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Fargo, N.D. (AP) A group of former FEMAle North Dakota college leaders is urging those who choose North Dakota State University's next president to look beyond white men.

Former Valley City State President Ellen Chaffee (CHAF'-ee) and former Lake Region State President Sharon Etemad (EH'-tuh-mahd) have sent a letter on behalf of the group to Chancellor Bill Goetz (GETZ) and others asking them to recruit women and minorities for leadership posts.

Chaffee says the letter was triggered by the search for a new NDSU president but that there is a broader issue the disappearing role of women in higher education leadership positions in North Dakota.

Leaders of all 11 campuses in the state university system are men.

Chaffee says the group is not asking that women or minorities receive special preference but that they be recruited and encouraged to apply for leadership positions.

Information from: The Forum, http://www.in-forum.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-17-09 0757CST | save this article / add to your favorites list