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FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Former North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer was named Tuesday to serve as interim president of the University of North Dakota, which is dealing with a budget shortfall and morale issues that include a battle over the school's nickname.
Schafer, who was governor from 1992-2000 and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 2008-2009, will take over on a temporary basis when UND President Robert Kelley retires on Jan. 14. Kelley oversaw unprecedented growth in enrollment and program offerings, but was saddled with the logo issue he inherited when he was hired in 2008.
The board referenced some major challenges for the new president, including a reported a $5 million budget shortfall.
Schafer, who has a bachelor's degree from UND in business administration as well as a master's degree from Denver University and two honorary doctorates — one from UND — told The Associated Press he plans to sit down with North Dakota System Chancellor Mark Hagerott and outline his priorities.
"I think my first issue, of course, is to just get on the ground and get tuned up as to what is going on and what's happening," Schafer said. "There seems to be some angst between the student body and the administration and I want to get that figured out. Morale on campus is something I think is probably one of the first things you have to deal with. It's a long-term issue. It doesn't happen overnight."
As for the nickname, Schafer said it's time to look forward to a new one. A vote is scheduled next week to decide whether Fighting Hawks or Roughriders will replace the retired Fighting Sioux logo that the NCAA deemed hostile and abusive.
"I cut my teeth on marketing branded consumer products," said Schafer. "I know how to build a brand. When you put the new UND mascot name on the table, it's not going to mean anything. You have to build to value into the brand."
Hagerott had recommended that Shafer be selected over the other finalist, UND provost Thomas DiLorenzo. Hagerott said DiLorenzo's interest in the position gives UND two leaders for the price of one since DiLorenzo said he "would serve enthusiastically" under Schafer.
The vote to appoint Schafer was unanimous, after Eric Murphy, a UND professor and faculty adviser to the board, told the group that many professors favored two UND deans, Bruce Smith in aviation and Dennis Elbert in business and public administration, for interim president. Murphy is not a voting member of the board.
"Most people fear that he has very little true experience in higher education," Murphy said of Schafer. "He does not have the background in higher education. He is a politician and faculty feel he is probably not the right individual."
Hagerott said he likes having an "executive decision maker" in the position. Shafer managed a $95 billion operating budget and over 107,000 employees as Agriculture Secretary under former President George W. Bush.
"By the way, for those of you who don't know this, there are sitting governors who are chancellors and (college) presidents who are doing very well," Hagerott said. "They are decision-makers, they are business people, they are leading."
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