"President, Bismarck State College"

Job Details

The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) for the North Dakota University System (NDUS), together with the Bismarck State College (BSC) community, invites applications for the position of President. The SBHE and the NDUS Commissioner have charged the search committee to identify a dynamic, collaborative and forward-thinking leader. The successful candidate will guide BSC, North Dakota’s polytechnic institution. They will also advance the college’s robust, workforce-focused academic portfolio, which includes more than 100 career pathways spanning bachelor’s and associate degrees, as well as stackable certificates that empower students to build skills and credentials. BSC is deeply committed to developing partnerships and immersive, hands-on learning experiences that allow students to engage with industry and prepare them for a rapidly evolving workforce.

The President of BSC serves as the chief executive officer for the state’s third-largest higher education institution and one of 11 colleges and universities within the NDUS. The President reports to the Commissioner and the SBHE and directly oversees the Executive Vice President (Finance and Operations), as well as the Vice Presidents of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and College Advancement, who also serves as Executive Director of the BSC Foundation. The Chief Human Resources Officer, the Public Information Officer, the Director of Athletics and the Executive Assistant for the President’s Office also report directly to the President.

Founded in 1939 and overlooking the Missouri River, BSC is a vital part of the Bismarck-Mandan community. Located in North Dakota’s capital city, BSC serves as an educational and economic anchor. The institution partners closely with statewide industry, government, schools and community organizations to expand workforce development, enrich quality of life and support growth and opportunities in the state’s communities. BSC’s dedicated faculty and staff support more than 4,500 students pursuing certificates, two-year and four-year degrees, workforce training and transfer pathways to four-year institutions.

KEY ASPECTS OF BSC’S MISSION

• Polytechnic education: The core of the mission is to provide a hands-on, career-focused education that combines technical training with a liberal arts foundation to prepare students for both a living and a life.
• Experiential learning: BSC emphasizes "learning by doing" through practical, real-world situations, with modern labs and collaborative working environments to prepare students for on-the-job situations.
• Student success: The mission is centered on student success, offering multiple pathways to achieve educational goals, including certificates, two, and four-year degrees, as well as opportunities to transfer credits to other institutions.
• Community and industry connection: BSC works closely with its Business and Industry Leadership Teams (BILTs) to develop specialized programs and curricula, creating career-readiness pathways for students that include internships and field experiences.
• Affordability and flexibility: The mission includes providing flexible and affordable options, such as online classes and multiple entry and exit points into programs.

EXPECTATIONS

The President will be asked to provide consistent, balanced, thoughtful leadership... [full expectations text summarized for brevity, but including key points on leadership, advocacy, partnerships, etc.]

Growth at BSC

• Enrollment: BSC has achieved record enrollment...
• Specific program growth: Enrollment has grown substantially in fields like healthcare, agriculture, cybersecurity, energy and automation.
• Facilities: The college has expanded its campus with new facilities...

CHARACTERISTICS

Relational, Communicating and Listening, Organizational traits detailed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Progressively responsible administrative experience
• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution
• Senior leadership experience in a higher education setting
• Leadership experience in a community college offering baccalaureate degree options

NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS

To assure best consideration, nominations and applications should be received by January 18, 2026. The application must include a letter of interest of not more than three pages; a current résumé (or curriculum vitae); and the names of five professional references... sent electronically to BSCPresidentialSearch@BismarckState.edu. Additional college information may be found at bismarckstate.edu. Additional information on the BSC Presidential Search may be found at https://bismarckstate.edu/about/leadership/Search/.