Sanford Likens top North Dakota Higher Ed Job to His Experience in Governor’s Office

Interim Chancellor Brent Sanford, left. (Photo by Jacob Orledge/North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) – Interim North Dakota University System Chancellor Brent Sanford says he would be a good fit to continue leading the higher education system despite not coming from a traditional academic background.

State Board of Higher Education Chair Kevin Black plans to recommend on Tuesday that the board skip a national search and hire the former lieutenant governor to lead the university system long term.

Sanford said in an interview he plans to accept the job, if offered. He said his background makes him a strong advocate for higher education and an effective leader to respond to workforce needs.

“As the lieutenant governor, and Doug (Burgum) as the governor, we didn’t have the expertise that all the people who work for the state had,” Sanford said. “You’re the administrator, you’re the manager, you’re the one that’s advocating for them to be able to do their job.”