NDSU Narrows President Search to 3 Finalists

Public interviews scheduled for candidates from Kansas State, University of Tennessee, and Utah State

Mar. 20, 2026 at 12:05am

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The North Dakota State University Presidential Search Committee has announced three finalists to become the 16th president of the university. Each finalist will have a public, on-campus interview this month where the community can ask them questions. The search committee will recommend a finalist to the State Board of Higher Education, who will make the final decision on March 30.

Why it matters

The selection of a new NDSU president is an important decision that will shape the future direction of the university and impact the Fargo community and the state of North Dakota. The public interview process allows for community engagement and input in choosing the next leader.

The details

The three finalists are: Dr. Marshall Stewart, executive vice president for external engagement at Kansas State University; Dr. Bernie Savarese, vice president for academic affairs, research and student success at University of Tennessee; and Dr. Alan Smith, the Emma Eccles Jones endowed dean and former interim president of Utah State University. Each finalist will have a public interview on March 23, 24, and 25 respectively at the Anishinaabe Theater on the NDSU campus.

  • The NDSU Presidential Search Committee announced the three finalists on March 20, 2026.
  • The public interviews for the finalists are scheduled for March 23, 24, and 25, 2026.
  • The search committee will recommend a finalist to the State Board of Higher Education during its meeting on March 27, 2026.
  • Final interviews with the State Board of Higher Education are set for March 30, 2026, with the board's decision announced the same day.

The players

Dr. Marshall Stewart

The executive vice president for external engagement at Kansas State University and a finalist for the NDSU president position.

Dr. Bernie Savarese

The vice president for academic affairs, research and student success at University of Tennessee and a finalist for the NDSU president position.

Dr. Alan Smith

The Emma Eccles Jones endowed dean and former interim president of Utah State University, and a finalist for the NDSU president position.

Kevin Black

The co-chair of the NDSU Presidential Search Committee.

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What they’re saying

“Selecting the next president of NDSU is an important responsibility, and broad participation helps ensure we identify a leader who understands the university's strengths and the needs of the state.”

— Kevin Black, Co-Chair, NDSU Presidential Search Committee

What’s next

The State Board of Higher Education will conduct final interviews with the three finalists on March 30, 2026 and announce their decision the same day.

The takeaway

The public interview process for the NDSU president finalists allows the Fargo community and North Dakota stakeholders to provide input on the selection of the university's next leader, who will play a crucial role in shaping the institution's future direction and impact.