North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple has appointed Brett Johnson, a junior at the University of North Dakota (UND), to serve as the student representative on the State Board of Higher Education. The one-year appointment is effective July 1.
“Brett brings to the board diverse leadership experience with both students and administrators having served on numerous statewide and campus committees covering a variety of important higher education topics,” Dalrymple said. “He has an impressive record of advocating on behalf of students, giving him a unique perspective on the valuable role they play in higher education. Brett’s many skills and commitment to academics, along with his ability to represent the student voice, will be a strong asset to the State Board of Higher Education.”
Johnson serves as UND student body vice president, and as part of his duties, chairs the Student Senate meetings and works on numerous campus committees, including building planning, student fees, and budgeting. He served as appropriations chair of student government from 2012-2014 and was the state student member on the North Dakota University System Academic Affairs Council where he worked to enhance communication between K-12 and higher education.
In addition, Johnson serves as president of his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, has served as president, secretary and treasurer of the Johnstone-Fulton Dormitory, and has been active in the statewide North Dakota Students Association for the past three years. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a pre-medicine emphasis. He is a certified nursing assistant and works at Valley Memorial in Grand Forks.
The State Board of Higher Education consists of seven citizen members who are appointed by the governor to serve four-year terms and one student appointed to serve a one-year term. The board sets policy for the North Dakota University System and is the governing body for the state’s 11 publicly-supported colleges and universities.
