Joseph A. Chapman (born 1942) is an American academic and biologist who served as the 13th President of North Dakota State University, which is located in Fargo, from 1999 to 2009.
[2] Chapman also led NDSU to join the NCAA Division I athletics program where during their first year of eligibility they sent seven teams to post-season play.
[3] President Chapman also noted that the estimated economic impact of the University to the State of North Dakota was $3.15 billion.
He stated, "Controversies in recent days have created distractions that have made it impossible for me to provide the leadership this institution deserves".
[6][7][8][9] His resignation was to become official on January 2, 2010, but the North Dakota Board of Higher Education chose interim President Richard Hanson to take over effective December 1, 2009.