(North Dakota Monitor)–BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education on Tuesday named Lisa Karch as interim president of the North Dakota State College of Science.
NDSCS President Rod Flanigan announced this month plans to retire Dec. 31, but the board voted to place him on paid administrative leave from July 1 through the end of the year. Karch, former NDSCS executive vice president of academic affairs, will lead the college starting July 1.
The board voted unanimously on the transition following a closed-door executive session during its meeting at Valley City State University.
“With the upcoming academic year and the 2027 legislative session on the horizon, it is important that NDSCS have focused, stable leadership in place to carry that momentum forward,” North Dakota University System Commissioner Brent Sanford said in a statement.
The board voted to have Sanford and Board Chair Kevin Black negotiate Karch’s contract. Flanigan will continue to be paid while on administrative leave and be available to Karch for questions and support during her transition, according to a North Dakota University System spokesperson.
Flanigan has led NDSCS since June 2022. During that time, enrollment increased by nearly 32% and the college added its first bachelor’s degree program.
“During President Flanigan’s tenure the college has seen significant enrollment growth, improved financial standing, and expanded academic programming that has strengthened NDSCS’ position in serving the workforce needs of North Dakota,” Sanford said in a statement.
Karch was hired in 2021 as the vice president of instruction before transitioning to executive vice president of academic affairs at NDSCS. She left the college in late 2025 to work as a strategic projects manager at CareerViewXR, a company that provides virtual reality experiences for students and job seekers in different career fields. Previously, she worked for 12 years as faculty and in administrative leadership at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Earlier this month, Concordia College in Moorhead announced Karch’s appointment as dean of the Sanford Heimarck School of Health Professions. Karch rescinded her acceptance of the appointment Tuesday, according to a Concordia College spokesperson.
Also Tuesday, the board voted to extend the contracts and increase the salaries of Sanford and six college and university presidents. The contract extensions will run from July 1, 2026 to June 31, 2028.
The board awarded an 18% increase to University of North Dakota President Andrew Armacost, bringing his annual salary to $621,846. Sanford said in a statement the raise reflects the board’s work to make presidential pay more competitive.
“President Armacost’s leadership has helped UND thrive in many facets, to include culturally, academically, and a steady rise in enrollment, and this pay increase acknowledges the impact of his years of dedicated service,” Sanford said.
UND is the state’s largest public university by enrollment. North Dakota State University President Marshall Stewart, hired in April, makes $550,000 per year.
Other raises awarded were:
- 3% raise to Sanford, bringing his salary to $459,638.
- 3% raise to Minot State University President Steven Shirley, making his salary $328,823.
- 3% raise to Mayville State University President Brian Van Horn, bringing his salary to $294,234.
- 3% raise to Williston State College President Bernell Hirning, making his salary $250,371.
- 3% raise to Lake Region State College President Carmen Simone, for a salary of $251,754.
- 2% raise to Dickinson State University President Scott Molander, for a salary of $269,091.
The board extended the appointment of Allen Burgad, interim president of Valley City State. He makes $284,050 a year. Bismarck State College President Brian Kalk, also recently hired by the board, makes $310,000 per year.
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