Brent Sanford named interim chancellor, North Dakota University System

Brent Sanford has been appointed as the interim Chancellor of the North Dakota University System, effective April 30, following Mark Hagerott's announcement of early retirement. Sanford, who previously served as interim president at Bismarck State College since January, expressed readiness to tackle workforce challenges and lead collaboration among the state's campuses. The State Board of Higher Education emphasized the importance of student needs and partnerships with the workforce under Sanford's leadership. Dan Leingang has been appointed as the interim president of Bismarck State College, taking over from Sanford. Hagerott, who initially planned to retire in December 2025, will leave his position on April 29 to focus on academic research. A search for a permanent chancellor is expected to commence in late 2025 or early 2026.