North Dakota State University Vice President of Finance and Administration Bruce Bollinger announced that budget director Karla Mongeon-Stewart and director of the physical plant at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton Mike Ellingson will serve as interim co-directors of NDSU's facilities management department until a review of business practices is complete and a full-time director of facilities management is hired.
The decision comes as a result of the information in the recent audit of the North Dakota University System to ensure the university will carefully consider the scope of capital projects and comply with the requirements of the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) policy.
"I'm excited about the skill set that Mike and Karla bring to update the business practices in facilities management," said Bollinger.
Mongeon-Stewart will leave her duties as budget director to conduct a complete business practice review of facilities management that will increase efficiency, accuracy and conform to all external and internal policies and procedures. Internal controls, accountability and performance measures will be key considerations on re-designing the process. The review will be expanded to other departments after the completion of the business practice review of facilities management.
Ellingson, a 1988 NDSU mechanical engineering graduate, has been contracted for services until a permanent replacement is found. Ellingson will work on the capital improvement side of facilities management reviewing the current active capital improvement projects such as Minard Hall to make sure construction is in compliance with SBHE and Century Code policies and procedures and that the projects move forward in a timely manner.
Evelyn Sova, budget analyst, will serve as interim budget director.