University Letter

UND's faculty and staff newsletter

Kennedys lead new faculty and administrators on statewide bus tour

President Mark Kennedy and First Lady Debbie Kennedy are leading faculty and administrators on a three-day bus trip to help some of UND’s newest employees better understand their new state.  This is the second tour for the Kennedys.  Mark Kennedy recently started his second year as UND President.

The tour left campus on the morning of Monday, Aug. 14, and returns the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 16.

The bus tour helps familiarize new faculty and administrators with their new state while connecting them with alumni, as well as state and community leaders. The tour also gives the new UND faculty members and administrators a chance to bond and to develop professional relationships.

“It gives newcomers to the state and campus a glimpse into the state,” said Fred Wittmann, the tour coordinator and director of Ceremonies and University Events.  “It’s one of the pieces of the ‘orientation puzzle’ for them.”

“This bus tour has been a great opportunity for us to introduce our new faculty and administrators to the their new state. They’ll learn about where their students come from. They learn about the three pillars of the economy ― agriculture, energy and tourism ― as well as about what makes North Dakota unique from a historical, cultural, societal, and political perspective,” said Peter Johnson, interim vice president for University & Public Affairs. “It has been fun over the years to see our new employees react to North Dakota. They are impressed with the warmth of the people, the intense loyalty of our alumni, and what, for many, is the surprising beauty of the state. August, just before the academic year starts, is an amazing time to travel across North Dakota. It is also fun to hear the faculty members talk about how they will incorporate what they learn into their courses.”

The tour alternates between a northern route and a southern route each year. This year the tour follows a northern route through the state, stopping at Grafton, Bottineau, Black Butte Acres near Velva, New town, Watford City, Minot, Rugby, Fort Totten, and Turtle River State Park.