North Dakota Lawmakers Debate Cost of Chancellor’s Inauguration

On November 6, 1991, the inauguration of Chancellor Douglas Treadway sparked significant debate among North Dakota higher education officials and lawmakers regarding its costs and perceived extravagance. The event, which totaled nearly $24,150, faced criticism for its lavish nature amidst ongoing concerns about university spending across the state.

The controversy intensified following Treadway’s earlier criticism of a $27,135 logo for North Dakota State University (NDSU), which drew attention to the financial decisions made within the state’s educational institutions. Darlene Leinen, president of the North Dakota Board of Higher Education, defended the inauguration expenses, asserting that no state tax dollars or tuition revenue were utilized. “I don’t think the two issues are analogous,” she stated, emphasizing the distinction between the logo and the inauguration.

Funding for the inauguration came from private sources, including alumni organizations and development foundations, as agreed upon by the presidents of the state-supported institutions. Despite this, Republican lawmaker Bob Martinson criticized the expenditure, suggesting it could have been better allocated to student needs, such as scholarships or athletic programs. “That’s a lot of money put out for egos,” he remarked.

Although Treadway was not involved in planning the event, Martinson described the ceremony as a “coronation,” questioning its purpose and impact on the university system. He challenged the notion that this event marked a new beginning for higher education in North Dakota, stating, “It’s a lot of money for certain academics to get together and pat themselves on the back.”

At a recent meeting of the higher education board, Treadway sought to address concerns over the logo’s cost, advocating for a more modest approach to university branding. Leinen highlighted the inauguration as an opportunity to unify the newly formed single university system, stating, “The purpose of it was to inaugurate the system, not to inaugurate Chancellor Treadway.”

Inaugural ceremonies are a tradition in higher education, Leinen noted, citing the 1989 inauguration of NDSU President Jim Ozbun as an example. Treadway, who previously served as president of Southwest State University in Minnesota, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of accepting gestures of welcome and respect.

The official cost for the inauguration held at the Bismarck Civic Center was reported at $26,950, with $2,800 collected from meal contributions, bringing the net cost down to $24,150. The celebration attracted approximately 1,000 to 1,500 attendees, with major expenses including $14,542 for meals and $5,794 for printing programs and invitations.

While larger institutions like the University of North Dakota (UND) and NDSU shared the costs, smaller colleges expressed concerns about their financial contributions. William Goetz, president of the Dickinson State University (DSU) Foundation, voiced reservations about the expenditure, recognizing the mismatch with public sentiment in North Dakota. “Not a lot of pomp and circumstance, but rather one of hunkering down in the trenches and getting the job done,” he commented.

Goetz explained that the contribution from DSU’s small foundation, which typically spends only a few thousand dollars annually to support the college, was a significant burden. He noted that the funding came from an unrestricted account and not from scholarship funds, highlighting the difficult decisions faced by smaller institutions.

Despite the funding source, the broader implications of such expenditures were acknowledged by foundation heads. Earl Strinden, head of the UND Foundation, indicated that funds allocated for events like the inauguration could affect the availability of scholarship dollars. “Money spent on other purposes inevitably means fewer dollars for scholarships,” he explained.

As Treadway continues to acclimate to the culture of North Dakota since taking office last summer, he remains mindful of public perception. “We want to be responsive to the people,” he stated. “We hear what these concerns are and we’re paying attention to them.” The debate surrounding the inauguration reflects ongoing concerns about financial priorities within higher education in North Dakota, emphasizing the need for transparency and community engagement in funding decisions.