NDSU Hosts First Presidential Finalist

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North Dakota State University is hosting the first of three finalists for its next university president. Dr. Marshall Stewart, executive vice president for external engagement at Kansas State University, is visiting the Fargo campus today to meet with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders.

Why it matters

The selection of a new university president is a critical decision that will shape the future direction and priorities of NDSU, one of North Dakota's largest public universities. The public events allow the campus community to engage with the finalists and provide feedback to the search committee.

The details

During his visit, Dr. Stewart will give a 20-minute presentation and take questions from the audience at a 2 p.m. public event in the Anishinaabe Theater. This will be followed by a 30-minute meet and greet. The other two finalists, Dr. Bernie Savarese from the University of Tennessee and Dr. Alan Smith from Utah State University, will visit campus on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

• Dr. Marshall Stewart is visiting the NDSU campus today, March 23, 2026.
• Dr. Bernie Savarese will visit the NDSU campus tomorrow, March 24, 2026.
• Dr. Alan Smith will visit the NDSU campus on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

What’s next

The NDSU search committee will gather feedback from the campus community on the three finalists and make a recommendation to the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education, who will make the final decision on the next university president.