Larry Skogen, Bismarck State College's new president, faces some interesting challenges.

Growth has been a way of life at BSC in recent years, and there's nothing to indicate that will change.

Along with growth comes the need to maintain quality programs and meet the demands of the students.

BSC has been trying to meet some of the needs of students with its energy technology training programs. Hopefully, the graduates eventually will fill the roles of workers in Coal Country who are expected to retire in the next few years.

BSC has been offering more online courses and has been working with other schools to provide degrees.

Skogen stressed collaboration at a recent press conference. He wants to work with faculty and other employees to develop plans for the future.

He also wants to work with Dickinson State University, Minot State University and other schools to continue programs and develop new ones.

And there's the question of four-year degrees and whether BSC should transition into a four-year institution.

If Skogen proves as skillful as most expect, he should be able to maintain and expand collaborative efforts.

Four-degree programs are more ticklish.

Other schools and some members of the Board of Higher Education aren't thrilled by the thought of BSC offering four-year programs. They feel the state has enough, if not too many, schools offering four-year degrees.

Skogen's main challenge will be to grow BSC within the university system without ruffling too many feathers while meeting the student needs of central and western North Dakota.

Skogen, who grew up in Hettinger, has the credentials to achieve these goals.

Here's wishing him luck.