President

Dr. Allen Burgad

On October 29, 2026, the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education appointed Allen Burgad, Ed.D., as the 16th president of Valley City State University. Burgad had been serving as interim president since December 16, 2025. He previously served as Dean for the VCSU School of Education.

“I am honored and privileged to serve this great institution and the state of North Dakota,” said Burgad. “Our remarkable students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community truly make this a special place. Thank you to the State Board of Higher Education, Commissioner Brent Sanford and the System Office for trusting me with this important role. I’m ready to continue working with our campus community, VCSU alumni, and partners across the region to move the university forward.”

A 1989 graduate of VCSU, Burgad is the first VCSU alumni to serve as president in the university’s 136-year history. Burgad initially returned to the campus in 2021 to lead the university’s flagship department: the School of Education. During his time on campus, VCSU’s education programs have been recognized with national awards and maintained widespread recognition as the top teacher education programs in the state. Burgad also led the department through the process of a $13.5 million renovation of McCarthy Hall and the subsequent move into the new space.

Burgad graduated from VCSU in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. He is also a member of the 1988 Hall of Fame football team. He earned a Master of Education in school administration from University of Mary in 1993. In 2008, Burgad completed a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from University of North Dakota.

Prior to joining VCSU, he served as an administrator in multiple schools including West Fargo, Stanley, Northern Cass, Napoleon, and Powder River County District in Montana. He was the assistant superintendent for eight years at West Fargo, one of the largest school districts in the state of North Dakota.

Burgad is married to Lee Ann, also a 1989 VCSU graduate and together they have three adult children, also VCSU alumni.