On Nov. 6 1967 the historic Main Hall was dedicated to Bemidji State’s first president, Dr. Manfred W. Deputy
who served from 1919-1938. When it was built in 1919, the newly named Deputy Hall was the only building on campus and housed all academic classes, a library and an observational school for children.
Manfred W. Deputy was born near Vernon, Indiana on October 27, 1867. All of his education was completed in Indiana, including Southern Indiana Normal, Mitchell, Indiana University, Bloomington, and Columbia University. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy and psychology, along with a Master’s degree in education. From 1905 to 1919 he taught in Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri. Deputy moved to Bemidji in 1919 and started Bemidji State College. During Deputy’s presidency, peak enrollment was 537 during the summer session of school in 1924. During the Deputy era, the school had three main buildings: an academic building, a dormitory, and a heating plant. The academic building was the main building and is now known as Deputy Hall. Deputy made a point to have a personal connection with all the students on campus. He even helped students who were struggling financially by giving them money out of his own pocket. Additionally, Deputy and Mrs. Deputy invited students with limited income to dinner at his house on a regular basis. He served as president for 19 years until mandatory retirement. He passed away in Lake City, Iowa on March 13, 1947.
Deputy Hall is now home to the offices of the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment, the Vice President for Finance and Administration, and the Associate Vice President for Innovation and Extended Learning; administrative offices; Extended Learning; Office of Admissions and Scholarships; Office of Communications and Marketing; Records and Registration Office; International Program Center; Information Technology Services; Technical Support; Institutional Research and Effectiveness; Department of Integrated media; KBSU University television studio; KBSB and KDRS University radio stations.