BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The chair of the North Dakota Board of Higher Education is stepping down ahead of her confirmation hearing for a second term.
Kirsten Deiderich, of Fargo, faced a contentious re-appointment hearing from lawmakers unhappy with the board for several violations of open meetings laws and what some viewed as a lack of accountability among college administrators.
Diederich said in her resignation letter to Gov. Jack Dalrymple that the hearing would likely become a ''forum for a power struggle.''
A Senate panel consisting of three Republicans and two Democrats were slated to conduct a confirmation hearing for Diederich on Jan. 27.
Diederich was confirmed by senators in 2011 despite a recommendation from the review board that she not be confirmed.
Dalrymple and Diederich did not immediately respond to requests for comment.