Friends, colleagues, North Dakotans
It is an honor to serve as interim president of North Dakota State University. NDSU is a fabulous university with a deep tradition of excellence that is carried on by committed faculty members, an energetic cadre of current students, a broad and impressive group of alumni, and by a hard working and loyal staff. My role during this interim period will be to provide leadership to the university and carry the banner for the core values and traditions of NDSU during this important transition period. I am committed to an environment of transparency and collaboration as we move forward.
Under the leadership of President Joseph A. Chapman, NDSU posited seven core values: Land-grant, people, scholarship, teaching and learning, ethics, culture and accountability. From these values have emerged five primary themes which will form the basis of this interim period: It is about People, Students are Paramount, Programs, Leveraging Support, and Stature. During this interim period It's About People and Students are Paramount will be themes guiding our work together. These themes will form the base for this transition period. They embody the strengths that have been part of NDSU for decades. In addition, Leveraging Support, Programs and Stature are very important to the citizens of North Dakota. We will continue to work hard to bring opportunity in the form of people and businesses to the state, to contribute to a diverse and healthy economy. The good work of educating young people, developing the leaders of the future, contributing to the well being of the state, the nation and the world, will continue, and NDSU will thrive and prosper!
Transitions between presidents are challenging but normative periods in the life of a university. As soon as schedules can be worked out, I will meet with students, faculty and staff, as well as citizens and policy makers in order to become familiar with the issues requiring attention. Together we will move this institution forward.
Finally, when speaking of the future of this great land grant institution, we must be reminded what Abraham Lincoln said "Teams out perform individuals." As a Land Grant Research University the team of faculty, staff and students here at NDSU will continue to create a better future for all North Dakotans.
