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BISMARCK, ND - North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) is pleased to announce that Board Chair Dr. Shawn Oban has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA), a professional association of the nation's 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies.
Dr. Oban's appointment follows a rigorous national nomination process, culminating at the 2024 NASAA Assembly. He will serve a two-year term through 2026, with the potential to serve an additional three-year term.
“Dr. Oban brings a deep understanding of how the arts impact communities at every level—from classrooms to city commissions,” said NDCA Executive Director Jessica Christy. “His perspective will be a valuable asset to NASAA’s mission of advancing the arts across the nation. We are proud to see his experience recognized and confident he will be a strong representative of North Dakota’s vibrant arts community.”
The NASAA Board currently consists of a five-person executive committee, seventeen directors, and one at-large member, each representing different states and arts organizations located across the nation. Visit NASAA's Board of Directors webpage for more information about current members and their roles.
“The arts have shaped who I am—as a musician, educator, and community leader,” said Dr. Oban. “Serving on NASAA’s board is a chance to give back and advocate for the role the arts play in improving lives across the country. At this critical time in our nation, the arts are more essential than ever—bringing people together, fostering understanding, and inspiring the innovation and resilience our communities need.”
"The 2025 NASAA board represents dynamic and dedicated leadership from our field and allied sectors," said NASAA Chair Donna Collins of Ohio. "I am excited to work with these outstanding leaders as we advance NASAA's mission to strengthen state arts agencies and continue to advocate for the value of arts and creativity across all communities."
Biography:
Serving on the North Dakota Council on the Arts board since 2020, Dr. Shawn Oban is a seasoned educator, administrator, and musician with extensive experience in Bismarck Public Schools, including roles as a principal and district fine arts coordinator. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Dakota, where he focused his research on the impact of music on children in poverty—reflecting his lifelong passion for music and the arts.
An accomplished musician, Dr. Oban has performed extensively in bands and solo acoustic shows. Beyond education, he served on the Bismarck City Commission, contributing to community arts and culture initiatives. His achievements, including the Golden Apple Award and "40 under 40" by The Bismarck Tribune, underscore his dedication to education, music, and community enrichment across North Dakota.
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Founded in 1968, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. In collaboration with the nation's 56 state and jurisdictional arts councils, it advances the arts as a powerful path to economic prosperity, rural resilience, good health, education success, and strong communities in which everyone thrives. NASAA serves as a clearinghouse for data and research about public funding for the arts as well as the policies and programs of state arts agencies. Visit NASAA's website for more information about the organization, including the work of state arts agencies.
North Dakota Council on the Arts is the state agency responsible for the support, development, and preservation of the arts throughout North Dakota and is funded by the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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For More Information Contact:
Rhea Beto | 701.328.7594 | rbeto@nd.gov
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