Collaboration factors into the newest administration at Bismarck State College.

"I want them (the faculty) to work with me on a culture of innovation," President Larry Skogen said.

He spent his first week talking with faculty and other employees about BSC's future. He sees the college making advances in energy education and work force training with its new National Energy Center of Excellence and collaboration with the university system to offer a four-year degree program for a bachelor's of applied science beginning in 2008.

"The priorities, as I see them, is to ask employees to be challenged with me," Skogen said.

It's telling of the approach he plans to take leading the college as its sixth president.

The university system can be an efficient means to bolster BSC's mission, and meet the community's needs, he said. The community's desire for four-year degree offerings are met through collaborative efforts with Dickinson State University, Minot State University and other state universities, he said.

"Sixty-eight percent of students enrolled in their program (DSU) are enrolled in our program," he said. Program offerings have expanded from about five to about 20, he said.

BSC, however, could be part of a study looking at the statewide need for four-year institutions, he said. The college would like to be part of a comprehensive study, he said.

"We need to look at the impact of the whole system," he said, instead of BSC only.

Skogen said he is happy to be at BSC. He came here from New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, N.M.

"North Dakota has always been home," he said.

He grew up in Hettinger and has a bachelor's degree from Dickinson State University. He also has degrees from Central Missouri University and Arizona State University.

Skogen was academic dean and deputy superintendent at New Mexico Military Institute. He also is retired from the Air Force and has worked as a high school teacher and college instructor.

He applied for the presidency at BSC to be closer to family in Spearfish, S.D. He has a wife, Alison, and two grown sons.

He was selected as BSC president in October. He succeeds Donna Thigpen, who retired.