BISMARCK – Two North Dakota universities are in the beginning stages of finding their next leaders.
At Valley City State and NDSU, those searches got a big boost Monday when N.D. University System Commissioner Brent Sanford announced each university’s co-chairs of the respective search committee.
NDSU Chief of Staff Jace Beehler and State Board of Higher Education Chair Kevin Black will lead the search committee, which was formed after it was announced that President David Cook will leave to take the presidency at his alma mater, Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, on March 1.
“Black and Beehler bring exceptional leadership experience and a deep investment in NDSU’s success,” said NDUS Commissioner Brent Sanford. “As co-chairs, they will guide the committee in identifying and recommending candidates who will continue NDSU’s strong tradition as a student-focused, land-grant research university dedicated to serving the people of North Dakota through education, innovation, and outreach.”
At Valley City State, State Board of Higher Education Vice Chair D.J. Campbell and VCSU Vice President for Business Affairs Erica Buchholz will serve as co-chairs of the search process.
“Campbell brings significant expertise in talent identification and recruitment, while Buchholz offers substantial insight into VCSU’s operations and priorities,” said Sanford. “Their leadership will be instrumental as the committee evaluates candidates to carry VCSU’s mission into the future.”
They’ll search for the replacement for President Alan LaFave, who will leave Valley City to take the presidency at his alma mater, Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D., on January 1.
