shirvaniMEDORA, N.D. (AP) – The state Board of Higher Education is buying out the contract of University System Chancellor Hamid Shirvani.
 
     The board voted Monday to release Shirvani from his three-year deal, which he signed more than a year ago. Terms of the buyout were not announced.
 
     The board made the move after meeting in executive session in Medora, where the group is holding its annual retreat.
 
     Shirvani has been blasted by some students, faculty and lawmaker for his management style. Shirvaniers says he was given a mandate to overhaul the higher education system and fix problems, including low graduation rates
 
     Board president Duaine Espegard says Shirvani felt he had accomplished as much as he could, and asked the board to release him from his contract so he “could move on.”