BISMARCK, N.D. - The State Board of Higher Education today named Richard J. McCallum, Ph.D., president of Dickinson State University in Dickinson, N.D.

McCallum is vice president for academic affairs at Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, Mo. He received a doctorate in education in 1982 and a master's degree in education in 1976, both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a bachelor's degree in education from Wayne State College, Wayne, Neb., in 1971.

"The State Board of Higher Education was very impressed by Dr. McCallum's vision for the future of Dickinson State University," said John Q. Paulsen, SBHE president. "He understands the rich history of Dickinson State University and the importance of DSU to its students, the community, the region and the state of North Dakota.

"Our board deeply appreciates the excellent work of chairwoman Pamela Kostelecky and the Dickinson State University presidential search committee. Thanks to them, we interviewed two outstanding finalists for this position," Paulsen said.

The second finalist interviewed by the SBHE was Bruce W. Speck, Ph.D. Joseph W. Bascuas, Ph.D., a former president of Medaille College, Buffalo, N.Y., one of three finalists for the presidency withdrew from the search Dec. 4, citing personal and family reasons.

McCallum will be paid an annual salary of $165,000 under the terms of a two-year contract. He will begin April 1, 2008.