Statement issued by Richie Smith, president of the State Board of Higher Education, and Bill Goetz, chancellor of the North Dakota University System, on the resignation of NDSU President Joseph Chapman:

BISMARCK, N.D. - On behalf of the State Board of Higher Education and the North Dakota University System, we sincerely hope recent events do not overshadow the tremendous accomplishments that have taken place at North Dakota State University during Dr. Chapman's 11-year presidency.

Under the leadership of Dr. Chapman, NDSU has seen dramatic growth in student enrollment, academic excellence and research. His leadership and vision have been integral to development of the NDSU Technology Park and the NDSU Downtown Campus as well as the university's transition to D1 athletics. President Chapman is highly regarded for his relationship with students and for taking NDSU to the next level in so many arenas. His work has greatly benefitted the North Dakota University System as a whole, as well as the state of North Dakota. Dr. Chapman will leave a remarkable legacy of accomplishment during his time as president of NDSU.

The State Board of Higher Education wishes the best to Joe and Gale Chapman. They have become an important part of the Fargo community and the state of North Dakota.

The State Board of Higher Education will meet via conference call Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, at 8 a.m. to consider Dr. Chapman's resignation. If Dr. Chapman's resignation is accepted, the SBHE will discuss the process of naming an interim president and initiating a presidential search process.