North Dakota State University Selects New President

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The search for North Dakota State University's next president is coming to an end on Monday, March 27, 2026. The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education will interview the three finalists - Dr. Marshall Stewart, Dr. Bernie Savarese, and Dr. Alan Smith - and then select the new NDSU president in a public session. A public meet-and-greet with the new president is scheduled for later that day.

Why it matters

The selection of a new university president is a significant event that will shape the future direction and leadership of North Dakota State University, one of the state's largest and most prominent public institutions of higher education.

The details

The three finalists will each go through a 45-minute interview with the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education on Monday morning. After the interviews, the board will move into a closed-door executive session to consider the appointment and contract terms for the next NDSU president. The board will then reconvene in a public session to announce their selection. A public meet-and-greet with the new president is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday at the Memorial Union.

• The interviews with the three finalists are scheduled for 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 11:15 a.m. on Monday, March 27, 2026.
• The board will announce the selection of the new NDSU president in a public session on Monday, March 27, 2026.
• A public meet-and-greet with the new president is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, March 27, 2026.

What’s next

After the public announcement, the new NDSU president will begin their tenure, working to shape the university's future direction and priorities.