News Release - Bismarck State College presidential finalists invited to interview with SBHE

[Lorius, Billie Jo]

Read this news release online here.

March 5, 2026

 

Bismarck State College presidential finalists invited to interview with SBHE

 

BISMARCK, N.D. – The Bismarck State College (BSC) Presidential Search Committee has advanced four finalists for consideration as the next president of BSC. The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) will interview these candidates on March 31, 2026, at BSC’s National Energy Center of Excellence before selecting the next president of the institution.

 

“The Board has a fantastic group of finalists who bring distinct leadership strengths and a clear capacity to guide BSC forward,” said Search Committee co‑chair and SBHE member Tim Mihalick. “Each candidate reflects the qualities needed to advance the college’s mission, vision, and long‑term priorities.” Mihalick and Karen Erickson, BSC’s dean of enrollment management, are co-chairing the presidential search committee.  

 

Erickson added, “The committee conducted a comprehensive and thoughtful review of the applicant pool, weighing campus and community feedback carefully in determining which candidates should move forward for SBHE interviews. I am proud of the work the entire committee has done to invest in BSC’s future leadership.”

 

The BSC Presidential Search Committee named these finalists (bios and photos in link below):

 

Dr. Gaby Hawat

Principal

Catalyst Partners

 

Dr. Brian Kalk

Chief Research Officer

University of North Dakota’s Energy and Environmental Research Center

 

Dr. Rai Kathuria

Former Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Empire State University

 

Dr. Dan Leingang

Interim President

Bismarck State College

 

Additional information, including candidate bios and photos is available at bismarckstate.edu/PresidentialSearch.

 

A total of 51 applications were submitted for the position. The BSC Presidential Search Committee interviewed 11 candidates during its initial round of interviews, narrowing the field to the top six. Each of the six semi-finalists spent time on campus in public forums, meeting with students, employees and the BSC Search Committee, and touring the campus and community.

 

The new president is expected to assume office on July 1, 2026.

 

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About Bismarck State College

Bismarck State College (BSC) is North Dakota’s Polytechnic Institution, offering high-quality,

affordable education with more than 100 career pathways, including two-year associate degrees,

four-year bachelor’s degrees, and short-term program certificates. Dedicated to student success

since 1939, BSC prepares students for high-demand careers through comprehensive advising,

flexible in-person and online course options, industry-driven curriculum, and continuing

education opportunities. Learn more at www.bismarckstate.edu.

 

About NDUS
The North Dakota University System is a unified system of higher education governed by the State Board of Higher Education. Organized in 1990, the system includes two research universities, four regional universities and five community colleges. The mission of the State Board of Higher Education and the Commissioner of the North Dakota University System is to unleash the potential of higher education in the state to enhance the quality of life, and the social and economic vitality of all served by its public colleges and universities. Learn more at www.ndus.edu.

 

Billie Jo Lorius, Ph.D.                  

Communications Director

NORTH DAKOTA

University System

600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 215

Bismarck, ND 58505-0230

   701.328.4107

   ndus.edu

 

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