Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Rollie Morud, Ed. D., to the Governor’s Workforce Development Council (GWDC).

Morud, of Bemidji, is an educational consultant. He previously served as assistant commissioner with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) from 2004 to 2006, during which he was the MDE representative to the GWDC. He was superintendent of schools with the Bemidji Area School District from 1995 to 2004, superintendent of the Dickinson (North Dakota) Public School District from 1990 to 1995, superintendent of the New Town (North Dakota) Public School District from 1980 to 1988, and served in the West Fargo (North Dakota) Public Schools as administrative assistant to the superintendent (1973-1980), and a math teacher (1970 to 1973). Morud was named North Dakota Superintendent of the Year in 1993. Morud earned his doctor of education from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks in 1990. Morud replaces Beverly O’Connor on the GWDC as a representative of school-based service learning for a three-year term that expires on June 30, 2009.

The Governor’s Workforce Development Council coordinates the development, implementation, and evaluation of the statewide education and employment transitions system and Minnesota youth services programs. The council consists of 32 members, including 28 appointed by the Governor.