March 15, 2013

North Dakota Hasn't Entirely Warmed to Its New Chancellor

North Dakota Hasn't Entirely Warmed to Its New Chancellor 1

Dale Wetzel, AP Images

Hamid A. Shirvani, who has led the North Dakota U. System for less than a year, retains the support of the State Board of Higher Education, despite being at the center of skirmishes with legislators, students, and campus chiefs.

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close North Dakota Hasn't Entirely Warmed to Its New Chancellor 1

Dale Wetzel, AP Images

Hamid A. Shirvani, who has led the North Dakota U. System for less than a year, retains the support of the State Board of Higher Education, despite being at the center of skirmishes with legislators, students, and campus chiefs.

By Eric Kelderman

You might say that Hamid A. Shirvani, chancellor of the North Dakota University System, is an overachiever of sorts.

During the first year in office, most new chancellors conduct listening tours, begin to outline new strategic plans, and make nice with their state legislature and governor, the people who decide how much state money their system will receive. The controversies don't usually start until leaders get a little more comfortable in their role.

Mr. Shirvani, however,