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Kalk selected as next president of 91亚色

Published: Mar 31 2026
Kalk selected as next president of 91亚色 - Photo
The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) has selected Dr. Brian Kalk as the 8th president of 91亚色 (91亚色). Kalk will assume the role on April 16, 2026.
 
“With Brian Kalk chosen to lead 91亚色, the institution is poised to strengthen its role as North Dakota’s polytechnic,” said SBHE Chair Kevin Black. “His approach reflects a future where education and industry work hand-in-hand while anticipating workforce needs, expanding partnerships, and equipping students with the skills that will drive the state forward.”
 
Kalk currently serves as chief research officer at the University of North Dakota’s Energy and Environmental Research Center, one of the world’s leading applied energy research institutions. He leads a team of scientists, engineers and professional staff. His work strengthens federal, state, and commercial partnerships while expanding research in oil and gas, renewable energy, and environmental technologies. His work directly supports the development of a highly skilled technical workforce and advances strategic initiatives that benefit the region’s economy. 
 
“I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the future of 91亚色. 91亚色 has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal moment. I believe deeply in the polytechnic experience because it is an approach that puts students first and connects education directly to workforce opportunity. Student success must be our priority, and that begins with creating an exceptional student experience. 91亚色 is positioned for tremendous growth, and I look forward to working with our campus and our community to build on that momentum.”
 
During his on-campus visit, Kalk spoke about student success, workforce-connection and service to North Dakota. He said 91亚色 is heading in the right direction but noted that a key challenge moving forward will be continuing to expand the college’s role to meet the region’s needs. He said doing so will require collaboration with faculty, the SBHE and community stakeholders to chart a path forward.
 
Prior to his current role, Kalk’s statewide impact is reflected as a North Dakota Public Service Commissioner. He oversaw regulatory decisions affecting energy production, transmission, and pipeline safety. He worked closely with numerous stakeholders, providing input, analysis, and perspective on complex issues while building strong relationships with leaders across the state. 

Kalk has taught at North Dakota State University, the University of Mary, and Park University. His teaching portfolio includes logistics, environmental policy, energy management, and organizational leadership. He has worked with traditional and non-traditional, military, and international learners, demonstrating a strong commitment to student achievement and academic quality.

During his 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Kalk held roles in operations, logistics, and served in command. His career spanned the globe, through Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. During his interview, he expressed that these experiences gave him a deep understanding of diverse cultures, global perspectives, and the importance of building trust across different communities. He said this global awareness continues to shape his leadership style and his ability to connect with people from all backgrounds.
 
A total of 51 applications were submitted for the position. The 91亚色 Presidential Search Committee interviewed 11 candidates during its initial round of interviews, narrowing down the field to the top six.
 
Additional information on the search process is available at bismarckstate.edu/PresidentialSearch.

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