Mark Hagerott, the Chancellor of the North Dakota University System, has announced an expedited retirement, stepping down from his position earlier than planned. His retirement will take effect on April 29, a decision he revealed at the State Board of Higher Education meeting. The board has accepted his retirement and plans to convene next week to discuss the appointment of an interim chancellor.
In June 2024, the board had unanimously decided to terminate Hagerott’s contract following a closed executive session. Initially set to expire in June 2025, his contract was extended until December 2025 with an annual salary exceeding $424,000. Hagerott was slated to transition to a role as a “distinguished professor of artificial intelligence.” However, his recent announcement did not address this future position.
Hagerott has opted to accelerate his retirement to concentrate on national security issues impacting the U.S. Navy. He intends to leverage his experience as the former Chair of the Secretary of the Navy’s Naval Education Task Force and will continue contributing to the Education for Seapower Advisory Board. Additionally, he will resume academic research on naval officer formation, including a prospective book project with the Naval Institute Press.
Tim Mihalick, Chair of the State Board of Higher Education, expressed gratitude towards Hagerott, acknowledging advancements made in student services and workforce development partnerships. The board is eager to maintain this momentum by appointing an interim chancellor to foster collaboration across its 11 campuses.
Hagerott plans to split his time between Washington, D.C., and North Dakota, devoting more to his family farm in Morton County. He reflected on the honor of working with staff, institution presidents, and the higher education board. He highlighted the development of strong partnerships with industries essential to North Dakota’s economy, particularly in energy, healthcare, agriculture, and cybersecurity.
In late 2017, Hagerott faced a civil discrimination complaint from former NDUS vice chancellor Lisa Feldner, who filed a claim after her termination. The complaint, which included allegations of sexism and discrimination, was investigated by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission but ultimately dismissed in 2018.
Hagerott also faced scrutiny over the non-renewal of North Dakota State University President Dean Bresciani’s contract in 2022, following criticism of his leadership decisions. Additionally, the North Dakota University System experienced a security breach in late 2023 involving funds from North Dakota State University and Bismarck State College, though no money was lost.
In February 2024, Hagerott was granted a one-month paid developmental leave, sparking some controversy. Board member Jeff Volk questioned the necessity of the leave when similar activities could have been undertaken using existing time-off options.
The board has scheduled a special meeting for April 14 to appoint an interim chancellor, with plans to begin the search for Hagerott’s permanent successor in late 2025 or early 2026.
Your Takeaway
The retirement of Mark Hagerott from his role as Chancellor of the North Dakota University System may lead to significant changes within the state’s higher education landscape. His departure could impact ongoing initiatives in workforce development and partnerships with key industries, which are vital to the local economy. The appointment of an interim chancellor will be crucial in maintaining continuity and ensuring that these initiatives remain on track.
For students, faculty, and staff across the state’s 11 campuses, this leadership change may bring both challenges and opportunities. It could lead to shifts in strategic priorities and foster new approaches to education and research, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The transition period may also present opportunities for fresh leadership to address previous controversies and continue building robust connections with the state’s economic sectors.