Dean L. Bresciani has been named the 14th president of North Dakota State University. The State Board of Higher Education made its decision May 24 after interviewing three finalists for the position.
Bresciani, a native of Napa Valley, Calif., is the former vice president for student affairs at Texas A&M University. He will officially start his new position on June 15, with a salary of $300,000 per year.
"I’ve never been so excited in my career," Bresciani said during a news conference following the board’s deliberations. "This felt right from the moment I first became aware of the opportunity, and it became more right in every conversation I’ve had with every individual. This is a fit and job that I’ve been preparing for my entire career. I could not be more excited."
Bresciani had high praise for NDSU, and urged the campus to get ready for more progress. "This is an incredible institution that has accomplished incredible things. We simply need to reinstall people’s trust and faith in the success of this university and what it contributes to the state of North Dakota," he said.
He said he plans to be a visible representative of the university, meeting with people from across the state. Bresciani said he will "land running" as he starts the job, and defined his immediate goal as "being everywhere for everybody."
Bresciani said, "We owe it to the people we serve to let them they know that NDSU is being led by someone who cares about what we do for this state, and is sincere and compassionate about that. Pick your corner of the state – I’ll be there."
Board president Richie Smith said he was delighted with the choice. "(NDSU President) Dr. Hanson said this morning that it was very important for the board to choose well. It’s a very important time for NDSU. I think we chose well," Smith said.
"This is indeed a good day for NDSU," said Chancellor William Goetz. "I thoroughly look forward to working with President Bresciani. He has impressed me from the day that I met him, and we are so fortunate to be able to look at strong leadership that will lead this university in the years ahead. I really look forward to working with him."
Bresciani was vice president for student affairs at Texas A&M University from 2004-08, where he continues as an adjunct full professor. He previously served as interim vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2002-04). He also held student affairs and Residential Life positions at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Bresciani earned his bachelor’s degree from Humboldt State University, Arcata, Calif.; master’s degree from Bowling Green State University; and doctorate in higher education finance from the University of Arizona, Tucson.
The other finalists were Gary Miller, provost and vice president for academic affairs and research at Wichita State University, and John Gardner, vice president for economic development and global engagement at Washington State University.
