Western ND News

The Dickinson State University (DSU) Presidential Search Committee has put forward five candidates for the role of DSU president. The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) is set to conduct in-person interviews with these finalists on March 27 at the DSU campus.

“The Board is being presented with a strong slate of finalists, and each offers unique leadership skills that will serve the DSU community well into the future,” stated Danita Bye, vice chair of the SBHE and co-chair of the DSU Presidential Search Committee. She noted that broad stakeholder feedback was considered in selecting the finalists.

Ty Orton, acting president of DSU and co-chair alongside Bye, expressed enthusiasm about bringing these leaders to campus for their final public interviews. “We’re excited to bring these talented leaders to campus for their final public interviews, knowing they each have become acquainted with DSU and the people that make our institution unique. I am confident that the future of DSU will be in good hands with these finalists,” he said.

Both Bye and Orton highlighted that the candidates come from diverse backgrounds with high-level leadership experience from various institutions across the country, which they believe will benefit DSU's dual mission focus.

The finalists are Dr. Jeff D. Borden from Gonzaga University, Mr. Scott Molander from Garage Living & SKINS Compression, Dr. Carmen Simone from Dakota College at Bottineau, Dr. James Taylor from Utah State University, and Dr. Jodi Washington from Broward County Public Schools.

The search committee received 54 applications for this position and conducted virtual interviews with semifinalists between March 3 and 6 before narrowing down to five finalists.

Campus visits are planned for March 17-21, during which candidates will engage with students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, as well as campus and community leaders who can provide feedback to the Search Committee. The new president is expected to start in July 2025. More information about the presidential search process can be found at dickinsonstate.edu/presidentialsearch.