UND EERC's Brian Kalk Named Presidential Semi-Finalist at Bismarck State

Kalk, Chief Research Officer at UND's Energy and Environmental Research Center, is one of six candidates invited for in-person visits.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Brian Kalk, the Chief Research Officer at the University of North Dakota's Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC), has been named a semi-finalist for the presidency of Bismarck State College. Kalk, who has been with the EERC since 2023, is one of six candidates invited to the Bismarck campus for in-person interviews and a community forum on March 3.

Why it matters

The selection of the next president of Bismarck State College is an important decision that will shape the future direction of the institution. Kalk's candidacy reflects his experience and expertise in the energy and environmental research field, which could be valuable assets for the college.

The details

The Bismarck State College Presidential Search Committee received a total of 51 applications for the position. After an initial round of interviews, the committee narrowed the field down to the top six semi-finalists, including Kalk. The in-person visits and community forums will allow the committee and the broader campus community to further evaluate the candidates.

  • The community forum featuring Brian Kalk will be held on Tuesday, March 3, at 4 p.m.
  • The Bismarck State College Presidential Search Committee conducted initial interviews with 11 candidates.

The players

Brian Kalk

The Chief Research Officer at the University of North Dakota's Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) and a semi-finalist for the presidency of Bismarck State College.

Bismarck State College

A public college located in Bismarck, North Dakota, that is currently searching for a new president.

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What’s next

The Bismarck State College Presidential Search Committee will hold in-person visits and community forums with the six semi-finalists, including Brian Kalk, over the next few weeks to further evaluate the candidates.

The takeaway

Brian Kalk's candidacy for the Bismarck State College presidency highlights his expertise in energy and environmental research, which could be valuable for the college as it looks to the future. The selection process will involve input from the campus community, underscoring the importance of this decision for the institution.