On Oct. 14, NDSU President Joseph A. Chapman sent the following e-mail message to faculty, students and staff:

“Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Earlier today, I tendered my resignation to Chancellor Goetz. Serving as president of North Dakota State University for the past 11 years has been the greatest privilege of my academic career. Together, we have taken this institution to new levels, and I take great pride in all we have accomplished together. Gale and I have made friends and community ties here we will cherish for the rest of our lives.

Controversies in recent days have created distractions that have made it impossible for me to provide the leadership this institution deserves. Students have always been paramount, and I fear these distractions have impaired my ability to serve their interests.

I have full confidence NDSU will continue to thrive and contribute to the prosperity of North Dakota well into the future.

I thank you all for your kindness and support.”

In his letter to Chancellor William Goetz, Chapman said his resignation is effective Jan. 2, 2010.

Chapman joined NDSU as its 13th president in June 1999, and a decade of growth ensued. 

Student enrollment saw new records for 10 consecutive years, building from about 9,600 to 14,189 students.

In his 2009 State of the University Address, Chapman noted that NDSU’s doctoral programs increased from 18 to 44 in 10 years, and annual research expenditures rose from $44 million to $115.5 million.

Prior to coming to NDSU, Chapman was senior vice president and provost at Montana State University, Bozeman. He previously was dean of the College of Natural Resources at Utah State University, worked at the University of Maryland, College Park, and was a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 
Chapman earned his bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctorate from Oregon State University, Corvallis.