Central ND News

Gov. Kelly Armstrong has appointed Levi Bachmeier and Patrick Sogard to the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. Their four-year terms will commence on July 1, subject to confirmation by the state Senate.

Armstrong stated, “Levi and Pat bring valuable experience in education policy, finance and operations to the State Board of Higher Education as our colleges and universities are being challenged by changing demographics and learning models. Our University System is still the best workforce recruiting tool we have, and we need our campuses to align their offerings with workforce needs, adapt to trends and thrive, not just survive.” He expressed gratitude for their willingness to serve.

Bachmeier, a native of West Fargo, currently serves as business manager of the West Fargo School District. His past roles include education policy adviser for former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum from 2016 to 2019. Bachmeier holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Sogard hails from Alamo, N.D., and chairs the board of American State Bank & Trust Co. in Williston since 2003. His educational background includes a bachelor's degree in geological engineering from the University of North Dakota (UND) and a law degree from UND School of Law.

Bachmeier will replace Casey Ryan, who is completing his second term on the board. Sogard will take over from Jeffry Volk, who joined the board in 2021.

The Board of Higher Education consists of eight voting members appointed by the governor and oversees 11 public colleges and universities within the North Dakota University System.