NDSU Presidential Search committee narrows to top 10 candidates

The committee will select candidates for initial interviews this week.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The North Dakota State University Presidential Search Committee is meeting on Monday to review a list of the top 10 candidates and select finalists for the initial interview process. The committee will discuss interview topics and logistics, with the initial interviews scheduled for March 2 and 3. Semifinalist interviews are expected to happen in Minneapolis on March 9 and 10, and the finalists are scheduled to visit the NDSU campus the week of March 23.

Why it matters

The selection of NDSU's next president is a critical decision for the university and the state of North Dakota. The new president will be responsible for leading the institution through a period of potential change and challenges, making this a closely watched process.

The details

The NDSU Presidential Search Committee is meeting in executive session on Monday to review the top 10 candidates and determine which ones will move forward to the initial interview stage. This closed-door meeting will involve only committee members, staff assisting the search, North Dakota University System personnel, and legal counsel. The initial interviews are scheduled for March 2 and 3, with semifinalist interviews expected to take place in Minneapolis on March 9 and 10. The finalists will then visit the NDSU campus the week of March 23.

  • The NDSU Presidential Search Committee is meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • Initial interviews are scheduled for March 2 and 3, 2026.
  • Semifinalist interviews are expected to happen in Minneapolis on March 9 and 10, 2026.
  • The finalists are scheduled to visit the NDSU campus the week of March 23, 2026.

The players

NDSU Presidential Search Committee

The committee responsible for selecting the next president of North Dakota State University.

Rick Berg

The interim president of NDSU, who took over the role earlier this month after the previous president, David Cook, accepted a job as president of Iowa State University.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The selection of NDSU's next president is a critical decision for the university and the state of North Dakota, and the search committee is taking a methodical approach to ensure they find the right candidate to lead the institution through a period of potential change and challenges.