Mark Kennedy Named UND’s New President

The State Board of Education has officially named UND’s new president

Former Minnesota politician Mark Kennedy will fill the role.

It’s safe to say that UND has been rebranded in the last year.

A new nickname, a new logo in the works, and now a new president.

After two long hours of deliberating, the state Board of Higher Education named Mark Kennedy as UND’s new president.
 
“You always say to yourself if it’s taken this long it can’t be good. So I was extra excited when I found out I was the one,” said Mark Kennedy UND’s New President.
 
Kennedy is currently the director of the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Kennedy is also a former Minnesota Republican U.S. Congressman.

He says one of his first priorities in office will be to stop and listen.
 
“Have to begin with listening, because there’s a lot to learn about UND. It’s a big complex place with a lot of great things going on, and I want to learn about those things my first 90 days, and then move on from there with a strategic plan,” said Kennedy.
 
Although Interim President Ed Schafer’s time as interim president is coming to an end he says he still will be highly involved on UND’s campus.
 
“I love the University of North Dakota. I’m going to be engaged with the University of North Dakota one way or another for a long time, but not in this role but a different role,” said Schafer.
 
Schafer says he doesn’t mind passing the role on to Kennedy, but says its true time flies when you’re having fun.
 
“It’s a good thing. Nancy and I have been here for two months actually today, and it’s been one of those things that has happened so fast, we’ve become attached the university,” said Schafer.
 
Schafer will continue to serve as interim president until July 1st when Kennedy takes over.