12 May SBHE welcomes Sanford as interim chancellor
The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) welcomed interim chancellor Brent Sanford to his new position during their April 30 meeting. Sanford officially started his new role on the day of the meeting. Dr. Mark Hagerott, former North Dakota University System chancellor, announced his retirement earlier in the month. His last day was April 29, 2025.
Sanford, former North Dakota lieutenant governor, has been serving as interim president at Bismarck State College (BSC) since Jan. 9, 2025.
“We’re happy to have you and look forward to working with you, moving into the future,” said SBHE Chair Tim Mihalick. “As you well know, there’s lots going on and lots to learn.”
The Board later approved nominees for the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE), who were introduced by Greg Lardy, vice president for agriculture at North Dakota State University (NDSU).
The Board is authorized to appoint members who are nominated by the N.D. Ag Coalition (five board members) and the geographic areas represented by NDSU Extension’s multicounty program units (five board members). The SBARE is responsible for budgeting and policy making associated with the N.D. Agricultural Experiment Station and NDSU Extension.
The two nominees were Mr. Scott Huso, a farmer from Aneta, North Dakota, and Mr. Jason Schmidt, a rancher from Medina, North Dakota. Both were appointed to 4-year terms.
The SBHE meeting began with a statement from Chair Mihalick on behalf of the Board regarding the criminal investigation of former North Dakota Sen. Ray Holmberg.
The statement read: Over the weekend, records were released to the media from the Ray Holmberg investigation. The State Board of Higher Education learned, at the same time as the public, that individuals previously affiliated with our institutions or board, may have had a connection to the criminal investigation of former Senator Holmberg. Immediately upon learning of this information, the SBHE, in conjunction with our institutional leaders, began an internal review of records to determine if there were any violations of policy or law or a failure to report misconduct. We intend to be proactive and diligent, and the scope of our internal review will be comprehensive. This will take time, but we will be transparent with any findings that may result from the internal review. Our number one priority is the safety of our campus communities. We encourage anyone who has information pertaining to misconduct or a failure to report misconduct perpetrated by a SBHE member or NDUS employee, to make a report to an institution’s Title IX office, or the NDUS Office of Compliance and Ethics.
University of North Dakota President Andrew Armacost also provided a statement during the meeting.
Committee Reports
Member Kevin Black reported for the Budget and Finance Committee. He said the group has scheduled a special meeting to discuss financial reporting from NDUS. The committee will review current reports to determine what could be done better or differently with financial reporting and will report its findings back to the full Board.
Member Maxwell Eriksrud reported for the North Dakota Student Association (NDSA). The group discussed new leadership, including its new executive team and three members being interviewed by Gov. Kelly Armstrong for the SBHE. Eriksrud expects there will be an announcement about the SBHE selection after legislative session.
Dr. Lisa Montplaisir reported on the Council of College Faculties. The group had elections for its officers and continued to discuss amendments made in SB 2003, which is the NDUS budget bill, regarding tenure and academic freedom.
For the Staff Senate, Member Michael Linnell said the group discussed transitions on campuses, including new presidents and the new chancellor.
The Board heard first readings for Policies 902.11 (Fire and Tornado Coverage) and 902.12 (Building Names). Second readings were heard for Policies 401.1 (Academic Freedom), 308.1 (Officer and Employee Code of Conduct) and 308.4 (Conflict of Interest). All policies were approved.
No public comments were made.
The next SBHE meeting will be May 29, 2025.