State Board Appoints Allen Burgad as Permanent President of VCSU
Photo: Dr. Allen Burgad, center, leads VCSU’s Spring 2026 Commencement Exercises
Dr. Burgad Has Served As Interim President Since December
VALLEY CITY, N.D. – The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has appointed Dr. Allen Burgad as the next president of Valley City State University.
Burgad has been serving as Interim President since December 2025. The State Board removed the interim label and made the appointment permanent at its October 29 meeting, following discussion in executive session.
A 1989 graduate of VCSU, Burgad becomes the 16th president in university history and is the first alumni to hold the position in VCSU’s 136-year history. He succeeds Dr. Alan LaFave, who presided over the university from 2018-2025.
“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.”
Prior to serving as Interim President, Burgad had been VCSU’s Dean of the School 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 and immediately 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.
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.
Burgad is married to Lee Ann, also a 1989 VCSU graduate, and together they have three adult children who are also VCSU alumni.
News Release from North Dakota University System
BISMARCK, N.D. – The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) has appointed Dr. Allen Burgad as president of Valley City State University (VCSU) and Dr. Lisa Karch as president of North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), following their service as interim presidents at their respective institutions.
The appointments reflect the board’s confidence in the leadership, vision and accomplishments both presidents have demonstrated while guiding their institutions through periods of transition, SBHE Chair Kevin Black said.
“Dr. Burgad and Dr. Karch have each proven themselves to be exceptional leaders who understand their institutions, their communities and the role our colleges and universities play in developing North Dakota’s workforce and future leaders,” said Black. “Through their leadership, both institutions have maintained strong momentum, advanced strategic priorities and strengthened relationships with students, faculty, staff and community partners. The board is confident they are the right leaders to guide VCSU and NDSCS into the future.”
Valley City State University
Dr. Allen Burgad has served as VCSU’s interim president since December 2025 after previously serving as dean of the university’s School of Education. A VCSU alumnus, Burgad brings more than three decades of experience in education, including leadership roles as superintendent, assistant superintendent and dean. During his interim presidency, VCSU achieved record enrollment growth, record student retention and record degree completion while leading development of the university’s strategic plan, Forward Together 2026-2030.
He also expanded workforce partnerships, strengthened shared governance efforts and advanced initiatives focused on student success, educator preparation and artificial intelligence readiness.
North Dakota State College of Science
Dr. Lisa Karch has served as interim president of NDSCS since July 2026. Prior to that appointment, she held multiple executive leadership roles at NDSCS, including executive vice president of academic affairs and vice president for instructional affairs. She also served in faculty and administrative leadership positions at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Under Karch’s leadership, NDSCS has continued to strengthen workforce partnerships and advance strategic collaborations throughout the region.
During her previous tenure at NDSCS, she helped reverse a six-year enrollment decline, launched more than 55 new academic programs and certificates, secured a 10-year accreditation reaffirmation from the Higher Learning Commission, and helped establish the Career Innovation Center in Fargo.
The appointments are effective immediately.
“The Board appreciates the commitment both leaders have shown to students and their institutions,” Black said. “Their experience, collaborative leadership styles and dedication to educational excellence position VCSU and NDSCS for continued success in serving North Dakota.”
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 North Dakota State College of Science
North Dakota State College of Science, a member of the North Dakota University System, is a comprehensive two-year college focused on career and technical education, academic transfer programs, and workforce development. Founded in 1903 and headquartered in Wahpeton, North Dakota, NDSCS offers more than 100 academic options across its campuses and online. Through hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and student-centered support, NDSCS prepares graduates for successful careers and continued education while serving the workforce needs of North Dakota and the region. Learn more at www.ndscs.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.