Jensen Out Jan. 2 as Bismarck State College President

Bismarck State College President Doug Jensen. (Photo provided by Bismarck State College via the North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) – Doug Jensen is out as president of Bismarck State College.

The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education on Friday approved a separation agreement after meeting in a closed-door executive session. Jensen’s term ends Jan. 2.

Neither the board nor Chancellor Mark Hagerott commented during the meeting on the agreement after it was approved in a unanimous vote. No explanation was provided during the open meeting or in the separation agreement obtained by the North Dakota Monitor.

In an email to faculty, students and staff after the meeting, Jensen said he had requested early retirement after dealing with medical issues and other personal issues, including the death of his brother in May.

“I have come to the decision that now is the right time for me to step away and focus on my health and family,” Jensen said in the email.

Jensen will be paid nearly $501,000, which is equal to Jensen’s salary of $388,428 plus a retirement contribution and a payment to go toward future health benefit premiums. Jensen will receive paid benefits through Bismarck State College for January and February 2025.

Jensen has been president of Bismarck State College since July 1, 2020, replacing Larry Skogen.

He came to BSC after serving as president of Rock Valley College in Illinois.

Hagerott earlier this month said a performance evaluation for Jensen was not yet ready.

A 2023 evaluation called Jensen “an invaluable to the North Dakota University System.”

“Your skillful leadership will need to continue as the state and higher education face an unprecedented future,” the evaluation said in its conclusion.

The evaluation also mentioned that faculty don’t feel they have enough input on decisions and they see faculty numbers decreasing and being replaced with adjunct professors. Faculty wanted more direct communication from Jensen.

Bismarck State is described as North Dakota’s only polytechnic, focusing on applied sciences and offering bachelor’s and associate degrees and certificate programs.

Enrollment this fall was about 4,200 students.

A report on compensation for North Dakota University System presidents that the board reviewed in January noted that Jensen’s salary was at the high end of his comparison group of similar colleges. It was also noted that the vision for the college is to grow in its role as a polytechnic institution.

Other searches

The board’s action comes as it is poised to make hiring decisions for other top higher education jobs.

The University System has begun accepting applications for the open president position at Dickinson State University. The application deadline is Feb. 7.

Stephen Easton resigned as DSU president in July after the nursing program administrator and all faculty resigned in a contract disagreement. Ty Orton, executive director of the Dickinson State University Heritage Foundation, is the acting president.

Earlier this month, Lake Region State College President Doug Darling announced his retirement effective June 30, 2025.

Hagerott also plans to step down as chancellor at the end of 2025.