Organized in 1990, the system includes two research universities, four regional universities and five community colleges.
The mission of the State Board of Higher Education is to enhance the quality of life for all those we serve and the economic and social vitality of North Dakota through the discovery, sharing and application of knowledge.
Leaders from all backgrounds are discussing the future of higher education and its role in the workforce through subgroups that will culminate in Envision 2035. The subgroups are made up of industry, higher education, and workforce leaders to gain insight on what higher education should focus on in the next decade and how to best serve students, employers and the overarching technological shift of society. As work progresses, updates and suggestions will be brought forward.
“The State Board of Higher Education and the North Dakota University System are committed to providing a high-quality and cost-effective education to meet the workforce demands of the future. Our focus is on student success, affordability and accessibility to programs, certificates, and apprenticeships that students need for their chosen career path.”
– Tim Mihalick, chairman of the State Board of Higher Education
North Dakota resident students pursing professional degrees in optometry, dentistry or veterinary medicine have the opportunity to attend out-of-state programs and receive funding through North Dakota’s Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP). Completed applications must be received at the North Dakota University System (NDUS) prior to...
BOULDER, COLORADO — Brent Sanford, a higher education leader and former lieutenant governor of North Dakota, has been appointed as a Commissioner to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE is a regional interstate compact serving the higher education and workforce needs of...
Three new members were welcomed to the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) during its June 26 meeting at Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, North Dakota. Members Pat Sogard, of Williston; and Levi Bachmeier, of West Fargo; begin their four-year terms...
DEVILS LAKE, N.D. – The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) honored outgoing Lake Region State College (LRSC) President Doug Darling at an informal gathering on campus on June 25, 2025. At the SBHE meeting, he was also bestowed with President Emeritus status in recognition...
Electing new leadership and filling a presidential vacancy topped the agenda for the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education’s May 29 meeting at Bismarck State College. The Board began its business by amending incoming Dickinson State University President Scott Molander’s contract to allow him...
BISMARCK, N.D. – The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) appointed Dr. Carmen Simone as interim president of Lake Region State College (LRSC) beginning July 1, 2025, after current President Doug Darling retires at the end of June. “I join the entire Lake Region campus...
Statement on the passing of Rep. Cynthia “Cindy” Schreiber-Beck from the North Dakota University System (NDUS) and the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE): “We are saddened to learn about the passing of Representative Cynthia “Cindy” Schreiber-Beck, who devoted herself to making North Dakota a...
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...
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...
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...
By the numbers
