Richard L. Torgerson was appointed the ninth president of Luther College in 1999, succeeding Jeffrey Baker. He and his wife Judith (Judy) led Luther through two eventful terms.

Torgerson oversaw several changes to the Luther campus, including the additions of Sampon Hoffland Laboratories, the Center for the Arts, Legends Fitness Center, the Aquatic Center, and the Bentdahl Commons. He lead initiatives to increase sustainability on campus, including the installation of the first solar energy field, the wind turbine, reconfiguring green spaces, and being a charter signatory of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Committment in 2007.

Torgerson also led the college through two strategic plans, three signifcant fundraising campaigns (Leadership for a New Century, A Higher Calling, and the Sesquicentennial Fund). He presided over Luther College's celebrated Sesquicentennial in 2011. He was awarded the Norwegian Order of Merit in 2013.

President Torgerson retired in 2013, but maintained and active interest in Luther College. In 2018, he and Judy established the Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies at Luther.