BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) Terry Hjelmstad has been selected to take over as chair of the North Dakota Board of Higher Education.
Hjelmstad, of Minot, takes over for Kirsten Diederich, who decided to step down rather than face a contentious confirmation hearing for a second term. Hjelmstad will lead the group until the end of June, when his term runs out.
Hjelmstad told board members at Thursday's meeting in Bismarck that it became apparent to Diederich she would not be confirmed. Hjelmstad said it was a decision that board members ``deeply respect'' because Diederich put students ahead of her own welfare.
Hjelmstad is a retired school teacher and administrator appointed to the board by Governor Jack Dalrymple in January 2011. Hjelmstad has been vice president of the board for more than a year.