Dr. Allen Burgad appointed interim President for VCSU
BISMARCK, N.D. – The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) today appointed Dr. Allen Burgad as interim President of Valley City State University beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Current President Alan LaFave is leaving VCSU to lead his alma mater, Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D. His final day at VCSU will be Dec. 31, 2025.
SBHE Chair Kevin Black said, “We extend our gratitude to President LaFave for his seven years of dedicated leadership at VCSU, a period marked by steady growth and advancements in teaching and technology. Dr. Burgad brings both deep institutional knowledge and broad experience in education, which ensures a seamless transition in leadership. Known for its nationally recognized teacher education program, VCSU remains committed to serving students, faculty and staff while continuing to meet the evolving workforce needs of the state.”
Under SBHE policy, the SBHE selects an interim president based on recommendations from NDUS Commissioner Brent Sanford, who issued a Request for Letters of Interest from individuals wishing to be considered for the VCSU interim presidency. It is expected that this interim appointment will continue until the permanent president is hired, likely in late spring 2026.
Burgad has been VCSU’s dean of the Department of Education since June 2021 and has more than 35 years of experience in education. Previously, he served as an administrator in multiple North Dakota schools including West Fargo, Stanley, Northern Cass, Napoleon and Powder River County District in Montana. Prior to joining VCSU, he was the assistant superintendent for eight years at West Fargo, one of the largest school districts in the state of North Dakota.
“As a member of the VCSU community, I am honored and humbled to embrace this opportunity and will do my utmost to serve the institution, its people and our community with dedication and care in this interim role,” Burgad said.
Last month, the North Dakota University System (NDUS) announced the selection of co-chairs to lead the Valley City State University (VCSU) Presidential Search Committee. SBHE Vice Chair D.J. Campbell and VCSU Vice President for Business Affairs Erica Buchholz will serve as co-chairs of the search process.
The Presidential Search Committee will include representatives from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members. The committee’s work will begin immediately with the goal of recommending finalists to the SBHE in the coming months.
About Valley City State University
Valley City State University, a member of the North Dakota University System, is a student-focused institution committed to academic excellence and innovation. Founded in 1890 and located in Valley City, North Dakota, VCSU offers more than 65 undergraduate programs and graduate degrees. Known for its nationally recognized teacher education program and small class sizes, VCSU prepares students for success through hands-on experiences and strong faculty support. Learn more at www.vcsu.edu.
About NDUS
The North Dakota University System is a unified system of higher education governed by the State Board of Higher Education. Organized in 1990, the system includes two research universities, four regional universities and five community colleges. The mission of the State Board of Higher Education and the Commissioner of the North Dakota University System is to unleash the potential of higher education in the state to enhance the quality of life, and the social and economic vitality of all served by its public colleges and universities. Learn more at www.ndus.edu.