NDSU Presidential Search Narrows to Three Finalists
The search for the 16th president of North Dakota State University (NDSU) has been narrowed to three candidates: Dr. Marshall Stewart, Dr. Bernie Savarese, and Dr. Alan Smith. The finalists will each present their vision for the university to the public next week, with a final decision expected by March 30th.
Meet the Finalists
The three candidates bring diverse experience and backgrounds to the selection process:
- Dr. Marshall Stewart, currently the executive vice president for external engagement at Kansas State University, will present on Monday, March 23rd, at 2 p.m.
- Dr. Bernie Savarese, vice president for academic affairs, research and student success at the University of Tennessee, will present on Tuesday, March 24th, at 2 p.m.
- Dr. Alan Smith, dean and professor of kinesiology and health science and former interim president at Utah State University, will present on Wednesday, March 25th, at 2 p.m.
Public Presentations and Interviews
Each candidate’s 20-minute presentation will be held in the Anishinaabe Theater of the Memorial Union and will also be available via video on Zoom. Following each presentation, a meet-and-greet session will be held. The search committee will recommend candidates to the State Board of Higher Education on Friday, March 27th. The State Board of Higher Education will conduct final interviews on the NDSU campus on March 30th, with the announcement of the new president expected the same day.
Transition and Timeline
The new president is expected to grab office in June, succeeding Rick Berg, who has been serving as interim president following the departure of David Cook to Iowa State University. The search process began with a nationwide pool of over 60 applicants.
Bismarck State College Presidential Search
In addition to the NDSU search, Bismarck State College is also in the final stages of selecting a new president. Four finalists – Gaby Hawat, Brian Kalk, Rai Kathuria, and Dan Leingang – are scheduled for interviews with the State Board of Higher Education on March 31st.