Search for Valley City State University president suspended

Interim president to remain as search committee reassesses next steps

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:53am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing a blurred campus scene with a lone figure walking through the frame, conveying a sense of uncertainty and transition.The search for a new president at Valley City State University has been put on hold as the institution reassesses its leadership needs.Valley City Today

The search for the next president of Valley City State University has been suspended after multiple semi-finalist candidates withdrew their names to pursue other job opportunities. The North Dakota University System announced that the search committee appointed by the State Board of Higher Education decided to pause its work, and Interim President Allen Burgad will continue to lead the university as they reassess the next steps to ensure a strong and diverse candidate pool.

Why it matters

The suspension of the presidential search at Valley City State University, a four-year college focused on teacher training, highlights the challenges universities can face in attracting and retaining top talent, especially in smaller, regional institutions. The decision to pause the search could impact the university's leadership and direction during a critical time.

The details

The search committee had 40 qualified applicants for the job with the goal of bringing six semi-finalists to campus. However, multiple semi-finalist candidates withdrew their names to pursue other opportunities, leading the committee to decide it is in the best interest of the institution to pause the search and reassess next steps. Interim President Allen Burgad, who was previously the dean of the college's Department of Education and has experience as a K-12 administrator, will remain at the helm of the university during this transition.

  • The search committee was appointed by the State Board of Higher Education.
  • The previous president, Alan LaFave, left the school in December 2025 to lead Northern State University in South Dakota.
  • The committee had initially hoped to hire a permanent university president in late spring 2026.

The players

Allen Burgad

Interim President of Valley City State University and former dean of the college's Department of Education, with experience as a K-12 administrator.

DJ Campbell

Vice president of the State Board of Higher Education and co-chair of the search committee.

Alan LaFave

The previous president of Valley City State University, who left in December 2025 to lead Northern State University in South Dakota.

North Dakota University System

The organization that announced the suspension of the presidential search at Valley City State University.

State Board of Higher Education

The board that appointed the search committee for the Valley City State University presidency.

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What they’re saying

“The committee agreed it is in the best interest of the institution to pause the search and reassess next steps to ensure a strong and diverse candidate pool for campus and community consideration.”

— DJ Campbell, Vice president of the State Board of Higher Education and co-chair of the search committee

What’s next

The search committee is working on identifying next steps to move forward with the presidential search at Valley City State University.

The takeaway

The suspension of the presidential search at Valley City State University highlights the challenges smaller, regional universities can face in attracting and retaining top leadership talent, and the importance of taking the time to ensure a strong and diverse candidate pool for such a critical role.