BOTTINEAU (AP) - Wahpeton lawyer Richie Smith has been elected president of the state Board of Higher Education for the coming year.

Smith had been the vice president. He'll succeed President John Q. Paulsen on July 1.

Minot lawyer Jon Backes will become vice president of the board.

The board has eight voting members, seven of whom are appointed to four-year terms. The eighth member represents North Dakota college students, and is appointed to a one-year term.