News from the System Office

The search committee appointed by the State Board of Higher Education to identify the next permanent president of Valley City State University (VCSU) has suspended the current presidential search process. The decision was made by the search committee following the recent withdrawal of multiple semi‑finalist candidates who accepted other professional opportunities prior to on‑campus visits.  “The State […]

More than 80 faculty, staff and students from across the North Dakota postsecondary institutions gathered at the North Dakota Heritage Center on April 9 for the annual ND OER Conference, a day dedicated to expanding access, reducing costs and strengthening collaboration around Open Educational Resources (OER). “This year’s theme, ‘Growing Access, Growing Opportunity,’ reflected ongoing […]

The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) has selected Dr. Brian Kalk as the 8th president of Bismarck State College (BSC). Kalk will assume the role April 13, 2026. “With Brian Kalk chosen to lead Bismarck State College, the institution is poised to strengthen its role as North Dakota’s polytechnic,” said SBHE Chair Kevin Black. […]

North Dakota State University has named Dr. Marshall Stewart as its 16th president, following selection by the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. Stewart will assume the role on May 28, succeeding Interim President Rick Berg. Stewart currently serves as executive vice president for external engagement and chief of staff at Kansas State University, […]

by Dr. Jennifer Weber Sometimes the most effective solution is not adding another layer of complexity, but knowing when to stop. Most of us in Institutional Research didn’t set out to become data architects. We just needed better answers. Over time, the tools got more powerful, and so did our expectations. What started in spreadsheets […]