News Release - North Dakota State University names Marshall Stewart as 16th president

[Lorius, Billie Jo]

Read this release online here. 

Click here for more photos of President Stewart.

March 30, 2026

 

North Dakota State University names Marshall Stewart as 16th president 

 

North Dakota State University has named Dr. Marshall Stewart as its 16th president, following selection by the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. Stewart will assume the role on May 28, succeeding Interim President Rick Berg. 

 

Stewart currently serves as executive vice president for external engagement and chief of staff at Kansas State University, where he leads statewide engagement, government relations, economic development partnerships, fundraising strategy and service to constituents across Kansas. His career reflects a consistent focus on student-centered leadership, land-grant mission delivery and building trust-based partnerships across campus and community. 

 

“North Dakota State University has a strong foundation, a clear mission and a deep connection to the people it serves,” Stewart said. “NDSU’s impact is felt across the state and beyond, and I am honored by the opportunity to work alongside students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners to build on that legacy while positioning the university for the future.” 

 

During his on-campus visit, Stewart outlined a vision focused on student involvement, workforce-connected learning and service to North Dakota. He emphasized the importance of ensuring every student has opportunities outside the classroom through clubs, organizations, internships and experiential learning, while maintaining affordability and access for North Dakota students. Stewart also highlighted the role of a land-grant university in engaging deeply with its state, building relationships grounded in trust and shared purpose. 

Stewart brings more than two decades of leadership experience in higher education. At Kansas State University, he has overseen external engagement efforts spanning government and community relations, alumni and donor engagement, economic development initiatives and statewide outreach. His work has centered on strengthening the university’s relevance to the state it serves while advancing national visibility and impact. 

 

Prior to his current role, Stewart held leadership positions in agriculture education and extension, including roles focused on academic administration, workforce development and public engagement. A native of rural North Carolina, he holds degrees from North Carolina State University and has dedicated his career to advancing public higher education and the land-grant mission. 

“The Board of Higher Education is confident that Dr. Stewart’s experience, leadership style and commitment to students and service align well with NDSU’s strengths and goals,” said Kevin Black, chair of the State Board of Higher Education and co-chair of the search. “His ability to connect the university’s mission to the needs of the state will serve NDSU and North Dakota well.” 

 

Stewart was selected following a national search led by the NDSU Presidential Search Committee, with input from students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. There were initially over 60 applicants for the position. 

 

Stewart and his wife Jan are proud parents to an adult son and daughter-in-law, who look forward to visiting them in Fargo. 

 

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About North Dakota State University
North Dakota State University is a student-focused, land-grant, research university and a Carnegie R1 institution, ranked among the National Science Foundation’s top 100 research universities. Located in Fargo, one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing metro areas, NDSU enrolls students in more than 90 undergraduate majors and 110 graduate programs. Guided by a mission to create pathways for student success and translate research into real-world impact, NDSU offers learning from world-class faculty and opportunities to engage through more than 275 student organizations.

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 

ndus.edu

Teams phone: 877-5708

Find NDUS on social media:

 

[Lorius, Billie Jo]

Read this news release online here.

March 31, 2026

 

Kalk selected as next president of Bismarck State College

 

BISMARCK, N.D. – The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) has selected Dr. Brian Kalk as the 8th president of Bismarck State College (BSC). Kalk will assume the role April 13, 2026.

 

“With Brian Kalk chosen to lead Bismarck State College, the institution is poised to strengthen its role as North Dakota’s polytechnic,” said SBHE Chair Kevin Black. “His approach reflects a future where education and industry work hand‑in‑hand while anticipating workforce needs, expanding partnerships, and equipping students with the skills that will drive the state forward.”

 

Kalk currently serves as chief research officer at the University of North Dakota’s Energy and Environmental Research Center, one of the world’s leading applied energy research institutions. He leads a team of scientists, engineers and professional staff. His work strengthens federal, state, and commercial partnerships while expanding research in oil and gas, renewable energy, and environmental technologies. His work directly supports the development of a highly skilled technical workforce and advances strategic initiatives that benefit the region’s economy.

 

“I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the future of Bismarck State College. BSC has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal moment. I believe deeply in the polytechnic experience because it is an approach that puts students first and connects education directly to workforce opportunity. Student success must be our priority, and that begins with creating an exceptional student experience. BSC is positioned for tremendous growth, and I look forward to working with our campus and our community to build on that momentum.”

 

During his on-campus visit, Kalk spoke about student success, workforce-connection and service to North Dakota. He said BSC is heading in the right direction but noted that a key challenge moving forward will be continuing to expand the college’s role to meet the region’s needs. He said doing so will require collaboration with faculty, the SBHE and community stakeholders to chart a path forward.

 

Prior to his current role, Kalk’s statewide impact is reflected as a North Dakota Public Service Commissioner. He oversaw regulatory decisions affecting energy production, transmission, and pipeline safety. He worked closely with numerous stakeholders, providing input, analysis, and perspective on complex issues while building strong relationships with leaders across the state.

Kalk has taught at North Dakota State University, the University of Mary, and Park University. His teaching portfolio includes logistics, environmental policy, energy management, and organizational leadership. He has worked with traditional and non-traditional, military, and international learners, demonstrating a strong commitment to student achievement and academic quality.

During his 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Kalk held roles in operations, logistics, and served in command. His career spanned the globe, through Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. During his interview, he expressed that these experiences gave him a deep understanding of diverse cultures, global perspectives, and the importance of building trust across different communities. He said this global awareness continues to shape his leadership style and his ability to connect with people from all backgrounds.

 

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 down the field to the top six.

 

Additional information on the search process is available at bismarckstate.edu/PresidentialSearch.

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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.