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NDSU President Candidate Shares Vision for Continuing University's Success
Dr. Bernie Savarese, finalist for NDSU president, outlines plans to build on research strengths and improve student retention.
Mar. 25, 2026 at 1:20am
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Dr. Bernie Savarese, a finalist for the presidency of North Dakota State University (NDSU), has shared his excitement about the university's potential as a land-grant, research-focused institution. Savarese, who currently serves as the University of Tennessee's vice president for academic affairs, research and student success, highlighted NDSU's strengths in areas like agriculture, agtech, material sciences, biomedical research, and rural health, and expressed a desire to 'double down' on those strengths while also expanding into new areas of need. Savarese also spoke about his plans to improve NDSU's 78% student retention rate and create better pathways for working learners.
Why it matters
As one of the 52 four-year universities in the U.S. with a land-grant, research-one designation, NDSU plays a crucial role in delivering real-world solutions and driving innovation in North Dakota and the surrounding region. The selection of the next NDSU president will be critical in determining the university's future direction and its ability to build on its existing strengths while also addressing emerging needs.
The details
Savarese, who is currently the University of Tennessee's vice president for academic affairs, research and student success, emphasized NDSU's unique position as a land-grant, research-focused institution. He expressed a desire to 'double down' on the university's strengths in areas like agriculture, agtech, material sciences, biomedical research, and rural health, while also exploring opportunities to expand into new areas of need across the community.
- The new NDSU president is expected to be selected on March 30, 2026.
- Savarese is expected to begin working at the university in June 2026.
The players
Dr. Bernie Savarese
A finalist for the presidency of North Dakota State University (NDSU) and the current vice president for academic affairs, research and student success at the University of Tennessee.
North Dakota State University (NDSU)
A land-grant, research-one institution located in Fargo, North Dakota, one of only 52 four-year universities in the U.S. with this designation.
What they’re saying
“This university delivers real world solutions in ag[riculture] and agtech, material sciences, biomedical, rural health. How can we double down on those areas, but continue to expand in places where we know there are needs across our community?”
— Dr. Bernie Savarese, Finalist for NDSU President
What’s next
The NDSU Board of Trustees is expected to select the new university president on March 30, 2026, with the selected candidate expected to begin work at the university in June 2026.
The takeaway
As NDSU looks to the future, the selection of the next university president will be crucial in determining how the institution builds on its existing strengths as a land-grant, research-focused university while also addressing emerging needs and opportunities across North Dakota and the surrounding region.
