North Dakota Board Appoints Two New College Presidents

The state Board of Higher Education selected new leadership for two universities without conducting a formal search process.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in People

North Dakota Board Appoints Two New College Presidents

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The North Dakota Board of Higher Education has officially appointed Allen Burgad as the new president of Valley City State University and Lisa Karch as president of the State College of Science at Wahpeton. These selections were finalized during a recent board meeting in Bismarck.

Why it matters

The appointments are significant as the board bypassed the standard formal search process typically used for selecting presidential candidates at state institutions. This decision marks a notable shift in administrative staffing procedures for North Dakota higher education.

While the board voted unanimously to confirm Allen Burgad, two board members cast dissenting votes regarding the selection of Lisa Karch. No formal search process was conducted for either of these presidential appointments.

The players

Allen Burgad

He is the newly appointed president of Valley City State University who replaced Alan LaFave.

Lisa Karch

She is the newly appointed president of the State College of Science at Wahpeton who returned to campus in July.

Alan LaFave

He is the former president of Valley City State University who was replaced by Allen Burgad.

State Board of Higher Education

This is the governing body responsible for overseeing the public university system in North Dakota.

The details

Allen Burgad succeeds Alan LaFave in his new leadership role at Valley City State University. Lisa Karch officially returned to the State College of Science campus at Wahpeton following her appointment.

July 1, 2026: Lisa Karch returned to the State College of Science campus.
October 29, 2026: The board conducted the vote on the presidential appointments.

Market Landscape

The decision to bypass traditional executive search protocols represents a departure from the standard administrative governance model. This move shifts the internal leadership landscape at both Valley City State University and the State College of Science at Wahpeton.

Students, faculty, and staff at both institutions will be interacting with new administrative leadership in the coming academic terms. These appointments dictate the long-term vision and operational direction for both campuses.

The takeaway

The appointment process highlights the authority held by the state board in filling top executive positions. Observers of higher education policy may monitor how these new leaders implement their specific agendas following the direct selection process.