07 Mar DSU presidential finalists invited to interview with State Board of Higher Education
Bismarck, N.D. — The Dickinson State University (DSU) Presidential Search Committee has advanced five finalists for consideration as the next president of DSU. The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) will interview these candidates in person on Thursday, March 27, on the DSU campus before selecting the next president of DSU.
“The Board is being presented with a strong slate of finalists, and each offers unique leadership skills that will serve the DSU community well into the future,” said Danita Bye, State Board of Higher Education vice chair and co-chair of the DSU Presidential Search Committee. She added that the search committee carefully considered broad stakeholder feedback in determining the list of finalists.
“We’re excited to bring these talented leaders to campus for their final public interviews, knowing they each have become acquainted with DSU and the people that make our institution unique. I am confident that the future of DSU will be in good hands with these finalists,” said Ty Orton, DSU acting president and co-chair of the DSU Presidential Search Committee with Bye.
Both said the finalists have a broad range of experiences from institutions around the country and have held high-level leadership positions that will help propel DSU and its dual mission focus well into the future.
The finalists (in alphabetical order by last name) are:
Dr. Jeff D. Borden
Dean, School of Leadership Studies
Gonzaga University
Mr. Scott Molander
Managing Partner
Garage Living & SKINS Compression
Dr. Carmen Simone
Campus Dean and CEO
Dakota College at Bottineau
Dr. James Taylor
Vice President for Statewide Campuses
Utah State University
Dr. Jodi Washington
Executive Director, Student Services Initiatives
Broward County Public Schools
The Presidential Search Committee was charged by the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) to evaluate candidates for the DSU presidency. Fifty-four candidates applied for the position. Semifinalists were interviewed virtually by the Search Committee March 3 – 6. Following those interviews, the search committee selected 5 finalists.
The DSU in-person campus visits are scheduled for the week of March 17 – 21. The candidates will meet with students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and campus and community leaders, who will be able to provide the Search Committee with feedback on each candidate. It is anticipated that the new DSU president will assume office in July 2025. For additional details on the presidential search and the upcoming schedule for the campus visits, please visit dickinsonstate.edu/presidentialsearch.