Semi-Finalists in the Race for UND President Make Campus Visits

UND is giving campus tours to the finalists in their search for a new president.

Minot State University President Dr. Steven Shirley was one of the first candidates to visit.

Shirley is one of six candidates that will be making campus visits as a part of the interviewing process.

Throughout the two day visit, Shirley will be touring the campus, and participating in two open forums.

Shirley, who is a UND alumn says it was nice to be back on his old stomping grounds.

“It’s been fun today to learn about all the things that have changed, and are different, and some things that are the same from my experience when I was here years ago,” said Dr. Shirley.

One stop on Shirley’s schedule was the student body government office.

“What’s unique about Dr. Shirley is he from North Dakota. So we can be a little bit more specific with some of the questions we’re asking him. He’s familiar with the university system so that was nice to drill some of those specifics questions,” said Matthew Kopp UND Student Body President.

Morgan Olsen CFO at Arizona State University is the next candidate scheduled to make a visit.

Campus visits will take place through March 9th.

One student I spoke to say it’s finally nice to see all the controversy is something of the past.

“I’m glad that it’s over, like I said we can only go up from here, it will be good for the university to get a new presidential candidate,” said Matthew Kopp student at UND.

Shirley says landing the job it would be an opportunity of a lifetime.

“Having earned my degrees here, it’s really a special and unique opportunity and I would sure look forward to this,” said Dr. Shirley.

The State Board of Higher Education is expected to decide, and announce the new president by mid–March.