UPDATE: North Dakota State University (NDSU) has just announced that a search firm will be hired to find a successor for outgoing President David Cook. The NDSU Presidential Search Committee voted unanimously on Friday, December 5, to engage Academic Search of Washington, D.C., aiming to name the new university leader by mid-March.
This decision comes as Cook prepares to leave NDSU for a lucrative position at Iowa State University, where he will earn $700,000 annually, significantly higher than his current salary of $532,701 at NDSU. Cook will officially step down in February, making this search critical for the future of the university.
NDSU’s Board President Kevin Black, who co-chairs the search committee, emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “This is a serious process.” The board has opted not to name an interim president at this time, indicating confidence in the search process.
The timeline for the search is aggressive. The committee plans to begin advertising the presidential position on December 15 or 16. Applications are due by January 30, and the committee aims to shortlist about ten semifinalists for interviews in mid-February. The finalists may be named by the end of February, with campus visits scheduled for the first week of March.
The need for a firm like Academic Search is underscored by the competitive landscape of higher education, as many institutions are currently looking for new leadership. Black noted that this partnership would keep NDSU competitive in attracting top talent.
While the exact cost of the search firm’s services remains undisclosed, Black pointed out that hiring external help is often necessary for such significant decisions. He remarked, “The search for NDSU’s next leader involves a lot of work that is going to cost money, whether internal staff or an external firm helps with the search.”
The committee’s goal is to have the new president in place by early summer, allowing them to establish connections and prepare for the upcoming academic year. This search not only impacts the university’s direction but also the wider community, as the president plays a vital role in shaping the educational landscape in North Dakota.
As the search progresses, NDSU community members and stakeholders are urged to stay informed and engaged, as this decision will influence the university’s future trajectory.
