NDSU selects interim president
Written by Adam Sprengeler Tuesday, 27 October 2009 08:00
NDSU alum Dr. Richard Hanson to start his seven-month term on Dec. 1
The State Board of Higher Education met Friday, Oct. 23, via tele-confernce making the decision in appointing Dr. Richard Hanson as interim President of NDSU. Hanson was nominated by Chancellor Bill Goetz, and is scheduled to take over Dec. 1.
“While visiting with Dr. Hanson over the past couple of days he keeps bringing the comment back to me and that is this, ‘much has been given to me at North Dakota State University, what is it that I can give back?’” Goetz said.
“This decision must way the total factors looking forward to NDSU’s future. We must make the best decision for all concerns.”
Hanson, who is currently serving as the President of Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, is a graduate of NDSU. Hanson played football for the Bison and served as an associate vice president of academic affairs.
He received his doctorate in applied behavioral science from the University of California-Davis. Hanson also had a short career playing football for the New York Giants of the National Football League.
Though Hanson received the nomination, some members of the board felt that NDSU Provost Craig Schnell would make a better candidate for the interim president.
Goetz commented on how the deans he spoke with at NDSU had support for Schnell taking the job. However, most members felt it was important to keep Joseph Chapman’s cabinet intact and in order.
“The students will find that Dr. Hanson will be a very student-friendly, student-supportive individual,” Goetz said. “His focus in life has been young people and I think that truly will be reflected on this campus when he comes.”
Some of Chapman’s cabinet members attended the meeting simply as spectators including Athletic Director Gene Taylor and Vice President for Student Affairs Prakash Mathew.
“Dr. Hanson is a very good choice, he is a good man,” Mathew said. “Working with students is one of his strengths. He is very public relations savvy and a great communicator.”
Mathew spoke on his experiences working with Hanson. He commented that during Hanson’s time at NDSU he was one of the most popular faculty members at the university.
When Hanson’s term begins on Dec. 1 he will take over as the university’s president. Goetz stressed that once Hanson arrives in December he will have complete control.
Goetz also talked briefly about the search for the new president and how Hanson’s interim status will affect his chances at becoming NDSU’s next president.
“Right now he is in an interim position and he understands that,” Goetz said. “I feel it is important that we keep his current position and the search for a new president separate and he feels the same way.”
