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State Board signals intent to name Brent Sanford permanent chancellor; board weighs role and title
Summary
At the committee meeting the State Board of Higher Education reported its intent to ask members to appoint interim Chancellor Brent Sanford to the permanent "chief executive officer" role, citing the board—onstitutional charge and the candidate's statewide experience. The board also discussed whether to run a national search and examined the ch
The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education told a legislative interim committee it intends to seek a vote in September to name Brent Sanford as the permanent head of the university system, while the board continues to review the role's title and responsibilities.
At the committee meeting Member Black, chairing the board item, said the state constitution designates the university system's chief executive officer as a commissioner but that the board historically has used the title chancellor. He told legislators that the board will evaluate the job's responsibilities and report recommendations next year. "Our constitution calls for commissioner and a chief executive officer of the State Board of Higher Education," Black said, adding that the post is chiefly an executive leadership role rather than an academic post.
The board discussed whether to conduct a national search but cited cost and timing. Black said a nationwide search can exceed $100,000 and that, because Sanford is a known, experienced choice with executive and statewide leadership experience, the board would propose his appointment in September. "It's my intention to ask my fellow board members to make Brent Sanford the permanent Chancellor of Higher Education at our September meeting," Black said.
Nut graf: The board framed the position as an executive CEO role focused on coordination, financial stewardship and external relations, not a faculty academic appointment; it will undertake a listening and role-definition process and accept stakeholder input prior to finalizing structural decisions.
Board members acknowledged the sensitivity of bypassing a national search, but said a targeted process to define the role and seek stakeholder input will accompany any appointment. The board plans listening sessions with presidents and sector stakeholders and may draft role-and-responsibility language or an RFP for third-party assistance to refine the office description.
Ending: The committee asked the board to provide an update after the September board meeting and to include documentation of the role definition and any search or appointment material requested by the board.
