College of Arts & Sciences Newsletter – Feb. 2026

January 26, 2026

Hello from the University of North Dakota College of Arts & Sciences!

I send warm greetings from UND Arts & Sciences and am excited to share a few examples of the great things happening in the college.

Through the collective efforts of our community of students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends, the College of Arts & Sciences continues to advance along multiple fronts as we enter 2026. Projects such as the completed Merrifield Hall renovation and the upcoming Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Complex are transforming the spaces where our students learn, create, and discover.

Dean Brad Rundquist smiling at posterboard presentation with students

Enrollment at UND continues to rise as more students are drawn to the breadth and quality of our programs – including a record-breaking enrollment of 15,844 for the Fall 2025 semester. Student achievements both in the classroom and beyond, reflect the dedication that defines our community. Our faculty are earning recognition for their scholarship and teaching, while our outstanding staff members are the foundation of our success through their direct impact on student retention, experience, and the overall learning environment. The College’s growing endowment is continually expanding opportunities for innovation and student success.

I am so grateful for the support that our alumni provide. The affinity and passion that our alumni have for UND and for Arts & Sciences is something that strongly motivates my daily work, along with my own passion for advancing student, staff, and faculty success at UND. Besides the giving of time and talent, financial contributions from alumni are vital in broadening the range of support that I can provide to students and programs. Please consider giving to the College of Arts & Sciences or any of its programs by visiting https://pd.undalumni.org/give-arts-sciences.

As I reflect on the past year and look forward to 2026, I continue to be humbled and honored to serve as dean. I am pleased to share these stories with you, and I look forward to an opportunity to tell you more about A&S and UND soon.

Bradley C. Rundquist, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Sciences Dean

Upcoming Events

Thursday, Feb. 12: Giving Hearts Day hosted by the UND Alumni Association & Foundation

Wednesday, March 25 – Friday, March 27: UND Writer’s Conference – Grand Forks, N.D.

Friday, May 1: Alumni & Friends social hosted by the College of Arts & Sciences – Dallas, Texas (More details to come)

Thursday, May 7: Undergraduate Showcase – Memorial Union

Saturday, May 16: Spring Commencement – Alerus Center

Fall Recap

	Fall Undergraduate Showcase 110 research presentations were shared by undergraduate students on Thursday, Dec. 11. Look forward to the Spring Undergraduate Showcase on Thursday, May 7!
	Laser Communication Lab Making Progress Led by Physics & Astrophysics Assistant Professor Markus Allgaier, read up on the state-of-the-art build happening at Witmer Hall. Dr. Allgaier was also recently quoted in an ABC News article on space technology!
	Music Therapy Program Returns After a 10-year hiatus, the Music Therapy program returned to campus. Listen in on a chat between President Armacost and Program Director Carly Flaagan.
	Merrifield Hall Grand Reopening Added to Homecoming festivities was the Grand Reopening of Merrifield Hall! On Friday, Sept. 19, the College celebrated the 18-month renovation project.
	How UND is Leading the Way in STEM Construction on the new STEM Complex begins this spring. College of Arts & Sciences Dean Brad Rundquist and College of Engineering & Mines Dean Ryan Adams join President Armacost to talk about the opportunities the new complex provides faculty and students.
	Forensic Science Reimagines Gustafson House Forensic Science expanded to utilize Gustafson House as a new hands-on crime scene house for students to learn. Led by Program Director Lavinia Iancu, the first cohort of UND’s Forensic Science Master’s students also began their studies this fall.
	Marching into a New Era Josh Gillen joined UND as Pride of the North marching band director, orchestrating a viral celebration on ice during hockey’s matchup on Friday, Nov. 21.
	Guest Lecturers add to Classroom Experience Departments hosted countless guest lecturers this fall, including alums Dr. Benjamin P Davis ’16, Dr. Stacie Bell ’91, Hon. Jon Olafson ’98, and many more. The opportunity to bring alums back to campus provides insight, experience, and connection for students along with their professional expertise.
	CSD Collaborates with Theatre Arts The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders was proud to partner with the Department of Theatre Arts for the production of My Fair Lady. The themes of the musical—identity, communication, and the power of language—made for a natural and meaningful collaboration. Graduate students hosted an informational display for audience members, highlighting the role of speech-language pathologists and the importance of distinguishing difference from disorder when it comes to dialects and linguistic diversity.
	BrainSTEM a Success with Engineering & Mines Collaboration Nearly 200 Valley Middle School seventh graders explored STEM on Thursday, Oct. 9. Forensic Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics & Astrophysics teamed up with the College of Engineering & Mines for the second annual day of exploration. Many graduate students helped make the day a success by leading hands-on activities for young scientists.
	Communication Highlights New Americans with Exhibition From the Department of Communication, “From Many Places, One Community” set out to tell stories through photo portraits, video interviews and a gallery showcasing the community’s new Americans. On Monday, Sept. 8, the Memorial Union Gallery opened an exhibit for the New Americans project. The walls of the MUG were lined with the exhibit’s portraits, whose subjects celebrated their connection to both their new home and their country of origin.
	Languages Expands Hands-On Learning in the CALL The renovation of Merrifield Hall came with the grand opening of the Cafe for Active Language Learning! An experimental classroom, the CALL is designed to provide an immersive language space to practice French, Spanish, German, or Norwegian in a cafe environment. Along with essential speaking practice, the CALL provides opportunities to learn about global cultures and foods.
	Concert Choir Celebrates the Season with Winter Wunderland UND Concert Choir hosted its annual candlelight dinner and concert Winter Wunderland on Friday, Dec. 5 at the Gorecki Alumni Center. Singing holiday carols and celebrating the season, the group celebrated with a sold-out crowd of 130 supporters. Mark your calendar for the 2026 Winter Wunderland event on Friday, Dec. 4.