The search for the 16th President of North Dakota State University is being led by the State Board of Higher Education with support from a committee of campus and community representatives. Finalists will visit NDSU for a series of meetings and a public presentation designed to give students, faculty, staff and community members the opportunity to engage directly with each finalist.

Welcome NDSU’s New President

Public Introduction of NDSU’s 16th President

Following the State Board of Higher Education’s meeting to select the 16th President of NDSU, we’ll gather to celebrate the introduction of our new president. The event will begin with a brief program, followed by a meet-and-greet with the President and First Lady.

When: Monday, March 30 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Where: Memorial Union Oceti Sakowin Ballroom A or Zoom

panoramic image of bison statue on campus

Presidential Finalists

Stewart headshot

Dr. Marshall Stewart

Executive Vice President for External Engagement
Kansas State University

Public presentation:
Monday, March 23, 2 p.m. at Memorial Union Anishinaabe Theater
Dr. Stewart’s feedback form closed at noon CST on March 24.

Savarese headshot

Dr. Bernie Savarese

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Research and Student Success
University of Tennessee

Public presentation:
Tuesday, March 24, 2 p.m. at Memorial Union Anishinaabe Theater
Dr. Savarese’s feedback form closed at noon CST on March 25.

Smith headshot

Dr. Alan Smith

Emma Eccles Jones Endowed Dean and Tenured Professor of Kinesiology and Health Science and Former Interim President
Utah State University

Public presentation:
Wednesday, March 25, 2 p.m. at Memorial Union Anishinaabe Theater
Dr. Smith’s feedback form closed at noon CST on March 26.

Presidential Search Overview

The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education is leading the search for the next president of North Dakota State University. An 18-member search committee was appointed to identify finalists for the Board’s consideration.

The committee is co-chaired by SBHE Chair Kevin Black and NDSU Chief of Staff Jace Beehler.

In addition to the search chairs, committee members include:

  • Kathryn Birkeland, Ronald G. and Kaye S. Olson Dean of the College of Business
  • Michael Chambers, Founding CEO and Executive Chairman, Aldevron
  • Lynette Flage, Associate Director, NDSU Extension
  • John Glover, President and CEO, NDSU Foundation
  • Jenny Hopkins, Managing Partner, Crescendo Capital Partners
  • Sarah Kruse, Biology and Statistics Undergraduate Student, NDSU
  • Tiffany Lawrence, President and CEO, Sanford Health Fargo
  • Lisa Montplaisir, Professor of Biological Sciences and Faculty Senate President, NDSU
  • Ron Ness, President, North Dakota Petroleum Council
  • Keith Peltier, President and General Manager, Proseed Inc.
  • Kaley Quam, Pharmacy Graduate Student, NDSU
  • Shiloh Susag, Assistant Director of Grant and Contract Accounting, NDSU
  • Chad Ulven, University Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering, NDSU
  • Lori Witt, Operations Manager, NDSU College of Health and Human Sciences
  • Ex-officio: Brent Sanford, Commissioner, North Dakota University System
  • Ex-officio: Matt Larsen, Director of Athletics, NDSU

North Dakota State University names Marshall Stewart as 16th president
NDSU, Mar. 30, 2026

Public introduction of NDSU’s 16th president set for March 30
NDSU, Mar. 26, 2026

Presidential candidate Alan Smith visits NDSU
NDSU, Mar. 25, 2026

Presidential candidate Bernie Savarese visits NDSU
NDSU, Mar. 24, 2026

Presidential candidate Marshall Stewart visits NDSU
NDSU, Mar. 23, 2026

NDSU presidential finalists and public presentation schedule announced
NDSU, Mar. 19, 2026

NDSU begins search for new president
NDSU, Dec. 22, 2025

Help shape the future: share your input on presidential priorities
NDSU, Dec. 5, 2025

NDSU presidential search committee selected
NDUS, Nov. 25, 2025

NDUS announces the co-chairs of NDSU’s presidential search committee
NDUS, Nov. 17, 2025

Dec. 19

Search is launched
Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. Applications required for full consideration
Mar. 2-3 First-round virtual interviews
Mar. 9-10 Semi-finalist in-person interviews
Mar. 23-25 Finalist campus visits
Mar. 30 Interview with State Board of Higher Education and selection
Summer 2026 NDSU's 16th President assumes office

View the State Board of Higher Education’s full meeting schedule and meeting resources, including agendas, minutes and streaming links.

Academic Search is assisting NDSU and the Presidential Search Committee in this search. Applications and nominations may be sent in confidence to NDSUPresident@academicsearch.org.

Applications should consist of a substantive cover letter, a curriculum vitae and a list of five professional references with full contact information. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. The search will remain open until the position is filled, but only applications received by February 16, 2026, can be assured full consideration.

Confidential discussions about this opportunity are encouraged and may be arranged by contacting Jay Lemons, Lisa Ryan or Jennifer Kooken.

Have questions or other inquiries about the presidential search?

Email NDSUPresident@academicsearch.org.

Campus, Community & Impact

Join a university on the rise, in a state that embraces innovation, and a city built for entrepreneurship and technology. NDSU invites visionary leaders to help shape the next chapter of its impact and success.

students earning their diplomas at commencement

Year End

Our year-end recap highlights the people and purpose driving NDSU forward. Together, our hard work and achievements illustrate a university that is strong, focused and ready for its next chapter. NDSU offers an exceptional opportunity for a new president to lead with vision, stewardship and impact.