A former commander of North Dakota's National Guard is joining the state Board of Higher Education.

Gov. John Hoeven has appointed Mike Haugen to a four-year term on the board. Haugen will take office July 1. The North Dakota Senate will vote on his appointment when the Legislature meets next year.

Haugen will replace board President John Q. Paulsen of Fargo.

Paulsen asked to serve another four years on the board, but state legislators on a screening committee blocked his reappointment.

Haugen is a retired Air Force major general. He was commander of the North Dakota National Guard for six years before retiring in August 2006. He now runs a business development consulting company.

Hoeven also appointed a UND accounting major to serve as the board's student representative. Haylee Cripe is a native of Dickinson. She will succeed Nate Martindale on the board.

The board's student member serves for one year.

- Associated Press