NDSU fills Honors College leadership role
Brown will work across the university to build meaningful collaborations that benefit students both within and beyond the Honors College.
James Brown, who has spent more than two decades building and leading organizations at the intersection of science, technology and ethics, has been named as the founding executive director of the Honors College, beginning Monday, Feb. 9.
In a campuswide email sent on Feb. 6, NDSU President David Cook outlined the expertise Brown brings to his new role, including a combination of academic, scientific and entrepreneurial leadership.
Most recently Brown co‑founded and serves as CEO of Agathos Biologics, a West Fargo–based biotechnology company focused on increasing access to life‑saving therapies while addressing ethical challenges in biomanufacturing. Earlier in his career, Brown held senior leadership roles at companies including Aldevron and REGENXBIO, where he helped scale operations, lead innovation and guide organizations through periods of rapid growth. Brown earned a doctorate in biophysical chemistry from Stanford University.
In addition to his industry experience, Brown has a strong commitment to education and mentorship. He has served as an adjunct professor, supervised and developed early‑career scientists, created internship programs and volunteered for many years as a Stanford undergraduate admissions interviewer. He currently serves on the board of the NDSU Research Foundation and has been an active member of the Fargo‑Moorhead community for the past decade.
Brown will report directly to Provost Shari Veil and will work across the university to build meaningful collaborations that benefit students both within and beyond the Honors College. He will work closely with Matthew Smith, who will continue in his role as Faculty Fellow, and with Lisa Montplaisir, who will assist with the development of the Honors College as part of her ongoing role as Project Implementation Faculty Fellow. Dean Kimberly Wallin will continue to provide support through the end of the semester.
In the coming months, additional support will be added through positions focused on recruitment, academic success, and student experience. As the team takes shape, work is underway to prepare for welcoming the first cohort of Honors College students this fall.