Brent Sanford is stepping in as the interim chancellor for the North Dakota University System. This change comes as Mark Hagerott plans to retire at the end of the month.
Sanford has a long history in public service. He started his political journey in 2006 when he was elected to the Watford City Council. By 2010, he became the mayor. He then served as lieutenant governor under Governor Doug Burgum for six years. Since the beginning of this year, he has held the position of interim president at Bismarck State College.
In Sanford’s own words, he’s eager to embrace this new leadership role, saying, "I appreciate the opportunity to serve in a leadership role that includes all of the state’s higher education campuses. I look forward to leading collaboration of campuses on systemwide efforts and responding at speed and scale to workforce challenges." He believes the North Dakota University System can become a top workforce solution for the state and the surrounding region.
Sanford will take on this role officially on April 30. Meanwhile, Dan Leingang will step up as interim president at Bismarck State College. Leingang has been part of the college since 2000, starting as an assistant professor of mathematics and advancing to various leadership roles, including dean of academic affairs.
The North Dakota University System plays a significant role in the state’s economic landscape, particularly in addressing workforce needs. With current labor shortages in many sectors, leaders like Sanford are crucial. A recent study by the North Dakota Department of Commerce noted that nearly 70% of employers struggle to find qualified candidates. Leaders in education, like Sanford, face the challenge of aligning training programs with these gaps.
In recent years, conversations around higher education have shifted. Many institutions are focusing more on partnerships with industries to prepare students for real-world challenges. The effectiveness of these collaborations can impact not only the education sector but also the broader economy.
As Sanford steps into this critical role, eyes will be on his strategies to enhance workforce readiness and collaboration among campuses. With his extensive background, he’s poised to lead pivotal changes in North Dakota’s educational landscape.
For more information on workforce development initiatives in North Dakota, check out the state’s economic reports here.
Check out this related article: Join Us for Science Saturday at VSU: Exciting Discoveries Await on April 26!
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