North Dakota State University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

North Dakota State University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and technology.

Driven by a commitment to student success, North Dakota State University fosters an environment of innovation and discovery, shaping future leaders and advancing knowledge to address global challenges.

Leadership Roles at North Dakota State University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Nelson Morris
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - James Miller
  • Chief Financial Officer - Carol Gustad
  • President, Women In Business - Lucylia Paul
  • President - Marshall Stewart
  • President - Ali Sugule
  • President, SSA - Yahye Hashim
  • President of Plant Pathology Organization - Neeraja Narra
  • Chief of Staff - Christopher Wilson
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Marc Wallman
  • Nelson Morris - Chief Executive Officer

    Nelson Morris, the Chief Executive Officer at North Dakota State University, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution. Morris guides the institution's mission to serve as a student-focused, land-grant research university, driving its role as an economic engine for North Dakota. This leadership involves fostering an environment that combines teaching and research to create new knowledge and advance technology. Morris ensures the university provides affordable access to an excellent education, cultivating future leaders equipped to solve national and global challenges. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to maintaining the institution's top-ranked research status and its rich learning environment. Nelson Morris's strategic direction is critical for shaping a better world through education and innovation.

    James Miller - President & Chief Executive Officer

    James Miller, the President & Chief Executive Officer at North Dakota State University, spearheads the institution's comprehensive strategic direction and operational leadership. Miller champions the university's land-grant mission, emphasizing its role as a vital economic driver through education, primary research, and technological advancement. This executive ensures North Dakota State University offers accessible, high-quality education within a dynamic research setting. Miller's leadership cultivates students into future leaders capable of addressing complex national and global issues. The President & Chief Executive Officer oversees the integration of teaching and research, fostering an environment where new knowledge is created and technology is advanced. James Miller's commitment is to shape a better world by empowering students and advancing the university's research capabilities.

    Carol Gustad - Chief Financial Officer

    Carol Gustad, the Chief Financial Officer at North Dakota State University, manages the institution's fiscal health and financial strategy. Gustad oversees all financial operations, ensuring responsible resource allocation to support the university's educational and research objectives. This role involves developing and implementing financial policies that align with the land-grant mission and the goal of providing affordable access to excellent education. The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability across all departments. Gustad's expertise is crucial for maintaining the university's status as a top-ranked research institution and an economic engine. Carol Gustad's financial stewardship enables the advancement of technology and the cultivation of future leaders.

    Lucylia Paul - President, Women In Business

    Lucylia Paul, the President, Women In Business at North Dakota State University, leads initiatives focused on empowering and developing female business leaders. Paul orchestrates programs and events designed to foster professional growth, networking opportunities, and skill development for students interested in business careers. This leadership role supports the university's broader mission of educating future leaders by providing targeted professional development. The President, Women In Business cultivates a supportive community where students can gain practical experience and build confidence. Lucylia Paul's dedication enhances the learning environment and contributes to the university's goal of shaping students into capable professionals ready to address business challenges.

    Marshall Stewart - President

    Marshall Stewart, the President at North Dakota State University, drives the strategic vision and operational excellence of the institution. Stewart champions the university's land-grant mandate, focusing on its role as a catalyst for economic development and a provider of high-quality education. This leadership position involves overseeing key academic and research endeavors, ensuring North Dakota State University remains at the forefront of knowledge creation and technological advancement. The President is committed to fostering a rich learning environment that prepares students to become influential leaders capable of tackling complex societal issues. Marshall Stewart's guidance ensures the university's continued impact in research and its commitment to affordable, excellent education.
    Marshall Stewart

    Ali Sugule - President

    Ali Sugule, the President at North Dakota State University, leads strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the university's research capabilities and educational offerings. Sugule focuses on strengthening the institution's position as a land-grant university, driving innovation and economic impact within North Dakota and beyond. This role involves fostering collaborations that advance primary research and create new knowledge, supporting the university's commitment to technological progress. The President ensures that students receive an excellent education within a dynamic learning environment, preparing them to address future challenges. Ali Sugule's leadership contributes to North Dakota State University's mission of educating future leaders and advancing solutions for a better world.

    Yahye Hashim - President, SSA

    Yahye Hashim, the President, SSA at North Dakota State University, directs strategic operations and development within the SSA division. Hashim focuses on advancing the goals of the university's land-grant mission, particularly concerning research and educational outreach initiatives. This leadership role involves ensuring the effective implementation of programs that create new knowledge and advance technology. The President, SSA is dedicated to providing students with an excellent educational experience, cultivating them into future leaders who can address national and global challenges. Yahye Hashim's oversight is critical for maintaining the university's role as an economic engine and a top-ranked research institution.

    Neeraja Narra - President of Plant Pathology Organization

    Neeraja Narra, the President of Plant Pathology Organization at North Dakota State University, leads initiatives within this specialized academic field. Narra champions research and educational activities that contribute to advancements in plant pathology, aligning with the university's broader research mission. This leadership role supports the creation of new knowledge and the application of technology in agricultural sciences. The President of Plant Pathology Organization fosters a learning environment for students specializing in this area, preparing them for careers that address critical challenges in food security and environmental sustainability. Neeraja Narra's focus enhances the university's research profile and its commitment to educating future leaders in specialized scientific domains.

    Christopher Wilson - Chief of Staff

    Christopher Wilson, the Chief of Staff at North Dakota State University, provides strategic support and operational coordination across key university initiatives. Wilson facilitates the execution of the President's agenda, ensuring alignment with the institution's land-grant mission and research objectives. This role involves managing critical projects, enhancing internal communications, and optimizing the flow of information between leadership and various university departments. The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal part in translating the university's vision into actionable plans, supporting its function as an economic engine and a provider of excellent education. Christopher Wilson's efforts enhance the efficiency of operations, enabling North Dakota State University to advance technology and educate future leaders effectively.

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

    Marc Wallman, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at North Dakota State University, directs the institution's technology strategy and infrastructure. Wallman oversees the development and implementation of IT systems that support teaching, research, and administrative functions, ensuring a robust and secure digital environment. This leadership is essential for advancing technology and enabling the university's role as a research institution. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technology resources effectively support student learning and faculty research, contributing to the university's mission of creating new knowledge. Marc Wallman's focus is on leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and provide an excellent educational experience, solidifying North Dakota State University's position as an economic engine.

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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 Nelson Morris (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as James Miller (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Carol Gustad (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of North Dakota State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of North Dakota State University includes leaders such as Nelson Morris (Chief Executive Officer), James Miller (President & Chief Executive Officer), Carol Gustad (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does North Dakota State University have?
    North Dakota State University has 10 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 Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Women In Business, President.