Bruce Furness, one of three finalists for interim chancellor of the North Dakota University System, has withdrawn his name from the candidate pool, according to a statement issued by the State Board of Higher Education.
Larry C. Skogen, current acting NDUS chancellor, and Shane Goettle, Mandan, a former state commerce commissioner, are the remaining finalists to succeed controversial former Chancellor Hamid Shirvani, whose contract was bought out by the board earlier this year.
Furness, a former mayor of Fargo, withdrew in an email to the state board today.
"After careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw as a candidate for the interim chancellor position with the North Dakota University System. While I do think I can create positive change within the system, I've decided that now is not a time when I am prepared to take on such a role.
"I would like to remain involved and assist in any way possible, as I very much want to see the University System succeed in its endeavors."
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State board members plan to interview Skogen and Goettle during a special board meeting in Bismarck on Monday.
