ND State University president resigns amid spending controversies, says ‘It just isn’t fun’

ND State president quits amid spending questions

FARGO, N.D. — The president of North Dakota State University — stung by criticism over the ballooning cost of his new home and a $22,000 trip to President Barack Obama’s inauguration for himself and his family — says he is stepping down.

Joseph Chapman said Wednesday he was not pressured to step down but “it just isn’t fun.” He said his resignation will take effect Jan. 2.

The state Board of Higher Education says it will likely ask for an audit on spending for the house, which was estimated to cost $900,000 but grew to over $2 million.

The 67-year-old Chapman and his family also took a charter flight to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration using money from the university foundation’s discretionary fund. A university spokeswoman says the school’s plane was being repaired.