photo by: University of Kansas

David Cook

KU’s vice chancellor who oversees public affairs and economic development is a finalist to be the president of North Dakota State University.

David Cook is one of five finalists to lead North Dakota State, a land-grant and research university based in Fargo. It has about 13,000 students.

Cook is scheduled to participate in public interviews at North Dakota State from Jan. 24 through Jan. 26.

Cook has been the University of Kansas’ vice chancellor for public affairs and economic development since 2020. In that role, he advises the chancellor on various issues of strategy, works with the Kansas Legislature and other lawmakers and is guiding efforts to increase entrepreneurship at KU and to use the university’s resources to boost economic development in the state.

Prior to taking his current position, Cook led KU’s Edwards Campus in Overland Park.

Cook did not respond to a request for comment about his interest in the North Dakota State position. North Dakota State leaders are scheduled to conduct interviews with the other finalists through Feb. 3. The university has not announced when it intends to make a selection.