North Dakota State University announced staffing changes Monday, including the retirement of Keith Bjerke, vice president for university relations.
Bjerke will retire Jan. 15, but continue working part time as an adviser to President Dean Bresciani through the legislative session.
Bjerke, 71, has worked for NDSU since 2001, and is responsible for university relations, legislative affairs and community outreach.
Bresciani said although the position is critical, he does not plan to fill the vice presidency for the foreseeable future due to financial constraints.
"We are really stretched to a breaking point financially," Bresciani said.
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Bjerke will be a resource for Bresciani through April to assist with the legislative session. He will be paid $14,453 without benefits for the appointment. Bjerke's annual salary is $187,889.
Bresciani said he will be the one to work directly with legislators, with Bruce Bollinger, vice president for finance and administration, as a backup.
Bjerke was adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard from 1993 until 2000.
Also Monday, NDSU announced permanent appointments for the staff members who have been serving as interim co-directors of facilities management since May 19. They were appointed following the resignation of Bruce Frantz and an audit that was critical of NDSU building projects.
Michael Ellingson will be facilities management director. He was physical plant director at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton for the past four years.
Ellingson was selected in a national search with more than 30 applicants. His salary is $138,000.
Karla Mongeon-Stewart will continue the work she has done in the interim, which is reviewing business practices of facilities management and other campus departments. She has a new title, director of change management and process improvement.
Bollinger said the audit released last spring illustrated the need for the position.
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Mongeon-Stewart will ensure that NDSU adheres to laws and state Board of Higher Education policies. She will work closely with the office of Ethics, Compliance and Audit. Her salary is $113,454.
Mongeon-Stewart served as budget director at NDSU for three years. A search for a permanent director will begin this week, Bollinger said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590
