BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education Accepts North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott’s resignation.
Hagerott says he’s accelerating his retirement effective April 29 so he can focus on national security challenges. He plans to build on his work as the former Chair of the Secretary of the Navy’s Naval Education Task Force and continue to serve on the Secretary of the Navy’s Education For Seapower Advisory Board. Hagerott says he’s returning to academic research on naval officer formation including a planned book project with the Naval Institute Press.
“It has been an honor to work with wonderful staff at the system office and Core Technology Services, a cabinet of almost 20 talented institution presidents these past years, and a superb State Board of Higher Education, to include the five board chairs who have guided and mentored my work,” Hagerott said. “With the start of my successor’s search delayed to late 2025 or early 2026, retiring this spring will allow the SBHE to select an interim leader who can provide stability, continuity, and leadership for the entire succession process.”
Hagerott plans to divide his time between the Washington, D.C. area and North Dakota and to spend more time helping on the family farm in Morton County.
“I remain committed to helping North Dakota adapt to the emergence of artificial intelligence and the unfolding national security crisis of robotics, cyber, and AI. To that end, I will continue to offer my services on the Board of the Northern Tier Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association, and the North Dakota Unmanned Autonomous Systems Council. I remain committed to bringing more defense research and development to our state as part of the recent legislative National Security Crossroads Initiative,” Hagerott said.
