since 2009. 

Bott-Knutson has provided leadership for curriculum, programming, strategic initiatives and community engagement for the Fishback Honors College. She has contributed to study abroad opportunities for students in China, Central America and Ireland and has taught 21 different courses at SDSU. 

Leading the Fishback Honors College since 2016, Bott-Knutson has overseen the creation of the Kemp Endowed Professor of Honors Mathematics, a collaboration between the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering and the Fishback Honors College thanks to a gift from Dan and Michele Kemp and the efforts of the inaugural title holder, Christine Larson. 

She’s collaborated on the development of SDSU’s applied thinking and innovation minor, available to undergraduate students from all academic disciplines at the university, and the launch of The Justice Challenge, a nationwide, transdisciplinary honors collaborative that prepares students to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. 

“Leading the Fishback Honors College has been the highlight of my career, and I am truly humbled to have been a part of this vibrant community. From our incredible team to our remarkable students, inspiring alumni, wonderful campus colleagues and community partners like Van and Barb Fishback, this community is second to none,” Bott-Knutson said. 

“This fall, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Fishback Honors College at SDSU, taking time to reflect on the amazing people and work of those who came before us, while also envisioning what lies ahead. The Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College is poised for even greater heights in the years to come,” she added. 

Bott-Knutson received her bachelor’s degree in ��ֱ���� science from the University of Missouri-Columbia, her master’s degree in ��ֱ���� science from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her Ph.D. in biomedical science from Colorado State University. She has authored 27 articles and book chapters on honors education since 2018 and was named a fellow of the National Collegiate Honors Council in 2024. 

A search for the next dean of the college will begin immediately.