Bismarck State College presidential finalists invited to interview with SBHE

Thursday, March 5, 2026

The Bismarck State College (BSC) Presidential Search Committee has advanced four finalists for consideration as the next president of BSC. The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) will interview these candidates on March 31, 2026, at BSC's National Energy Center of Excellence before selecting the next president of the institution.

"The Board has a fantastic group of finalists who bring distinct leadership strengths and a clear capacity to guide BSC forward," said Search Committee co-chair and SBHE member Tim Mihalick. "Each candidate reflects the qualities needed to advance the college's mission, vision, and long-term priorities." Mihalick and Karen Erickson, BSC's dean of enrollment management, are co-chairing the presidential search committee.

Erickson added, "The committee conducted a comprehensive and thoughtful review of the applicant pool, weighing campus and community feedback carefully in determining which candidates should move forward for SBHE interviews. I am proud of the work the entire committee has done to invest in BSC's future leadership."

The BSC Presidential Search Committee named these finalists (bios and photos in link below):

Additional information, including candidate bios and photos is available at bismarckstate.edu/PresidentialSearch.

A total of 51 applications were submitted for the position. The BSC Presidential Search Committee interviewed 11 candidates during its initial round of interviews, narrowing down the field to the top six. Each of the six semi-finalists spent time on campus in public forums, meeting with students, employees and the BSC Search Committee, and touring the campus and community.

The new president is expected to assume office on July 1, 2026.