Former lieutenant governor named interim president at Bismarck State College

(Jeff Beach – North Dakota Monitor) – A former North Dakota lieutenant governor has been named the interim president of Bismarck State College.

Brent Sanford, who was Doug Burgum’s running mate in the 2016 and 2020 governor races, was appointed Thursday by the State Board of Higher Education.

Sanford takes over as interim president immediately. Sanford will be paid $298,000 per year, according to the North Dakota University System.

Dan Leingang, BSC’s vice president of academic affairs, had been named acting president after the sudden departure of former President Doug Jensen.

Sanford, a former Watford City mayor, resigned as Burgum’s lieutenant governor in January 2023. Sanford became a consultant with Minnkota Power Cooperative on its Project Tundra, carbon capture and storage project. Sanford also led the North Dakota Petroleum Council’s Bakken GROW, which stands for Global Recruitment of Oilfield Workers. Most recently, Sanford had been working with the BSC Office of Workforce and Economic Development.

Board member Kevin Black of Minot praised Sanford.

“He’s thoughtful, he’s intelligent, and more importantly, he’s trusted across the state, so we’re grateful that he would accept this position,” Black said.

The board did not immediately provide details about Sanford’s compensation.

The board approved a separation agreement with Jensen on Dec. 20 after meeting in a closed-door executive session. Jensen said in an email to campus he requested early retirement due to medical issues and other personal issues.

The board will begin the process to search for the permanent presidential position.