Senate confirms Ness for ND higher education board

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota’s Senate has confirmed Michael Ness as member of the state Board of Higher Education.

The Senate confirmed Ness in a 46-1 vote on Tuesday.

Ness is the superintendent of the Hazen School District and a North Dakota State University graduate.

Ness replaces Kirsten Diederich, who stepped down in January.

The nine-member board is the governing body for the North Dakota University System, which includes the state’s 11 public colleges and universities.