NDSU’s vice president for university relations, Keith Bjerke, has announced his intention to retire Jan. 15, 2011. “Serving at this institution has been the highlight of my professional life, but all good things must come to an end,” he wrote in a letter to President Dean L. Bresciani.

“Keith has been a key leader at NDSU as a respected vice president the past 10 years, and his loyalty and commitment have been extremely beneficial to NDSU,” Bresciani said. “I appreciate his integrity and guidance as I have transitioned into my role. Because of the critical nature of the next few months with the Legislative session, I’ve asked, and Keith has graciously agreed, to work with us part time through the session.” 

Bresciani said that in spite of the critical nature of the position, due to financial constraints, he does not plan to fill the position for the foreseeable future. 

Bjerke joined NDSU in 2001, and is responsible for university relations, legislative affairs and community outreach. He earned a bachelor of science degree in animal husbandry from North Dakota State University in 1961.



Prior to moving to Fargo and working for NDSU, he was adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard from 1993 until 2000. He served as the administrator of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service and executive vice president of the Commodity Credit Corporation from 1989 to 1993. Prior to that, Bjerke and his wife, Marian, owned and operated Spruce Row Farm near Northwood, N.D., for 25 years.