The State Board of Higher Education has named Bernell Hirning, Ph.D., as the next president of Williston State College, according to information provided by the university system.

The board interviewed two finalists at their meeting Thursday, April 29, on the Williston State College campus. A total of 29 applications were received for the position. This past month, six candidates each spent time visiting campus and in public forums, meeting with students, faculty and staff, and interviewing with the Presidential Search Committee. The committee narrowed the field to four finalists on April 9.

Hirning has most recently served as regional associate vice president for National University in California, overseeing operations for 10 regional campuses across a 44-county area in central and northern California, through onsite and online instruction.

He spent over 30 years of his career in education. He began his career in North Dakota as a business teacher and basketball coach at Turtle Lake-Mercer High School. After receiving his master’s degree from Minot State University, he was hired for a position with Mayville State University as an assistant professor of business. His focus at Mayville State was with the university’s Project Management curriculum where he developed a Project Management training program for State of North Dakota government employees. The program was delivered in-person, online, and via North Dakota’s Interactive Television Network. The online version was the first online course offered in Mayville State’s history. He moved to California in 2002, where he has held a number of different positions in higher education administration.

“Dr. Hirning embodies the talents and experience that Williston State College has come to expect from its leadership,” said search committee co-chair and Board of Higher Education member Kathleen Neset. “We are confident that Dr. Hirning is the right person for this role, and his experience exemplifies the mission and vision of this campus and community.”

During his interview, Hirning spoke of genuine people, opportunity for both student and campus growth, open communications, and returning home.

“Faculty, staff, students and community will be a part of every major decision at Williston State College,” he said. “I’m truly impressed by every stitch of this campus and community that I saw, and it honestly felt like home just as much as it did thirty years ago. There are a lot of opportunities in front of us and I’m excited to get started.”

Hirning will assume office following the retirement of John Miller in June 2021.