Presidential Search at VCSU Suspended

VALLEY CITY, N.D. – The search committee appointed by the State Board of Higher Education to identify the next permanent president of Valley City State University (VCSU) has suspended the current presidential search process.

The decision was made by the search committee following the recent withdrawal of multiple semi-finalist candidates who accepted other professional opportunities prior to on campus visits.

“The State Board is committed to identifying a leader who is the right fit for Valley City State University and its future,” said search committee Co-Chair and State Board of Higher Education Vice Chair, DJ Campbell. “At the outset, the search committee at VCSU was committed to bringing a robust group of semi-finalists to campus for consideration and evaluation by the campus and Valley City community. Because recent withdrawals limited our ability to meet that goal, the committee agreed it is in the best interest of the institution to pause the search and reassess next steps to ensure a strong and diverse candidate pool for campus and community consideration.”

Valley City State University will continue to be led by its current interim president, Dr. Allen Burgad, whose steady leadership and strong connection to the institution have provided continuity and stability for VCSU during this transition period.

Search committee co chairs Erica Buchholz, VCSU Vice President for Finance, and DJ Campbell will work with the State Board of Higher Education to evaluate options and determine next steps, including the anticipated relaunch of the search. Updates will be shared with the campus community as decisions are made.

Valley City State University remains focused on advancing its mission of providing high quality education, supporting students, and serving the needs of the community and the state.