NDSU Names Kansas State Administrator as New President

Marshall Stewart to lead North Dakota's land-grant university starting in June

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:07pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of a mortar board graduation cap, conceptually representing the leadership transition at North Dakota State University.The appointment of a new president signals a new era for North Dakota State University, a land-grant institution with deep roots in the state's agricultural communities.Fargo Today

The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has named Marshall Stewart, an executive at Kansas State University, as the next president of North Dakota State University. Stewart, who has strong roots in agriculture and the Extension system, will start in his new role by June, replacing outgoing president David Cook.

Why it matters

As a land-grant university, NDSU plays a vital role in serving the state's agricultural communities through its Extension program. Stewart's background in agricultural leadership and his focus on strengthening the Extension system's ties to the university are seen as key assets that will help NDSU continue its mission of serving North Dakota's rural populations.

The details

Stewart, who currently serves as the executive vice president for external engagement and chief of staff at Kansas State, was selected over two other finalists - Bernie Savarese from the University of Tennessee and Alan Smith from Utah State University. All three candidates emphasized the importance of NDSU's land-grant status and the value of the Extension system during their interviews. Stewart said he wants Extension employees to focus on recruiting students to NDSU and the broader North Dakota University System.

  • On March 30, 2026, the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education named Marshall Stewart as the 16th president of NDSU.
  • Stewart is expected to start in his new role by June 2026.
  • The previous NDSU president, David Cook, resigned to become president of Iowa State University.

The players

Marshall Stewart

The executive vice president for external engagement and chief of staff at Kansas State University, who was named the next president of North Dakota State University.

North Dakota State Board of Higher Education

The governing body that selected Marshall Stewart as the next president of NDSU.

David Cook

The previous president of NDSU, who resigned to become president of Iowa State University.

Rick Berg

The interim president of NDSU while the search for a new president was underway.

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What they’re saying

“When you have 53 counties that you touch with Extension, you basically are in the backyard of every person that lives in this state.”

— Marshall Stewart, Incoming NDSU President

“When a student comes out of NDSU and they have been heavily involved, they've got a strong resume, international experience and then you put the strong academics and research we already do on top of that, you have set that student apart. You put them in a position to win.”

— Marshall Stewart, Incoming NDSU President

What’s next

The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education is scheduled to select a new president for Bismarck State University on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The takeaway

Stewart's appointment as the new NDSU president highlights the university's continued commitment to its land-grant mission and the vital role of the Extension system in serving North Dakota's rural communities. His background in agricultural leadership and focus on strengthening the Extension program's ties to the university are seen as key assets that will help NDSU build on its legacy of serving the state's agricultural and rural populations.