By Dave Thompson
Bismarck, ND – A New Mexico school administrator with North Dakota roots is the new president of Bismarck State College.
Larry Skogen is now the academic dean at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell. He's a native of Hettinger and an alumnus of Dickinson State University. He taught and coached football at Cooperstown High School briefly in the late 1970s. He'll take the place of Donna Thigpen, who retired last June.
"It's a tremendous vote of confidence," Skogen said. "Good Lord willing, I'll be able to carry out the mission they've asked me to pick up at this time."
Skogen says he's impressed with BSC -- and especially its energy program.
"Obviously, that's got to be a priority," said Skogen. "The building is being built, and there's got to be programs to go into it. Having said that, you can never take your eye off all the other things that are going on. There are a number of exciting things here, and the faculty and staff will help me decide what the priorities are as well."
Skogen says he expects to relate well to students -- and be available to listen to their concerns.
"I feel a very strong connection with students," Skogen said. "I'm a life-long learner, and I hope we can impart that into our students."
Skogen is 54 years old. He has a doctorate in history. He spent 26 years in the Air Force. In his new job, he'll be paid 126-thousand-dollars a year.