Diederich new leader of ND higher education board

Published May 23, 2013 9:06pm ET



FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Kirsten Diederich of Fargo is the new president of the North Dakota Board of Higher Education.

The board elected Diederich on Thursday. Terry Hjelmstad (JELM’-sted) of Minot was named vice president of the board.

The board voted unanimously to elect Diederich and Hjelmstad.

Diederich is a retired Concordia College biology professor. She replaces Duaine Espegard (EHS’-peh-gahrd), a retired Grand Forks banker and former state lawmaker.

The Board of Higher Education has eight voting members. It oversees North Dakota’s university system.