The state Board of Higher Education has chosen Dr. Larry Skogen to continue as the interim Chancellor of the North Dakota University System.
Skogen is also the president of Bismarck State College.
Five board members preferred Skogen, while three chose the other candidate, former Commerce director Shane Goettle.
"Dr. Skogen carried the day because of his educational experience," said Board President Kirsten Diedrich, who supported Skogen. "I believe that Mr. Goettle has a lot of the qualities we're looking for in a permanent Chancellor. I'm looking at the short-term, interim position, and Dr. Skogen is ready to go."
Board member Grant Shaft of Grand Forks was one of the three preferring Goettle.
"There's a light conflict in taking our Chancellor from one of our sitting presidents," said Shaft. "And for that reason, under any circumstances, I would not support our Chancellor coming from any of the sitting presidents."
But Diedrich says she doesn't see the conflict.
"I have heard comments like that, 'the fox guarding the henhouse,'" said Diedrich. "But one has to remember that the Board is in charge of the Chancellor. So, we will be watching what the Chancellor is doing."
Skogen will have to temporarily give up his BSC presidency. And he will choose a temporary successor. Skogen will serve as Chancellor until July, 2015.
