The State Board of Higher Education voted to name Richard A. Hanson interim president of NDSU on Oct. 23. He currently is president of Waldorf College, Forest City, Iowa.
Prior to joining Waldorf College, he was vice president for academic affairs and dean at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D., from 1995 to 2005. He also held positions at California State University, Chico, and NDSU. His most recent positions at NDSU were as associate vice president for academic affairs and interim vice president for academic affairs.
A native of Hillsboro, N.D., Richard Hanson earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in child development and family relations, both from NDSU. He earned a doctorate in applied behavioral science from the University of California, Davis. He played football for NDSU, then for the New York Giants in 1971 and 1972, prior to becoming a graduate assistant football coach at NDSU.
"Throughout his career, Dr. Hanson has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead others toward the realization of shared goals," said State Board of Higher Education President Richie Smith and Chancellor Bill Goetz in a letter to NDSU students, faculty and staff.
Hanson's start date has yet to be finalized. The board and chancellor are developing a timeline and hope to have a new president in place July 1. The State Board of Higher Education is expected to consider search committee membership and a recommendation for a search consultant at their Nov. 19 board meeting.
"As members of the NDSU family, we hope you will join us in thanking Dr. Chapman for his tremendous leadership of NDSU and in welcoming Hanson to his new role as interim president," Smith and Goetz said. "By working together, we will assure the continued success of this remarkable university and the people who have entrusted us with their education."
