BISMARCK, N.D. - Nine candidates nominated for the position of interim chancellor of the North Dakota University System were named today during a meeting of the State Board of Higher Education's interim chancellor search committee. They are:

• Chuck Cheney: former superintendent, West Fargo School District
  
• W. Jeremy Davis: former dean of the School of Law, University of North Dakota
  
• Eddie Dunn: vice chancellor for strategic planning and executive director of CTEC, North Dakota University System
  
• Phil Harmeson: senior associate to the president, University of North Dakota
  
• Paul Markel: associate professor of psychology, Minot State University
  
• James Schobel: former president, Mayville State University
  
• Earl Strinden: former director, UND Development Foundation, and former majority leader, North Dakota House
  
• Richard Tschider: retired CEO and president, St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck
  Lee Vickers: president, Dickinson State University

"I am very pleased with the people whose names have been suggested to the committee," said John Q. Paulsen, SBHE president and search committee chair. "Each of them possesses qualities that would serve the North Dakota University System well."

The committee also voted to recommend extension of the term the interim chancellor will serve from no later than June 30, 2007, to a term of 17 to 24 months. The longer term would allow the interim chancellor more time to follow up on legislative expectations and advance the important agenda of the University System.

Because Vickers has been nominated for the interim position, he no longer will serve on the committee. Dr. Ellen Chaffee, president of Valley City State University, was named to the search committee shortly after conclusion of the meeting. Other committee members are Pam Kostelecky, SBHE member; Charles Murphy, SBHE member; Sharon Etemad, president of Lake Region State College; and Michel Hillman, NDUS vice chancellor.

The committee will meet again at 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 25, 2006, and plans to forward the name or names of one or two finalists to the SBHE for consideration on Friday, July 28, 2006.