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Hagerott hired as new University System chancellor

The state Board of Higher Education has hired Mark Hagerott as the new University System Chancellor.

“I'm just honored,," Hagerott said. "To be the final choice was a pleasure and an honor.”

Hagerott is a North Dakota native – and is currently the deputy director and distinguished professor at the Naval Academy Center for Cyber Security Studies. He was hired by unanimous vote.

"He's got educational experience and leadership experience," said Board Chair Terry Hjelmstad. "He has experience in the Navy. And all the things he's done -- I think he's gained the respect of everybody on the Board, and everybody that he comes in contact with will be proud of what he's done for our country. He's going to be a real nice addition to the University system.”

Hagerott says his first order of business will be to get to know the people in the system office and on the campuses. And he says it is a true university system.

“We're on the right side of history," said Hagerott. "If you look at companies today, they're trying to build systems. I worked for many high-ranking officers, and one officer that I was with overseas says it takes a system or a network to compete with a system or a network. This is how the world is. And if you're stand-alone, you're giving away huge advantages.”

Hagerott starts his new job July first. His salary is still being negotiated.

The other two finalists were Dr. Robert Donley, the executive director and CEO of the State University System of Iowa's Board of Regents, and Paul Turman, the vice president for academic affairs with the South Dakota Board of Regents.

The current interim chancellor – Larry Skogen – will return to Bismarck State College as its president.

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