The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) governs the policies of the North Dakota University System. Those that sit on the board consist of seven citizen members appointed to four-year terms by the governor and one student appointed by the governor to serve a one-year term. The Council of College Faculties selects the board’s non-voting faculty advisor, and the NDUS Staff Senate selects the board’s non-voting staff advisor. Click on the link below for more information about the State Board of Higher Education.
North Dakota University System | SBHE
Annually, the NDSA submits three of the most accomplished members for the governors review to appoint a student to the SBHE. North Dakota’s Student Member advocates for student interests directly to the board and is able to vote on those issues.
The 2026-2027 SBHE Student Member is Kelby Azure.
Kelby Azure is a graduate senior at Mayville State University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health with a minor in Psychology in the spring of 2026. This fall, Kelby is returning for his fifth and final season with the Comets football program, where he has served as a team captain while contributing as a wide receiver, tight end, and punter.
Outside the classroom and football field, Kelby is the owner of A2K Exteriors, a student-athlete owned and operated exterior cleaning company serving communities throughout the Red River Valley. In his free time, Kelby enjoys golfing & traveling with friends and family. After college, Kelby plans own business in the state of North Dakota.
Email: kelby.azure@mayvillestate.edu
Information about the SBHE student position available here: Student Member on the State Board of Higher Education