VPAA Leadership Searches
Open Searches
The Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is currently searching for the following leadership positions.
Dean of the School of Law
The University of North Dakota is seeking candidates for the position of Dean of the School of Law. Reporting directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the dean is the leader of North Dakota's only School of Law.
The search committee for the Dean of the School of Law will be chaired by Maridee Shogren, Dean, College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines, and will be assisted by Academic Search, a prominent executive search firm that specializes in higher education placements.
Recently Completed Searches
College of Engineering & Mines Dean
After a national search, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Link appointed Ryan Adams, the Terry and Diane Severson endowed professor of National Security and associate dean of National Security, as the dean for the College of Engineering & Mines. Adams has served as interim dean for the College since January, 2025.
Nistler College of Business & Public Administration Interim Dean
After an internal search, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Link has appointed Patrick O'Neill, professor of Economics & Finance and associate dean, as the interim dean for the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. Dr. O’Neill has been a faculty member at the University of North Dakota since 1987 and has held administrative positions since 2001. He will assume his new duties on July 1, 2025 and will serve until the permanent dean is named and in place.
School of Law Interim Dean
After an internal search, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Link has appointed Bradley Myers, associate dean for Academic Affairs and Administration & Randy H. Lee Professor of Law, as the interim dean for the School of Law. Professor Myers has been a faculty member at the University of North Dakota since 2001.He will assume his new duties on July 1, 2025 and will serve until the permanent dean is named and in place.
School of Graduate Studies Interim Dean
After an internal search, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Link has appointed Soojung Kim, associate professor and chair in the Department of Communication, as the interim dean for the School of Graduate Studies. Kim has worked in the College of Arts & Sciences since 2015. She will assume her new duties on May 5, 2025 and will serve until the permanent dean is named and in place.
Director of Essential Studies
After a national search, Breeann Flesch has been appointed to the position of director of Essential Studies at UND.The appointment was made by Eric Link, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.The position will report to Karyn Plumm, UND’s vice provost of undergraduate studies and student success. As director, Flesch will provide vision and leadership for the Essential Studies program and advocates for excellence in general education for all undergraduate students at UND. Flesch will be responsible for the coordination the program which includes collaborating with academic units in the development and ongoing validation of a broad array of Essential Studies courses; working closely with faculty, staff, and advisors to inspire innovative teaching and campus-wide understanding of the program; and communicating the value of the liberal arts and supports student success in interactions with individual students and the larger campus.
Chief Data Officer
After an internal search, Matthew Berosik has been appointed to the position of chief data officer and director of University Analytics & Planning at UND. Berosik has served the position in an interim capacity since August 2023. In his position as the director of University Analytics & Planning and CDO, Berosik will provide leadership for the data management, institutional reporting and strategic analytic processes of the University. He will help promote a culture of data-informed decision-making and strategic planning.The position will report to Vice Provost for Strategic Programming and Initiatives Jeff Holm.
Dean for the College of Education & Human Development
After a nationwide search, UND Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Link, named Dr. Shelbie Witte as the Dean for the College of Education and Human Development. Witte’s appointment starts on July 1, 2024. As the Dean of CEHD, Witte will provide leadership and facilitate an environment for accomplishing strategic goals, as well as aligning the functioning of the College with UND’s broader academic identity and strategic planning. In cooperation with the Provost, Dean Witte will be responsible for academic and administrative planning; budgeting; administration and implementation of department, College and university policies; and fund-raising and external relations. In partnership with the faculty, Dean Witte will be responsible for academic program development and review; faculty recruitment; development and evaluation of faculty; and student relations.