14 Apr Leingang appointed as interim president of Bismarck State College
BISMARCK, N.D. – The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) appointed Dr. Dan Leingang as interim president of Bismarck State College (BSC) beginning April 30, 2025, after the selection of Brent Sanford as interim North Dakota University System (NDUS) chancellor. Sanford had been serving as interim president of BSC since early January 2025.
SBHE Chair Tim Mihalick said, “Dr. Leingang has many years of institutional knowledge and experience at BSC and will ensure a smooth transition of leadership. As North Dakota’s polytechnic institution, the institution continues to serve students, staff, and faculty as a nexus for workforce needs in North Dakota.”
Leingang has served in faculty and leadership roles at BSC since 2000. He joined the campus as an assistant professor of mathematics and also served as department chair. He was appointed dean of academic affairs in 2014 and later dean of humanities, arts, and sciences. He held that position until he was named vice president for academic affairs in 2017. In January 2025, Leingang served as acting BSC president until the SBHE appointed Sanford to serve as interim president of BSC.
“As a longtime member of the Bismarck State College community, I am honored to embrace this opportunity and will do my utmost to serve BSC with dedication and care in this role,” Leingang said.
Leingang was born and raised in Mandan, N.D. Leingang has a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. He holds a Master of Science in mathematics and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership (Higher Education emphasis) from the University of North Dakota. Dr. Leingang currently serves on the Gateway to Science Advisory Board, the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC Economic Development Committee and the Mandan Public Schools Foundation for Education. He has previously held positions on the Mandan School Board and Concordia College National Alumni Board and was an appointed member of the North Dakota Governor’s Workforce Development Council.
An announcement regarding the appointment of an interim to fill the vice president for academic affairs position left open by Dr. Leingang will be made soon.