BISMARCK, ND — State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has announced the six finalists for the two vacancies on the North Dakota Board of Higher Education. The board is responsible for overseeing the 11 colleges and universities within the North Dakota University System.

The vacancies are created by the upcoming departure of two members: Casey Ryan, a Grand Forks physician, and Jeffry Volk, a retired Fargo consulting engineer. Ryan is completing his second four-year term, while Volk is finishing his first term.

A nominating committee, chaired by Baesler, reviewed a pool of 12 applicants and recommended the following six candidates for consideration:

For the seat of Casey Ryan:

  • Levi Bachmeier — Currently the business manager for the West Fargo school district, Bachmeier also served as an education adviser to former Governor Doug Burgum.
  • Russel Crary — A Grand Forks real estate developer with extensive experience in local business ventures.
  • Rich Wardner — A retired K-12 teacher and coach from Dickinson, Wardner previously served as the Republican majority leader in the North Dakota Senate.

For the seat of Jeffry Volk:

  • Jeffry Volk — Volk is eligible for reappointment to a second term on the Board of Higher Education.
  • Beverly Johnson — A retired physical therapy professor and former clinical education director at the University of North Dakota’s medical school, Johnson brings experience from the higher education sector.
  • Patrick Sogard — The owner and chairman of American State Bank & Trust Co. in Williston, Sogard has a background in business and finance.

The selection committee, in addition to Baesler, includes prominent figures such as Jon Jensen, chief justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court; Nick Archuleta, president of North Dakota United; House Speaker Robin Weisz; and Senate President Pro Tempore Brad Bekkedahl.

The final candidates will now be forwarded to Governor Kelly Armstrong, who will make the official appointments. Following his selections, the North Dakota Senate must confirm the appointments. The new board members will begin their four-year terms on July 1.

The Board of Higher Education plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of the state’s higher education system, with oversight of North Dakota’s public colleges and universities. The board has eight voting members, along with two nonvoting members who represent the system’s staff and faculty.