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NDSU Welcomes Second Presidential Finalist to Campus
Dr. Bernie Savarese, VP of Academic Affairs at University of Tennessee, is the second of three finalists
Mar. 24, 2026 at 7:51pm
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North Dakota State University is hosting the second of three finalists for the university's presidency. Dr. Bernie Savarese, currently the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Research and Student Success at the University of Tennessee, is on campus today to meet with students, faculty, staff and community members, including a public presentation at 2 p.m.
Why it matters
The selection of a new university president is a critical decision that will shape the future direction and priorities of NDSU. As one of the largest public universities in the state, the next president will play a key role in North Dakota's higher education landscape.
The details
Dr. Savarese will attend a series of meetings and a public presentation where he will have the opportunity to engage directly with the NDSU community. This is the second of three finalists being considered for the position, following Dr. Marshall Stewart from Kansas State University on Monday, and ahead of Dr. Alan Smith from Utah State University on Wednesday.
- Dr. Savarese is on campus today, March 24, 2026.
- Dr. Marshall Stewart visited campus on Monday, March 22, 2026.
- Dr. Alan Smith will visit campus on Wednesday, March 26, 2026.
The players
Dr. Bernie Savarese
The current Vice President for Academic Affairs, Research and Student Success at the University of Tennessee, and one of three finalists for the NDSU presidency.
Dr. Marshall Stewart
The Executive Vice President for External Engagement at Kansas State University, and one of three finalists for the NDSU presidency.
Dr. Alan Smith
The Emma Eccles Jones Endowed Dean and Tenured Professor of Kinesiology and Health Science, and Former Interim President at Utah State University, and one of three finalists for the NDSU presidency.
What’s next
The NDSU community will have the opportunity to provide feedback on all three finalists, and the university's Board of Trustees will make a final decision on the next president in the coming weeks.
The takeaway
The selection of NDSU's next president is a crucial decision that will shape the university's future. The three finalists bring diverse backgrounds and experience, and the campus community's engagement in the process is essential to ensuring the best fit for the institution.
