BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler has announced the six finalists for the two openings on the Board of Higher Education in North Dakota. A nominating committee has recommended the following candidates for the two future openings on the board: For the seat of Casey Ryan, a Grand Forks physician finishing his second four-year term Levi Bachmeier — Business manager of the West Fargo school district; served as an education adviser to former Gov. Doug Burgum Russel Crary — Grand Forks real estate developer Rich Wardner — Former North Dakota Senate Republican majority leader and retired K-12 teacher and coach from Dickinson For the seat of Jeffry Volk, a retired Fargo consulting engineer finishing his first term Jeffry Volk — Eligible for a second term Beverly Johnson — From Grand Forks; retired physical therapy professor and clinical education director at the University of North Dakota’s medical school Patrick Sogard — Owner and chairman of American State Bank & Trust Co. of Williston. Bismarck school board approves new bus system for 2025-2026 The committee, which is chaired by Baesler, met late Tuesday to review a dozen applicants for the openings. Also on the committee are Jon Jensen, the chief justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court; Nick Archuleta, president of North Dakota United, which represents schoolteachers and state employees; House Speaker Robin Weisz, R-Hurdsfield; and Senate President Pro Tempore Brad Bekkedahl, R-Williston. The six names will be forwarded to new Gov. Kelly Armstrong, who will appoint two of them to the Board of Higher Education. After his selection, the choices are required to be confirmed by the North Dakota Senate. The four-year terms of the two selected individuals will begin July 1. The Board of Higher Education oversees the 11 colleges and universities in the North Dakota University System. It has eight voting members and two nonvoting members who represent the system’s staff and faculty. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW