DICKINSON, ND (KXNET) — The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) has selected Scott Molander as the 14th president of Dickinson State University. He was chosen among 54 candidates who applied for the position. Earlier this month, finalists met with students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, a nd campus and community leaders, who then provided the Search Committee with feedback on each candidate. The Board then interviewed four finalists at their meeting Thursday, March 27, on the DSU campus. During his interview, Molander discussed how his priority is the people. "My focus will always be on people," he said in a press release. "Teamwork is everything, and together, we need to build partnerships within the community. Collaboration with our university system institutions is key.” Various leaders from the Board and Presidential Search Committee expressed their confidence in Molander as the next university president. Deadline nears for MSU Summer Theatre youth camp Ty Orton, the DSU acting president who co-chaired the committee, said, “We had a dedicated search team and a detailed process. The campus visits consisted of a thorough interview process from all stakeholders. Prior to the interviews, we held listening sessions to gain input from all facets of the community, both on campus and off, and attendees consistently focused on the importance of leadership and fostering community engagement while preparing students for impactful lives. We all joined the group to find the right leader for DSU and today is a culmination of those efforts with the selection of Molander.” SBHE vice chair Danita Bye, who also co-chaired the committee, added, “Through the input process, we heard an emphasis on selecting a president who has a philosophy that is consistent with North Dakota values and has a vision that weaves in DSU’s dual mission and community philosophy. Molander is that person.” SBHE Tim Mihalick said, “I have the utmost confidence in Molander’s leadership skills and commitment to the future of Dickinson State University.” Molander, who is a graduate of DSU, will begin his new role on July 1st.For more information on the DSU presidential search process and about Molander, please visitdickinsonstate.edu/presidentialsearch. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less