Last week, the State Board of Higher Education named Ed Schafer, a former North Dakota governor, as the interim president.

Schafer will be taking over in January until the Board of Higher Education names the next president of the university in July. He will be taking over as the 14th president when President Robert Kelley retires in January.

Any time there is a change in leadership, large changes are usually made. However, with Schafer acting as interim president for five months, there will not be enough time to make dramatic changes.

Change is a slow process when you have many people involved. On the topic of change, Schafer said, “You have to build credibility and character, not trash the place,” in an interview with the Grand Forks Herald. He believes that in order to create changes that are meaningful, you have to be tactful and willing to discuss with people who you disagree with.

We think Schafer should focus on the day-to-day activites that the president of a university does. This means going to events, meeting with students, staff and other administrators.

Schafer, who is looking forward to mending relationships with the first nations people, plans to further UND’s involvement with American Indian tribes in the state.

As the nickname vote comes to a close, Schafer will help handle the process of getting a logo and planning any future events surrounding the nickname.

Kelley allowed all UND stakeholders to vote on the nickname options. We think that Schafer should follow Kelley’s example, and allow everyone to vote on a logo for the new nickname. 

Looking forward, we are excited  for the possibilities that Schafer can bring to campus with his political background and experience.