Dearth of Women in top Higher Ed Leadership in North Dakota Causes Concern

North Dakota University System leaders. (Photos provided by North Dakota University System via the North Dakota Monitor)

(Michael Standaert – North Dakota News Cooperative) – Former university leaders are raising concern about the lack of women in top leadership positions at North Dakota’s 11 public higher education institutions. Currently only one has a woman president or CEO.

This comes at a time when the State Board of Higher Education is beginning the process of filling president vacancies at campuses in Bismarck, Dickinson and Devils Lake. In addition, North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott will leave his position toward the end of the year.

Those raising the profile of the issue point out that nationally and within the state, women account for 50% to 60% of enrollment and graduates in higher education.

They believe leadership at those institutions should better reflect those figures.

Nationally, rates of women in president or CEO positions at colleges and universities rose by 10% from 2006 to 2022 and currently women comprise around 33% of those top leadership spots across the country.