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NDSU President Search Narrows to Three Finalists

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, March 19th 2026 at 15:27 GMT by Valley News Live
      Locale: UNITED STATES

FARGO, ND - March 19th, 2026 - The search for North Dakota State University's (NDSU) 16th president is entering its final phase, with the university today announcing three finalists poised to potentially lead the institution into a new era. The candidates, each bringing a distinguished background in higher education leadership, will engage in a series of campus visits and stakeholder meetings over the next few weeks, culminating in a decision expected well before the retirement of current President Joseph Chapman at the end of June.

The selection process, described by the search committee as rigorous and comprehensive, began several months ago following Chapman's announcement of his impending retirement. The committee, a diverse group representing faculty, staff, students, alumni, and members of the broader Fargo-Moorhead community, meticulously reviewed applications from a national pool of qualified candidates. This narrowed field of three represents, according to committee chair Dr. Sarah Jensen, the 'most promising leaders to guide NDSU's continued growth and innovation.'

Meet the Finalists:

• Dr. Anya Sharma, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Wyoming: Dr. Sharma's career has focused heavily on fostering academic excellence and student success. At the University of Wyoming, she's overseen all academic programs, budget allocation for colleges, and initiatives focused on diversifying the student body and expanding research opportunities. Her experience in a land-grant university setting, similar to NDSU, is considered a significant asset. Dr. Sharma's publicly available statements emphasize a commitment to accessibility and affordability in higher education, aligning with NDSU's mission to serve the state of North Dakota. Sources close to the search suggest her presentation to the committee focused on strategies to enhance NDSU's profile as a research university and a vital contributor to the state's agricultural sector.

• Dr. David Miller, Dean of the College of Engineering at Purdue University: Dr. Miller brings a strong technical background and a proven track record of securing significant funding for research and development. Purdue's College of Engineering consistently ranks among the top in the nation, and Dr. Miller has been instrumental in driving that success. His expertise is particularly relevant given NDSU's emphasis on STEM fields and its growing partnerships with regional industries. He is known for his emphasis on experiential learning, encouraging students to participate in real-world projects and internships. The committee reportedly questioned him extensively about his vision for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between the College of Engineering and other departments at NDSU.

• Dr. Emily Carter, Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Texas at Austin: Dr. Carter's portfolio at UT Austin is vast, encompassing a multi-billion dollar research enterprise and a dedicated team focused on translating research discoveries into practical applications and economic development. Her experience in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship could be particularly beneficial for NDSU, which is actively seeking to expand its role in the regional tech ecosystem. She's a noted advocate for public-private partnerships, believing that universities have a critical role to play in driving economic growth. During her presentation, she highlighted the potential for NDSU to become a regional hub for biotechnology and advanced materials research.

What's at Stake?

NDSU, a leading land-grant university with a strong focus on agricultural research and STEM education, faces both opportunities and challenges. Enrollment has remained relatively stable in recent years, but the university is keen to attract a more diverse student body and enhance its national reputation. Funding for higher education in North Dakota is subject to economic fluctuations, making strategic financial planning crucial. Furthermore, the changing landscape of higher education - with increasing demands for online learning and a growing emphasis on workforce development - requires a leader capable of adapting to evolving needs.

The next president will be tasked with building upon the successes of President Chapman, who is credited with significantly increasing NDSU's research funding and expanding its campus infrastructure. Chapman's legacy also includes a commitment to student access and affordability. The search committee is looking for a leader who can not only maintain these strengths but also chart a course for future growth and innovation.

The schedule for the finalists' campus visits is as follows: Dr. Sharma will be on campus March 26-27, Dr. Miller April 2-3, and Dr. Carter April 9-10. Each visit will include open forums for students, faculty, staff, and community members to meet the candidates and ask questions. The university encourages broad participation in these forums to ensure a transparent and inclusive selection process. A final decision is anticipated by mid-April, allowing for a smooth transition before President Chapman's retirement.