BISMARCK — Gov. Kelly Armstrong on Tuesday named two men to four-year terms on the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education and selected a recent Mayville State graduate to serve as the board’s student member for one year.
New and returning members
Kevin Black of Minot was reappointed and will continue as chair of the board. Black, who has been on the board since 2022, is the co-founder and CEO of Creedence Energy Services, a company that provides specialized chemical solutions for oil and gas well performance.
Dr. Joshua Deere, the president of Grand Forks-based Altru Health System and a practicing family medicine physician, was appointed to a four-year term. Deere succeeds Danita Bye, who served on the board starting in 2020 and reached the board’s maximum term limit.
Kelby Azure will serve as the board’s one-year student member. Azure, a Mayville State University graduate who received a bachelor of arts degree in allied health in May, is pursuing a master’s degree while playing football for the Comets. He is the founder and CEO of A2k Exterious, an exterior services company.
“Kevin and Dr. Deere both bring considerable leadership experience and valuable perspectives on higher education and how it can help meet our state’s workforce demands, including in two of our largest industries, energy and healthcare,” Armstrong said. “We appreciate their willingness to serve, along with all the candidates who applied, and we are excited for Kelby to bring his perspective to the board as he represents his fellow students.”
Why the appointments matter
The State Board of Higher Education oversees the North Dakota University System’s 11 public colleges and universities. Appointments to the board shape policy decisions on academic programs, tuition, capital projects and workforce-aligned initiatives across the state.
- Energy and healthcare representation: Black’s background in the energy sector and Deere’s leadership in health care align with two of North Dakota’s largest employment sectors.
- Student voice: Azure’s role as a student member provides direct input from a recent graduate and current master’s student on issues affecting campus life and academic programs.
- Continuity and change: Reappointing the existing chair preserves leadership continuity while adding a healthcare executive introduces new institutional perspective.
Appointment details
The governor’s office did not release additional schedule details for orientation or the board’s upcoming meetings. The board’s decisions will affect institutions across the state, from program approvals to budgeting priorities.
| Member | Role / Background | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Black | Minot entrepreneur; CEO, Creedence Energy Services; current board chair | Four years (reappointment) |
| Dr. Joshua Deere | President, Altru Health System; family medicine physician | Four years (new) |
| Kelby Azure | Mayville State graduate; allied health; student-athlete; CEO of A2k Exterious | One year (student member) |
Residents and stakeholders who follow higher education governance can expect the board’s roster to play a role in shaping how public colleges and universities align curricula with state workforce needs. The appointments underscore an emphasis on connecting higher education policy with the state’s energy and healthcare sectors.
Further information about the board, meeting schedules and how to submit public comment is available via the State Board of Higher Education’s official website and through the governor’s office.
