01 Mar Progress continues in search for next Williston State College president
BISMARCK, N.D. – Progress is being made in the search for a new president to lead Williston State College. AGB Search, the consultants who are assisting with the search at Williston State, met with several constituents, including faculty, staff, and alumni and community members, in listening sessions last fall. The data gathered was used to develop a profile for what qualities constituents would like to see in the next president. AGB has used the profile to gather interested applicants for the president position.
Twenty-nine candidates met qualifications and were forwarded to the Presidential Search Committee for their initial review. The committee met in executive session on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, to discuss candidates. After thorough discussion and analysis, 11 candidates were identified and have been offered an opportunity for a virtual interview March 15-16.
“Our committee was impressed with the admirable backgrounds and myriad of experiences that the candidates displayed in their application materials,” said WSC’s Presidential Search Committee Co-Chair Kathleen Neset. “We are excited to proceed to the next stage of virtual interviews to delve into which applicants will be the best fit to bring to Williston’s campus to speak with the campus community and meet our students, staff and faculty. Through these visits and conversations with the community on and off campus, the committee is confident that we will find the leader best suited for Williston State.”
Once the virtual interviews are complete, the search committee will determine which candidates will be invited to participate in on-campus interviews and to meet the Williston State campus community. Once interviews have concluded, the Presidential Search Committee will convene to discuss the finalists and forward three or more names to the State Board of Higher Education for their review and consideration at the April 29, 2021, SBHE meeting taking place on the Williston State College campus. The Board is ultimately responsible for appointment of institution presidents within the North Dakota University System, as outlined in SBHE policy 601.1.
The new WSC president will succeed Dr. John Miller, who is scheduled to retire June 2021.
Co-chairing the WSC Presidential Search Committee are Kathleen Neset, State Board of Higher Education member, and Kim Wray, WSC vice president for academic affairs and instruction.