BISMARCK (AP) - North Dakota's Senate has confirmed Fargo optometrist Kevin Melicher as a member of the state Board of Higher Education.
The Senate voted 27-18 to confirm Melicher on Thursday.
A five-member Senate committee voted 3-2 earlier this month to deny Melicher a four-year term on the board. The full Senate confirmed him anyway.
Melicher has served on the board in a temporary status since June.
The board has eight voting members.
Nicholas Hacker of Bismarck and Greg Stemen of Fort Ransom also have been nominated to serve on the board. Their Senate confirmation votes are pending.