North Dakota, like all other states, has its share of famous people. Say the name of a well-known North Dakotan and most of us will immediately identify with what made him or her famous. For instance, take this quiz and then review, if need be, the answers at the end of the editorial. What comes to mind (what made them famous) when you hear or read the following names?

Angie Dickinson … Phil Jackson … Louis L'Amour … Eric Sevareid … Lawrence Welk.

Easy quiz, right?

But how about Vice Admiral Jeffrey L. Fowler? Does his name ring a bell? Probably not for nearly as many North Dakotans, as Fowler doesn't yet have the name recognition of the others mentioned. He is like many others who have done well in life, in one profession or another, but are not celebrity material.

Fowler's accomplishments, however, while not as showy, are just as important.

This local man has made it to the big time and returned to Bismarck last week to speak at the annual chamber dinner, talk about the U.S.S. North Dakota and the U.S. Naval Academy, where he is superintendent.

He has, indeed, traveled miles, not only in distance and geography, but in many other ways since his boyhood days here. He is an example, like others, of the stock of which we are made and the dreams that can come true with hard work and dedication.

Fowler graduated from the Naval Academy in 1978 and served with distinction (including command responsibilities) at sea in the Navy's nuclear submarine program. And his shore service has been equally impressive.

He has taken his Academy superintendent position at Annapolis to another level, underscoring the need for preparing military men and women for a nation at war. He took the position in June 2007 and, sort of, closed ranks, reinstating standards and discipline for the midshipmen.

He made it clear that the Naval Academy is a leadership institution, not an academic institution, changing the focus and mission. Gone is the "right" to join the French Club and Glee Club, and other extra-curricular activities; they are still available, but only as a privilege in spare or free time.

By instituting less liberty, mandatory meals and more study time, Fowler is trying to stress the importance of connecting with each other as a bond between service men and women that is absolutely necessary.

"We needed to get more out of the taxpayers' dollars," he said. "Leadership is something that has to be practiced, not just talked about."

While his changes were initially met with opposition, results now show a higher graduation rate and lower class attrition. Fowler is a true believer in the military way of life. He encourages more people to serve and suggests North Dakotans can have exceptional careers in military service because of their honesty and hard work ethic.

A sales pitch? Yes.

But he also seems to be the right man at the right time for the Naval Academy.

(Answers: Acting … Basketball … Writer … News … Music.)