Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Award

Tim Flakoll
Provost, Tri-College University
North Dakota State University

Tim Flakoll, provost at Tri-College University, is the 2020-2022 recipient of the Phi Kappa Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Award. Flakoll received the award for his outstanding dedication to service extending beyond academia.

As an individual who has offered sustained professional and community service across his lifetime, Flakoll has been engaged in a wide range of activities related to academia but also an array of community activities. His lifelong pursuit in service to others range from his participation in the Boy Scouts to his statewide public service as Senator for 18 years, to tasks as simple as taking part in the Fargo flood sandbagging line.

“The Sylvester Service Award honors those who follow in the footsteps of the late Ray Sylvester in their selfless commitment to service to others, a key component of the Phi Kappa Phi mission. We are pleased to recognize Tim Flakoll for his long career of service to various communities and entities,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd.

In his 14 years as provost at TCU, Flakoll has carried out the mission, purpose and objective of the university while providing leadership and promoting higher education in the region. A recognized leader on and off campus, he has served as a guest lecturer for courses in education leadership, finance, curriculum and public policy. In 2016 Flakoll was awarded the North Dakota State University Doctor of Service Award, the highest honor one can receive at NDSU.

Off campus, Flakoll has held over 40 offices/positions with various community organizations, and his work has been recognized by the governor of North Dakota as well as receiving multiple service awards, with the most recent being the NDSU Blue Key Doctor of Service Award. His current service activities include the Fargo Downtown Community Partnership, Dakota Medical Foundation, and the Homeward Animal Shelter.

Flakoll received his M.S. from North Dakota State University in 1984.