In Memoriam: Donna Jean Terbizan, 1953-2023

Donna J. Terbizan, professor emerita in the department of health, nutrition, and exercise sciences at North Dakota State University, died on January 11 from complications following a triple heart valve replacement surgery at Abbot Northwest Hospital in Minneapolis. She was 69 years old.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Terbizan earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and physical education from Cleveland State University. She went on to earn a master’s degree in in physical education/exercise physiology and a Ph.D. in exercise physiology at Ohio State University.

Dr. Terbizan joined the faculty at North Dakota State University in 1982 and taught there for 40 years. In addition to teaching, she was chair of the University Senate Academic Affairs Committee, vice chair of the Institutional Review Board, served on the Graduate Council, and was president of the University Senate.

Kelsey Slater, an assistant professor in the department of health, nutrition, and exercise sciences at North Dakota State University, told WIAReport that Dr. Terbizan “impacted so many people in the university community. I was lucky to receive her mentorship during my first semester as a faculty member. We at NDSU can only hope to carry on her work as great teachers, mentors, and researchers for years to come.”