North Dakota State University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

North Dakota State University has 8 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, financial management, administrative operations, information technology, student governance, academic research, and organizational leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and research innovation, North Dakota State University advances knowledge through a land-grant mission that prepares students to solve complex global challenges.

Leadership Roles at North Dakota State University

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - James Miller
  • Chief Financial Officer - Carol Gustad
  • President, SSA - Yahye Hashim
  • President of Plant Pathology Organization - Neeraja Narra
  • President - Marshall Stewart
  • President - Ali Sugule
  • Chief of Staff - Jace Beehler
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Marc Wallman
  • James Miller - President & Chief Executive Officer

    James Miller, the President & Chief Executive Officer at North Dakota State University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this land-grant research institution. Overseeing the alignment of academic programs with regional economic needs, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the university maintains its status as a premier engine for knowledge creation. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships across the state and nation to secure funding for primary research initiatives. By fostering an environment that integrates teaching with high-level discovery, James Miller drives the development of future leaders capable of addressing national challenges. The President & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board to implement policies that expand affordable access to education. Ultimately, Miller secures the long-term institutional health and academic reputation of the university through rigorous oversight of all campus operations and strategic growth objectives.

    Carol Gustad - Chief Financial Officer

    Carol Gustad, the Chief Financial Officer at North Dakota State University, manages the fiscal integrity and resource allocation for this expansive research institution. Overseeing the annual budget process, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial assets support the core mission of educating students and advancing technology. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams from state appropriations, research grants, and tuition to maintain institutional stability. By implementing robust financial controls, Carol Gustad optimizes operational efficiency across all departments. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with executive leadership to prioritize capital investments in campus infrastructure and laboratory facilities. Through precise fiscal planning, Gustad supports the university's capacity to conduct primary research and create new knowledge. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the economic foundation necessary for the university to function as a top-ranked research engine.

    Yahye Hashim - President, SSA

    Yahye Hashim, the President, SSA at North Dakota State University, directs student-focused initiatives that enhance the campus experience and foster leadership development. Overseeing the representation of the student body, the President, SSA ensures that student perspectives inform institutional decision-making processes. This leadership role involves advocating for resources that support academic success and student well-being within the university's research-rich environment. By organizing programs that encourage community engagement, Yahye Hashim drives the development of future leaders who will shape a better world. The President, SSA collaborates with university administration to address student concerns and improve campus services. Through active participation in governance, Hashim supports the university's mission to provide affordable access to an excellent education. Ultimately, the President, SSA strengthens the connection between the student population and the broader goals of this land-grant institution.

    Neeraja Narra - President of Plant Pathology Organization

    Neeraja Narra, the President of Plant Pathology Organization at North Dakota State University, leads specialized research efforts focused on agricultural health and crop security. Overseeing scientific investigations into plant diseases, the President of Plant Pathology Organization ensures that the university remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation. This leadership role involves managing research teams that create new knowledge to solve national and global food security challenges. By fostering collaboration between researchers and industry partners, Neeraja Narra drives the application of new technology in the field. The President of Plant Pathology Organization coordinates with academic departments to integrate research findings into the curriculum. Through rigorous scientific inquiry, Narra supports the university's role as an economic engine for the region. Ultimately, the President of Plant Pathology Organization advances the university's mission by producing solutions that protect vital agricultural resources.

    Marshall Stewart - President

    Marshall Stewart, the President at North Dakota State University, manages specific outreach and extension programs that connect the university's research to the broader community. Overseeing the dissemination of knowledge to the public, the President ensures that the land-grant mission reaches beyond the campus borders. This leadership role involves building partnerships that translate academic research into practical solutions for regional economic development. By facilitating engagement between faculty and external stakeholders, Marshall Stewart drives the university's impact on local and global challenges. The President coordinates with various departments to ensure that educational resources remain accessible and relevant to the needs of the state. Through strategic outreach, Stewart supports the university's goal of creating new knowledge that benefits society. Ultimately, the President maintains the vital link between the institution's research capabilities and the practical application of that knowledge in the real world.
    Marshall Stewart

    Ali Sugule - President

    Ali Sugule, the President at North Dakota State University, leads targeted initiatives focused on international collaboration and global academic partnerships. Overseeing the expansion of the university's reach, the President ensures that research and educational programs address global challenges through cross-border cooperation. This leadership role involves managing relationships with international institutions to foster a rich learning environment for students. By promoting global perspectives, Ali Sugule drives the university's mission to shape a better world through shared knowledge. The President coordinates with faculty to develop programs that integrate international research into the university's core offerings. Through strategic global engagement, Sugule supports the institution's status as a top-ranked research university. Ultimately, the President enhances the university's reputation by connecting its land-grant mission to the global community, ensuring that the knowledge created on campus has a meaningful impact on a worldwide scale.

    Jace Beehler - Chief of Staff

    Jace Beehler, the Chief of Staff at North Dakota State University, coordinates administrative operations and facilitates communication across the executive leadership team. Overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives, the Chief of Staff ensures that university policies align with the broader land-grant mission. This leadership role involves managing complex projects that bridge the gap between academic departments and administrative functions. By streamlining internal processes, Jace Beehler enhances the efficiency of the university's decision-making framework. The Chief of Staff acts as a primary liaison for institutional priorities, ensuring that all divisions remain focused on creating solutions to global challenges. Through careful management of executive workflows, Beehler supports the university's commitment to providing an excellent education. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational cohesion, allowing the institution to function effectively as a research-focused economic engine.

    Marc Wallman - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Marc Wallman, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at North Dakota State University, architects the digital infrastructure required for a modern research university. Overseeing the deployment of advanced computing resources, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools necessary for primary research and data analysis. This leadership role involves securing the university's network against evolving cyber threats while expanding access to high-speed connectivity. By integrating innovative technology into the learning environment, Marc Wallman drives the digital transformation of campus operations. The Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer collaborates with academic leaders to support the technological needs of diverse research projects. Through strategic investment in IT systems, Wallman enables the university to advance technology and create new knowledge. Ultimately, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer maintains the digital backbone of the institution.
    Marc Wallman

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding North Dakota State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads North Dakota State University?
    North Dakota State University is led by James Miller (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Carol Gustad (Chief Financial Officer) and Yahye Hashim (President, SSA).
    Who is part of North Dakota State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of North Dakota State University includes leaders such as James Miller (President & Chief Executive Officer), Carol Gustad (Chief Financial Officer), Yahye Hashim (President, SSA) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does North Dakota State University have?
    North Dakota State University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in North Dakota State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of North Dakota State University includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, SSA, President of Plant Pathology Organization, President.