BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ North Dakota now has two vacancies on its state Board of Higher Education.
Former board president Richie Smith of Wahpeton said Wednesday he is resigning.
Smith's term was scheduled to end in June 2013. Smith was in his second term on the board, and he wasn't eligible for reappointment.
Smith is a lawyer in Wahpeton. He served two years as the board's president from 2008 to 2010.
Smith's departure leaves the board with two vacancies. Board member Claus Lembke resigned last month. The board has eight voting members.
In his resignation letter, Smith said the time demands of serving on the board have become too much.
He says, ``I am tired of working nights and weekends to stay current, and it is no longer fair to my (law) partners.''
