Nationwide pool of 60 candidates narrowed to three to become 16th President of NDSU

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — There are three finalists remaining to become the next president at NDSU after the search committee narrowed down a nationwide pool of over 60 applicants.

They include: Dr. Marshall Stewart, executive vice president for external engagement, Kansas State University.

Dr. Bernie Savarese, vice president for academic affairs, research and student success, University of Tennessee.

Dr. Alan Smith, Emma Eccles Jones endowed dean and tenured professor of kinesiology and health science and former interim president, Utah State University.

All three men will be on campus for in-person interviews between March 23 and 25.

“Selecting the next president of NDSU is an important responsibility, and broad participation helps ensure we identify a leader who understands the university’s strengths and the needs of the state,” said Presidential Search Committee Co-Chair Kevin Black. “We are proud to invite a strong pool of finalists to campus and appreciate the time and attention the NDSU community and our partners throughout Fargo and North Dakota dedicate to this process.” 

The 16th President of NDSU will be named on March 30 and they are expected to take office in June.

Rick Berg has been serving as interim president after the departure of David Cook who became president of Iowa State University.

The candidates and their on-campus visits are as follows:

March 22-23, public presentation on Monday, March 23 at 2 p.m.

Dr. Marshall Stewart, executive vice president for external engagement, Kansas State University

Mach 23-24, public presentation on Tuesday, March 24 at 2 p.m.

Dr. Bernie Savarese, vice president for academic affairs, research and student success, University of Tennessee

March 24-25, public presentation on Wednesday, March 25 at 2 p.m.

Dr. Alan Smith, Emma Eccles Jones endowed dean and tenured professor of kinesiology and health science and former interim president, Utah State University