About President Marshall Stewart

Marshall Stewart will begin serving as the 16th president of North Dakota State University on May 26, 2026, bringing more than three decades of leadership experience across public, land‑grant and research universities. A nationally recognized higher education leader, Stewart has built his career around strengthening the land‑grant mission, advancing student success and building trust through meaningful engagement with communities, policymakers and partners.

Prior to joining NDSU, Stewart served as executive vice president for external engagement and chief of staff at Kansas State University, where he led the university’s engagement, government relations, Extension, communications and economic development efforts. In that role, he worked closely with the president and senior leadership to guide institution‑wide strategy, oversee key initiatives and strengthen K‑State’s visibility and impact. His leadership contributed to growth in enrollment, research activity and public investment, while reinforcing the university’s role as a next‑generation land‑grant institution.

Stewart previously held senior leadership roles with the University of Missouri System and the University of Missouri–Columbia, where he served as chief engagement officer and vice chancellor for extension and engagement. Earlier in his career, Stewart served in a variety of academic and administrative leadership positions at North Carolina State University, including department head, associate director of Cooperative Extension and state agricultural education coordinator.

Stewart began his professional career as a high school agriculture teacher, an experience that continues to shape his leadership philosophy and commitment to students. His work has been guided by a focus on service, collaboration and creating opportunity through education. He is known for his ability to bring people together, navigate complex challenges and advance institutions through shared purpose and accountability.

Stewart holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agricultural education and a doctorate in education, all from North Carolina State University. He is a professor of communications and agricultural education. He and his wife, Jan, have a son and daughter‑in‑law. They enjoy spending time together as a family, being outdoors and traveling.