Dean Elliott Frost

After nearly two years of “cancering” with courage and grace, Dean Frost passed away peacefully on March 6th with family at home in St. Paul, Minnesota.

With a huge heart and generous spirit, Dean was deeply devoted to his family – his wife Kathryn Engdahl, daughter Safiya Smith and her partner Sidney Newman, and beloved grandchildren Santiana Smith and Julian Newman.

Dean was a beloved member of his Frost family. He was a reliable source of support to both parents and siblings. Dean was born in 1954 in Minot, North Dakota and raised in the Pacific Northwest by Beulah “Vicki” Frost and Duaine Frost (both deceased). His siblings include his older brother David Frost (Louise), and children Kathleen, (daughter Vianne) and Karen; his older sister Nancy Frost Adams (Dick, deceased) and children Nelson (Sarah, and sons Ben, Eric and Tim) and Thurston (Perrine, and daughter Alice and son Charlie); his younger brother Tim Frost (Diane), and children Alex, Victoria (Ben) and William.

Dean was an educator to his core. He was a passionate learner, teacher and mentor – whether it be in service to university students or helping his grandchildren with homework or engaging with them and their cousins and friends in many lake activities at the cabin – including teaching them to fish and tubing behind the boat.

Dean was a proud graduate of Reed College, earning his PhD in Psychology at the University of Washington. He served as a Professor at University of Virginia, Duquesne University, Portland State University and for the last 17 years at Bemidji State University, where he was a proud and active member of the faculty union, Inter Faculty Organization.

Over the course of his career – research, consulting, teaching and writings – Dean’s interest evolved from a focus on individual leadership within organizations to understanding group dynamics and how groups function in organizations. As a professor, Dean embraced and integrated technological developments such as AI into curriculum – teaching skills for navigating them critically. During the past three years, Dean has published three editions of the textbook Strategic Management: Analysis and Skills in a High-Tech Business Environment, as well as the book Achieving Success as a 21st Century Manager.

As a professor at Bemidji State University, Dean was among the most respected senior faculty members, sharing his deep knowledge and wisdom to mentor junior faculty, as well as his knowledge about the IFO contract and union principles. His students regard him as not only brilliant and knowledgeable but also deeply dedicated – a responsible and compassionate mentor who remained consistent in his guidance.

A Celebration of Dean’s Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 17th, at the American Swedish Institute (Larson Hall), 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to contribute to: Love First (www.lovefirsttc.org/donate), American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org/donate), or your chosen charity.