Former DSU president awaits hearing

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The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has hired

attorneys and has been assigned a hearing official for the proceedings involving the resignation of Richard McCallum.

During a meeting at Dickinson State University on Thursday, Board President Grant Shaft announced that the SBHE hired outside counsel to head the hearings about the case of Richard McCallum.

Appointed Law Judge Bonnie Fetch will preside over the hearings. A meeting is scheduled today for the attorneys to discuss the formal hearing dates and other matters related to the hearing.

The SBHE approved the hiring of Fargo-based attorney Michelle Donarski and Assistant Attorney General Kirsten Franzen.

Shaft said outside attorneys were hired because the staff attorneys were swamped and it would avoid a conflict of interest.

“The time attorneys were spending on this matter made it impossible to devote the necessary time to their other responsibilities,” he said. “Also, stepping aside at this point, and avoiding any involvement with developing a case for dismissal, enables our staff to continue to advise the Board on the matter without conflict.

“It was important we get in the attorney general’s office. It makes sense when there is a reasonable possibility that a lawsuit were to follow the administrative process.”

The Board went into non-public, executive session to discuss the matter further. Shaft said hearings will likely be scheduled for mid-October.

Tags: board of higher education, dickinson state university, richard mccallum, dsu president, news