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(NewsDakota.com) University of North Dakota President Mark Kennedy and a contingent of University faculty and administrations arrived in Oakes Wednesday afternoon as part of a bus tour throughout the state.

The annual tour was the first for Kennedy, after being named President of the University back in July.

Kennedy spoke with Jason Metko of KDDR-AM radio during the event, and for the first time stated his comments regarding news earlier this week of UND’s Athletic Department facing a $1.4 million budget shortfall.

Kennedy expressed confidence in the school’s Athletic Director Brian Faison, and indicated he was fully committed to the success of the athletic programs in spite of the budgetary issues facing the deparment.

The interview can be found below.