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FORKS, ND – University of North Dakota President Robert O. Kelley has announced his retirement, effective Jan. 14, 2016. President Kelley is UND’s 11th president and has served in the position since July 1, 2008.
President Kelley said, “I am honored to have served as the President of this exceptional university for the past seven years. The University of North Dakota has made—and will continue to make—an indelible contribution to the state of North Dakota, the nation, and the world. It has been my privilege to work alongside the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make that happen. I and my wife, Marcia, who has been the University’s ‘First Volunteer,’ as well as First Lady, look forward to continuing that association for the next several months, and we will continue to follow UND’s progress with great interest and support.”
Transition and search plans for a new UND president will be announced by the North Dakota University System in the weeks to come. President Kelley expressed his appreciation for the support of the NDUS during his term as President. Kelley said, “It has been a pleasure working with Interim Chancellor Larry Skogen, and I regret that I will only briefly have the opportunity to work with incoming Chancellor Mark Hagerott. I believe Chancellor Hagerott will provide excellent leadership to the NDUS and to the cause of higher education in North Dakota. I also appreciate the support of the State Board of Higher Education these past seven years.”
Interim Chancellor Larry C. Skogen said, “When Bob and I met for his evaluation, he informed me again of his intent to retire. We reflected upon both his accomplishments and the university’s growth in many areas during his time at UND, especially in terms of knowledge and growth in areas such as the law school, medical school, and the research being done at UND, as well as continued educational programming across all disciplines. I thank Bob for ensuring the quality of these programs, and I also thank him for his leadership during the tumultuous sports team nickname change. He showed tremendous fortitude during adverse times, and I wish him the best in his retirement.”
An Associated Press story says the UND Student Senate earlier this year weighed a vote of no-confidence in Kelley and three other top administrators, accusing them of not being open about tuition proposals. Administrators and student leaders eventually pledged to strengthen communication.