Former North Dakota Lieutenant Governor Brent Sanford speaks from the stage during the 2024 NDGOP Convention at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex in Fargo on April 5, 2024. He has been named interim president of Bismarck State College. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)
A former lieutenant governor of North Dakota has been named interim president of Bismarck State College.
Brent Sanford, Doug Burgum’s running mate in the 2016 and 2024 gubernatorial races, was appointed Thursday by the State Board of Higher Education.
A start date was not specified by the board.
Dan Leingang, BSC vice president of academic affairs, was named acting chairman after the sudden departure of former president Doug Jensen.
Sanford resigned as lieutenant governor of Burgum in January 2023. Sanford went on to lead the Bakken GROW from the North Dakota Petroleum Councilwhich stands for Global Recruitment of Oilfield Workers. Sanford is also a former mayor of Watford City.
Board member Kevin Black of Minot praised Sanford.
“He is thoughtful, he is intelligent and, most importantly, he is trusted throughout the state, so we are grateful that he would accept this position,” Black said.
The board did not immediately provide details about Sanford’s compensation.
The board approved a separation agreement with Jensen on Dec. 20 after a closed-door meeting. Jensen said in an email to campus that he requested early retirement due to medical and other personal issues.
