Job Description

The State Board of Higher Education for the North Dakota University System, together with the North Dakota State University community, invite inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of President.

North Dakota State University ( NDSU ), a dynamic land-grant, Carnegie R1 research university, advances knowledge and opportunity across the state, driving innovation, strengthening communities, and preparing students to lead in a changing world. Offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certificate programs, NDSU prepares students for high-demand careers while fostering a culture of collaboration and discovery. The university enrolls nearly 12,000 students in its five colleges – Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources; Arts and Sciences; Business; Engineering; and Health and Human Services.

As a top 100 public research university, NDSU drives innovation with $190.3 million in annual research expenditures. Its work is deeply applied, industry-connected, and rooted in service to North Dakota, translating ideas into practical solutions that strengthen critical sectors, and fuel state-wide innovation. NDSU’s land-grant mission is lived every day through its statewide presence, including seven Research Extension Centers that connect university expertise with local needs.

Bison athletics embody the pride and competitive spirit that define NDSU. Competing in NCAA Division I across 16 varsity sports, the Bison have earned 96 conference championships and 10 Division I FCS national football titles since 2011. The FargoDome is one of the most electric home-field environments, and game day traditions unite students, alumni, and fans across the region.

NDSU is making strategic investments that accelerate learning and discovery. Recent construction projects include technology-rich science labs and the Richard Offerdahl ’65 Engineering Complex, opening in 2026, which will expand capacity in engineering, computer science, and applied technologies. The Agricultural Corridor strengthens NDSU’s leadership in agriculture research and industry collaboration and NDeavor, the NDSU Research and Technology Park, connects industry partners and entrepreneurs with talented faculty. NDSU is host to an innovation district in downtown Fargo, connecting business, design, and entrepreneurship.

NDSU is located Fargo, one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas. Home to more than 260,000 residents, the region blends the energy of a modern city with the friendliness, resilience, and ingenuity that defines the Red River Valley. Its economy extends far beyond its agricultural roots, with strengths in technology, healthcare, finance, education, manufacturing, and government. The area has also earned national attention as a rising tech center and one of the nation’s most promising destinations for entrepreneurs. Beyond Fargo, North Dakota offers natural beauty, economic strength, and a dynamic environment where businesses invest and talent thrives.

NDSU seeks a strategic and visionary president eager to lead a university on the rise, in a state that fosters innovation and a city built for bold ideas. The next president will embody the values, vision, and spirit of a land-grant, R1 institution and be prepared to guide a university that serves the entire state.

The successful candidate will lead efforts to strengthen enrollment and student success, foster a culture of collaboration and trust, and champion NDSU’s land-grant mission in teaching, research, and outreach. They will build relationships with legislators, donors, and industry partners; prioritize employee well-being; strengthen and support the teaching enterprise; advance research and innovation; and ensure financial stability through strategic planning and engagement.

Please visit to view the full search profile, which includes more information about NDSU, a full list of desired leadership qualities and priorities for the next president, the search timeline, and instructions for submitting an application.

Academic Search is assisting NDSU and the Presidential Search Committee in this search. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest may be sent in confidence to NDSUPresident@academicsearch.org . Interested candidates are encouraged to reach out via email to the above email address to schedule a confidential conversation with one of the consultants for the search: Jay Lemons, Lisa Ryan, and Jennifer Kooken.

The search will remain open until the position is filled, but only applications received by February 16, 2026, can be assured full consideration.

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.

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