Overview
- North Dakota State College of Science President Rod Flanigan will move to paid administrative leave on July 1 and will remain contractually available through his Dec. 31, 2026 end-of-contract date.
- Dr. Lisa Karch, a former NDSCS academic vice president who recently took and then rescinded another college post, was appointed interim president and will lead the campus no later than July 1.
- The State Board of Higher Education voted unanimously after a closed-door session and asked NDUS Commissioner Brent Sanford and the board chair to negotiate Karch’s interim contract.
- Sanford and board statements cite Flanigan’s tenure since June 2022 for driving nearly 32% enrollment growth, stronger finances, and the college’s first bachelor’s program as context for a phased transition.
- The accelerated handoff is intended to provide continuity for students and staff and to position NDSCS for fall enrollment work and the 2027 legislative session while the board completes interim-contract details and any later presidential search.