2026 VCSU Presidential Search
The North Dakota University System (NDUS) is searching for the next president of Valley City State University. Nominations and applications should be received by March 15, 2026. The new president will assume office on or before July 1, 2026.
VCSU Presidential Search Timeline
- February 2: VCSU’s Presidential Search officially opens
- March 15: Deadline for applications (best consideration)
- Late March: Search Committee meets to identify semi-finalists
- Early April: Search Committee interviews semi-finalists
- Late April: Top semi-finalists visit campus and participate in forums with faculty, staff and students
- Late May: The ND State Board of Education interviews final candidates and selected VCSU’s next president
Join the VCSU Family
Our university is searching for an inspirational leader who is visionary, collaborative, and deeply committed to the institution’s mission and people. Join us to lead a distinctive group of students, faculty and staff into the future while strengthening our academic excellence, community partnerships, and student‑centered culture. Our campus is experiencing growth at a pivotal juncture of technology and education, and we are proud to pave the way as leaders of AI in education. Join our innovative community at a time of incredible growth and leave your mark on Valley City State University. Watch our episode of The College Tour to learn more about our campus, students and culture.
Presidential Search Information
- DJ Campbell, Co-Chair, State Board of Higher Education Vice Chair
- Erica Buchholz, Co-Chair, Vice President for Business Affairs
- Emily D. Wicktor, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Language and Literature
- Anthony Dutton, Ph.D., Professor, Social Science
- Kerry Gregoryk, Ph.D., Director for Institutional Effectiveness and Planning
- Erin Heide, Director for Enrollment Services
- Morgan Hopewell, Facilities Office Manager and Safety Coordinator
- Cory Anderson, Executive Director for University Advancement
- Josh Kasowski, Market President and Commercial Loan Officer, Bank Forward
- Tyler Marthaler, Market President, Dacotah Bank
- Mattilyn Nathan, Student Representative
Learn more about Valley City State University and explore what makes us different – our students, our campus and our city provide the perfect environment for success.
VCSU provides an academic experience second-to-none; with a nationally-ranked programs, modern learning and collaboration spaces and a dedication to accessibility for all learners, we provide everything necessary for our students to get the education they deserve.
Our program offerings are numerous, yet each program is taught by dedicated faculty who provide personalized instruction in their classes, and set our students up for success.
The VCSU Vikings athletic program has a long and storied history of great competition and incredible student-athletes. Our athletes compete at the national level each year, and enjoy a supportive academic environment. With 13+ competitive teams, including our new Shooting Sports team, VCSU provides academic and scholarship opportunities to student-athletes all over the country.
We are excited to support our student-athletes with the construction of a new, modern facility that will feature new locker rooms, new weight training rooms, and an indoor track and field for year-round opportunities, regardless of the North Dakota weather.
See our progress and join in our time-honored traditions below.
If you have questions or concerns about VCSU’s Presidential Search process, please contact:
Jane Grinde
Chief Human Resource Officer
jane.grinde@ndus.edu
(701) 877-5717
This is Valley City State University
Our incredible community does incredible things – with over 65 academic program offerings to title-winning athletic teams and record-breaking enrollment for the last 5 years, VCSU is a place where students, employees, and community members thrive.
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The Forward Together Capital Campaign
VCSU has undertaken our very first capital campaign, and experienced enormous success. With proud support from stakeholders, alumni and community members, we have since remodeled the historic McCarthy Hall which houses our education department, giving future educators a dedicated space to learn, grow and prepare to lead. In addition, we have broken ground on our most recent project, a new sports complex, made possible by generous support from the Gary Tharaldson family. This new complex will provide modern, spacious practice and weight training areas for most Viking Athletic teams and will enable us to recruit the finest athletes from all across the country. Learn more below about our Forward Together campaign, and join our forward momentum into the future.
Record-Breaking Enrollment Growth
VCSU has experienced unprecedented growth, both in physical space with our new McCarthy Hall for Education, the Center for the Arts and new sports complex, but also in enrollment growth. We have maintained and surpassed record enrollment for 12 of the last 13 fall semesters, with this past fall also breaking a record for student retention. Our students enroll and stay at VCSU for the high-quality education they receive with a robust scholarship program, and they stay through graduation. To learn more about our student body, please visit the pages below.
Learn about our Student Demographics.
Learn more about our Student Outcomes.
Make Valley City State University your destination – you’ll find a vibrant community dedicated to quality education for our students, employee satisfaction and deep community connection.
Mattilyn Nathan
I came from a larger school where I struggled to find my place and get involved. I chose VCSU because of the smaller class sizes and the chance for more one-on-one time with professors. Here, I feel like a person, not just another number.
Presidential Search News
- 2026 Presidential Search
NDUS Launches VCSU Presidential Search
Feb 2, 2026 - 2026 Presidential Search
Presidential Search Committee Member Biographies
Jan 15, 2026 - 2026 Presidential Search
Campus Listening Sessions on January 21 for VCSU President Search
Jan 13, 2026 - 2026 Presidential Search
NDUS Names VCSU Presidential Search Committee Members
Dec 23, 2025