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On April 16, 2026, Dr. Brian Kalk was appointed the 8^th president of ÃÛÌÒAV by the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. An executive leader, educator, and public servant, Dr. Kalk’s career spans higher education, applied energy research, military service and statewide elected office. A native of Bottineau, N.D., he was raised with the values that define the state: hard work, integrity and service to community. He began his academic journey at Dakota College at Bottineau before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Campbell University, a master’s degree in environmental engineering, and a Ph.D. in natural resources management from North Dakota State University.
Dr. Kalk has held senior leadership roles at both the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University, including Chief Research Officer at the Energy and Environmental Research Center, one of the world’s leading applied energy research institutions. His work strengthened federal, state and industry partnerships while expanding research in energy and environmental technologies that directly support workforce development and regional economic growth. Earlier, he led innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives as Executive Director of the NDSU Research and Technology Park and advanced interdisciplinary education in logistics and transportation systems at the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute. A dedicated educator, he has taught at NDSU, the University of Mary, and Park University in Parkville, Mo., engaging traditional and nontraditional, military and international students across a wide range of disciplines.
Dr. Kalk also served the people of North Dakota as a Public Service Commissioner from 2008-2017, including chairing the commission, where he helped guide regulatory decisions affecting energy, infrastructure, and consumer protection. In parallel, he completed a distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in leadership and command roles worldwide.
Deeply committed to education, community service, veterans, and youth development, Dr. Kalk brings a collaborative leadership style and lifelong dedication to North Dakota values as he leads ÃÛÌÒAV into its next chapter of growth and opportunity.