By Natalie Mckenna

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (UJ) – Tena Lawrence, MA, Executive Vice President at University of Jamestown, was named in Prairie Business magazine’s annual “Top 25 Women in Business,” a list that honors some of the region’s most successful and noteworthy business women.

Awardees were selected based on their impressive accomplishments, community involvement, and work histories.

Lawrence, a Jamestown native, started her career in banking, serving 25 years at Unison Bank (formerly Stutsman County State Bank). Lawrence then transitioned to University of Jamestown, accepting a role as the Director of Development. From there, she became the Dean of Enrollment, then the VP of Public Relations and Marketing, and now, Executive Vice President. In her current role, Lawrence is responsible for the oversight of University finances and strategic plan implementation.

“Tena is one of the most talented people I have ever had the joy of working with. She has had several positions of leadership at the University of Jamestown due to her diverse set of skills and her continuous desire to learn and serve others,” said Dr. Polly Peterson, President of UJ. “Tena is a very special talent, and I am so excited for her to have received this honor and recognition.”

When not working at the University, Lawrence has donated much of her experience and expertise to local non-profits. She has served on Jamestown Dollars for Scholars as an officer, ND Dollars for Scholars Board as President, Safe Shelter Board as President, the Safe Shelter Capital Campaign Committee Chair, on the Trinity Lutheran Church Capital Campaign committee and the South Central Dakota Regional Council Board. Currently, she serves on the Jamestown Tourism Board as Vice President.

Lawrence earned her Master of Arts in Leadership from University of Jamestown in 2017 and her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, History/Political-Science, and Secondary Education from University of Jamestown in 1981.

She will be profiled among the “Top 25 Women in Business” in the March issue of Prairie Business magazine.