Erica Buchholz

BISMARCK, N.D. (NDUS) – The North Dakota University System (NDUS) announced the selection of co-chairs to lead the Valley City State University (VCSU) Presidential Search Committee. State Board of Higher Education Vice Chair D.J. Campbell and VCSU Vice President for Business Affairs Erica Buchholz will serve as co-chairs of the search process.

The search committee is being established following the announcement that VCSU President Alan LaFave, who has served since 2018, will become president of his alma mater, Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D. His final day at VCSU will be December 31, 2025.

“Campbell brings significant expertise in talent identification and recruitment, while Buchholz offers substantial insight into VCSU’s operations and priorities,” said NDUS Commissioner Brent Sanford. “Their leadership will be instrumental as the committee evaluates candidates to carry VCSU’s mission into the future.”

The Presidential Search Committee will include representatives from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members. The committee’s work will begin immediately, with the goal of recommending finalists to the State Board of Higher Education in the coming months.

“This is an important moment for VCSU,” said Campbell. “We are committed to leading a transparent and inclusive process that ensures the next president is well prepared to guide the university into the future. Our goal is to engage the entire VCSU community and identify a leader who will continue to build on the university’s strong foundation of student success and
innovation.”

Until a permanent president is selected, an interim president will be needed. Under SBHE policy, the SBHE selects an interim president based on recommendations from the NDUS Commissioner Sanford, who issued a Request for Letters of Interest from individuals wishing to be considered for the VCSU interim presidency. It is expected that this interim appointment will continue until the permanent president is hired, likely in late spring 2026.

An executive session will be added to the SBHE’s December 4, 2025, agenda. During that session, the Board will discuss the appointment of an interim president at VCSU.