North Dakota University System

Beyond providing the state with an educated workforce, North Dakota’s universities and colleges are also drivers of economic activity. In this month’s article, Dr. Nancy Hodur and Dean Bangsund, North Dakota State University, provide a brief overview of the recent assessment of the economic effects of the North Dakota University System. Read more: https://bit.ly/4j2Cb6P

Many of our friends in eastern ND were at the Capitol last week for “Grand Forks Day,” a biannual event coinciding with the legislative session. Representatives from the NDUS visited with Grand Forks higher education and city officials on a range of topics. NDUS Chancellor Mark Hagerott gave attendees an overview of the system office and its accomplishments over the last two years, and he highlighted legislative bills affecting higher education and the University of North Dakota, as well as initiatives being discussed by lawmakers regarding AI and digital technologies.?

The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) reviewed the U.S. Department of Education’s “Dear Colleague” letter with legal counsel during its Feb. 27 meeting. The letter, which was issued on Feb. 14, 2025, directed institutions to comply with federal guidance on race-related policies and programs and warned of cuts to federal funding. Board Chair Tim Mihalick said that after receiving legal counsel, no board policies will be changed at this time. He also made a statement in support of and appreciation for the North Dakota University System (NDUS) students, faculty, and staff. “We value diversity of thought and of people and believing that diversity is a necessity to a vibrant learning community that pursues excellence in scholarship and research. We are committed to providing a university system that is trustworthy, supportive, safe, and welcoming,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring intercultural and international diversity in our curriculum and our people.” Read more at https://bit.ly/4bunG8Z

Project RuralReach Launches to Advance ND Innovation Ecosystem ?? UND has launched Project RuralReach, a groundbreaking initiative to advance UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) applications in rural communities. This project will drive new opportunities in agriculture, infrastructure, and emergency response, further positioning North Dakota as a leader in UAS technology. Learn more about this exciting development: https://lnkd.in/ge4KZjkE ISight Drone Services Botlink Censys Technologies Corporation | University of North Dakota UND Research & Economic Development UND Nistler College of Business & Public Administration Northern Plains UAS Test Site VantisUAS | Funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration

We had a great discussion today at Bismarck State College about what business and industry leaders will need from higher education to build a ready workforce that meets the emerging technologies, including AI, that will be demanded in the future. Representatives from our college campuses, the State Board of Higher Education and energy and data center industries met for a roundtable discussion to better understand how North Dakota can embrace and support new technologies during this era of AI and rapid digitization. The group began by viewing a recording of North Dakota Rep. Julie Fedorchak, who addressed state legislators Tuesday on the House floor at the Capitol. She said, “If you take away only one thing from me today, I hope it is this – North Dakota should lead the effort in powering AI.” Watch the excerpt from her address here: https://lnkd.in/g-7VUAGq

The economic contribution of the North Dakota University System on the state was an estimated at $3.71 billion in fiscal year 2023, which includes $2.83 billion from operational expenditures and $885.6 million from student spending, according to a recent report by North Dakota State University’s Center for Social Research and the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics. The economic contribution includes both direct and secondary effects. Read more at https://bit.ly/3EXGIs4

?????? ???????? ???????? ?????? ???????????????????? ???? ?????????? ????????????! ?? UND has achieved R1 status — the highest classification for research activity by the Carnegie Foundation. This prestigious recognition places UND among the nation’s top-tier research universities. R1 status signifies “very high research activity,” recognizing UND’s remarkable growth, with research expenditures surpassing $182 million in 2023. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, students, and staff, supported by North Dakota’s elected leaders. ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ?????? ??????? ? Increased opportunities for funding and research partnerships ? Strengthened doctoral and graduate programs ? Greater innovation to address critical challenges in North Dakota and beyond The future of research at UND is brighter than ever! ?? Read more: bit.ly/4gE42IQ #UNDproud #R1Status #ResearchExcellence

Enrollment across the North Dakota University System’s 11 institutions again increased this spring, underscored by the highest spring headcount since 2016. The headcount for the spring 2025 census stands at 44,880, while the 2016 spring headcount was 44,910. Read more at https://bit.ly/41bB6mM

During its January meeting, the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education was joined by a representative of the North Dakota Tribal System, who is also an enrolled citizen of the Three Affiliated Tribes – Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation. Dr. Twyla Baker, Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College president, spoke to the Board about ongoing initiatives at tribal colleges in North Dakota and proposed further collaboration with the North Dakota University System. https://bit.ly/3ErySHb

As we entered the third week of the 69th Legislative Assembly, educators and representatives from our 11 institutions had the opportunity to showcase workforce efforts Tuesday for North Dakota lawmakers. NDUS Chancellor Mark Hagerott also welcomed and visited with our attendees. Thank you to all who joined us for this great event!