Bismarck State College Narrows Presidential Search to Four Finalists

Candidates Daniel Leingang, Brian Kalk, Gaby Hawat, and Rai Kathuria advance to final interviews with State Board of Higher Education.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Bismarck State College has narrowed its search for a new president down to four finalists who will advance to the final round of interviews with the State Board of Higher Education later this month. The four candidates are Daniel Leingang, Brian Kalk, Gaby Hawat, and Rai Kathuria.

Why it matters

The selection of a new president is a critical decision for Bismarck State College as it will set the strategic direction and leadership for the institution in the coming years. The college plays a vital role in the Bismarck community and North Dakota's higher education system.

The details

The four finalists were selected after a week of campus forums and interviews of six semifinalists. The search committee made the final decision to advance the four candidates to the next round of interviews during a closed-door session on Thursday.

  • The final round of interviews with the State Board of Higher Education will take place on March 31st at the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence.
  • The search committee announced the four finalists on March 6th, 2026.

The players

Daniel Leingang

One of the four finalists for the Bismarck State College presidency.

Brian Kalk

One of the four finalists for the Bismarck State College presidency.

Gaby Hawat

One of the four finalists for the Bismarck State College presidency.

Rai Kathuria

One of the four finalists for the Bismarck State College presidency.

State Board of Higher Education

The governing body that will conduct the final interviews and select the next president of Bismarck State College.

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What’s next

The State Board of Higher Education will interview the four finalists for the Bismarck State College presidency on March 31st at the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence. The board is expected to make a final decision on the next president shortly after the interviews.

The takeaway

The selection of the next president of Bismarck State College is a critical decision that will shape the future direction of the institution. The four finalists represent a diverse pool of candidates who will be thoroughly evaluated by the State Board of Higher Education before a final decision is made.