North Dakota appoints permanent presidents at two colleges

North Dakota’s State Board of Higher Education appointed Allen Burgad president of Valley City State University and Lisa Karch president of North Dakota State College of Science, ending their interim appointments. Burgad, a VCSU alumnus and longtime education leader, was credited with record enrollment growth, retention and degree completion during his interim tenure, as well as advancing the university’s strategic plan and workforce partnerships. Karch, who previously held senior academic leadership roles at NDSCS, was recognized for strengthening workforce partnerships and regional collaboration. The board said both leaders had demonstrated the ability to guide their institutions and support North Dakota’s workforce and students.