Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor James H. McCormick said today he will recommend that the Board of Trustees appoint Richard Hanson as president of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College.

Hanson has been interim president of North Dakota State University since Dec. 1, 2009. Previously, he served as president of Waldorf College; professor of sociology, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, all at Augustana College; associate vice president for academic affairs, associate director of human development in the Extension Service and director of the Family Studies Institute, all at North Dakota State University; and chair of the Department of Home Economics at California State University, Chico.

“We are very pleased to recommend that Richard Hanson join our leadership team,” McCormick said. “His accomplishments and wide-ranging experience demonstrate that he has the leadership skills to continue building these two fine institutions – Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College.”

Hanson also has held interim positions at North Dakota State University that included vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College of University Studies. Hanson earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology and his master’s in child development and family relations, both from North Dakota State University, and a doctorate in applied behavioral science from the University of California-Davis.

The new president will replace Jon Quistgaard, who is retiring. The Board of Trustees is expected to act on the recommendation at a May 19 meeting.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 260,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 164,000 students in non-credit courses.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system is an Equal Opportunity employer and educator.

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Contact:  Melinda Voss, (651) 201-1804, melinda.voss@so.mnscu.edu
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