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BISMARCK, N.D. (Nov. 7, 2017) \u2013 Gov. Doug Burgum Tueday signed an executive order creating a task force to assess the existing governance structure for higher education in North Dakota and determine if changes are needed to ensure the system meets the state\u2019s educational and workforce needs in the 21st century.<\/p>\n
The Task Force for Higher Education Governance will consist of 15 members appointed by the governor, representing the interests of students, faculty, the business community and all branches of state government.<\/p>\n
Burgum says, \u201cBuilding a 21st century workforce and economy requires us to examine our current approach to higher education, including how our 11 public colleges and universities are being governed and whether the system is operating to its fullest potential. This task force will determine whether our current higher education governance structure \u2013 now nearly 80 years old \u2013 is best able to meet North Dakota\u2019s growing educational and workforce needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joining Burgum for Tuesday\u2019s signing ceremony were State Board of Higher Education Chairman Don Morton; North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle; Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner of Dickinson; Rep. Mark Sanford of Grand Forks, chairman of the interim Higher Education Funding Committee; and North Dakota Student Association President Kaleb Dschaak.<\/p>\n
Morton says, \u201cOn behalf of the State Board of Higher Education, I want to thank the governor for forming this task force. It\u2019s important for our organization to look at how we can improve and better serve our students, faculty and the people of North Dakota, and that is exactly what this task force will do. If you\u2019re good, strive to be better. If you\u2019re better, strive to be the best.\u201d<\/p>\n
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VandeWalle adds, \u201cI certainly share the same interest that all North Dakota citizens have in our education system, and I am pleased to be part of this group.”<\/p>\n
VandeWalle, who under the state Constitution is a member of the Board of Higher Education nominating committee.<\/p>\n
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Dschaak says,\u00a0 \u201cThe North Dakota Student Association looks forward to participating in conversations about how we can positively shape the future of higher education in North Dakota,\u201d<\/p>\n
Burgum will chair the Task Force. The group will meet monthly or at the call of the chair and will provide written recommendations for the Legislature to consider during its 2019 session.<\/p>\n
Wardner adds, \u201cIn an ever-changing world, we need to be constantly evaluating what we\u2019re doing in higher education. ‘<\/p>\n
Dschaak says .\u201cThis is something that needs to be done. The face of higher education has changed, and we have to change with it. And it appears that it\u2019s going to take legislative change to get it done. I\u2019m in complete agreement that we need to review the governance.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Sanford says, \u201cGovernance is a key component when it comes to excellence.\u00a0 The directions and actions an organization takes are determined by governance, so it\u2019s certainly appropriate to review the governance process of any organization.\u201d<\/p>\n
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