The chancellor of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith was appointed Friday to lead South Dakota’s six public universities and two special schools. Paul Beran will become the South Dakota Board of Regents’ executive director and chief executive officer on or before Sept. 4.

Beran says he wants all of higher education to work together……

Beran says he has reached out to other education agencies….

Beran says the universities can be drivers of economic development……

He was introduced at a special meeting of the Board of Regents in Pierre.

Beran’s career in higher education includes service in five states, first as a faculty member and administrator, and for the last 17 years as a university CEO in Arkansas and Oklahoma public university systems. Prior to joining the University of Arkansas System in 2006, Beran was president of Northwestern Oklahoma State University.