President
Dr. Allen Burgad
On December 4, 2025, the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education appointed Allen Burgad, Ed.D., as interim president of 91³Ô¹Ï. Burgad formally began serving as interim president on December 16, 2025. He previously served as Dean for the 91³Ô¹Ï School of Education.
A 1989 graduate of 91³Ô¹Ï, Burgad returned to the campus in 2021 to lead the university’s flagship department: the School of Education. During his time on campus, 91³Ô¹Ï’s education programs have been recognized with national awards and maintained widespread recognition as the top teacher education programs in the state. Burgad also led the department through the process of a $13.5 million renovation of McCarthy Hall and the subsequent move into the new space.
Burgad graduated from 91³Ô¹Ï in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. He is also a member of the 1988 Hall of Fame football team. He earned a Master of Education in school administration from University of Mary in 1993. In 2008, Burgad completed a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from University of North Dakota.
Prior to joining 91³Ô¹Ï, he served as an administrator in multiple schools including West Fargo, Stanley, Northern Cass, Napoleon, and Powder River County District in Montana. He was the assistant superintendent for eight years at West Fargo, one of the largest school districts in the state of North Dakota.
Burgad is married to Lee Ann, also a 1989 91³Ô¹Ï graduate and together they have three adult children, also 91³Ô¹Ï alumni.
Read Columns from the President's Desk

- President's Desk
President’s Column: Recruitment – An Ongoing Team Effort
Mar 31, 2026 - President's Desk
President’s Column: Student-Focused and Learning-Centered Begins with People
Mar 10, 2026 - President's Desk
President’s Column: Affordability Matters – And 91³Ô¹Ï Delivers
Feb 10, 2026 - President's Desk
President’s Column: Greetings from 91³Ô¹Ï
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