MINOT — The board overseeing the North Dakota University System has awarded the interim chancellor the permanent role and changed the name of that role in the process.

The State Board of Higher Education unanimously approved Brent Sanford as commissioner of the system at its meeting Tuesday, Sept. 23, in Minot.

Sanford, a former Republican lieutenant governor, was named the interim university system leader in April, replacing Chancellor Mark Hagerott, who stepped down around the same time.

In August, Board Chair Kevin Black told a legislative committee meeting in Dickinson that he favored skipping a nationwide search in favor of giving Sanford the job.

Before the vote Tuesday, Black called it a “once-in-a-generational opportunity” to appoint Sanford, whom he said can make a true di

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