Board president sends open letter to faculty, staff Dear UND Faculty and Staff, At the May 3, 2007, State Board of Higher Education meeting, I provided an update on the search process for selection of the next president of the University of North Dakota. During those comments, I reported that the UND Foundation had offered to pay for the presidential search. In an earlier conversation, Tim O’Keefe, the foundation’s executive vice president and CEO, expressed to me that the foundation wanted to be sure the cost of a search consultant would not be an impediment to attracting the best possible candidates. I took that to mean that, if necessary, the foundation would be willing to consider providing supplemental funding. Although the foundation’s offer was very generous and greatly appreciated, all costs of the search will be paid by the university, according to SBHE Policy 601.1: Presidential Search and Screening Committee. This policy reads, in part: The Board may, subject to availability of funds, retain the services of a consultant to assist the committee or the Board in its work. The institutions shall pay all costs for the consultant, search committee and other search activities, excluding costs incurred by Board members or the Chancellor. Please be assured the SBHE is committed to conducting the best possible search and hiring a highly qualified president who will be responsive to the many constituencies of the UND family. Together, we will continue to be the vital link to a brighter future for the people and state of North Dakota. Sincerely, John Q. Paulsen, President State Board of Higher Education