CNPD 2025 Highlights

Each year, the College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines (CNPD) celebrates the accomplishments of our faculty, students, staff, and alumni who advance learning, research, and service across North Dakota and beyond. From impactful research and innovative teaching to community engagement and national recognition, 2025 was another year that reflected the strength and dedication of our CNPD community.

The CNPD has continued this tradition of leadership and academic excellence:

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	The CNPD recently hosted Dr. Susan Luparell of Montana State University for a campus presentation on civility in education and practice. Luparell, a nationally recognized expert and fellow of the Academy of Nursing Education, spoke with faculty, staff, and students about how respect, empathy, and communication form the foundation for effective learning and care. Her message emphasized that small lapses in civility can have lasting effects—both in the classroom and in professional practice. Read the full story
	As part of strategic planning efforts, the CNPD initiated UND Pack the Pantry Campus Challenge, a friendly competition supporting UND’s Food for Thought Pantry. The CNPD Team—the FOOd Fighters—took home the traveling trophy, with the UNDAAF Board Directors finishing second and the Twamley Hunger Heroes in third. Together, participants collected 3,594 items and $4,325 in donations to fight food insecurity on campus. View summary video The college plans to host the challenge again in February!
	Our Master of Social Work (MSW) summer graduates are already making a difference in clinics, communities, schools, and beyond. They come from different places, bring unique life experiences, and carry powerful motivations for choosing this field. What unites them is a shared commitment to social justice, mental health, advocacy, and healing. Read the story
	The College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines recognized outstanding faculty achievements this year, presenting the CNPD Faculty Research & Scholarship Contribution Award to Dr. Nathaniel Johnson (Read More). Dr. Johnson was also honored with the 2025 CNPD Distinguished Service Award, while Dr. Brenna Swanson received the 2025 CNPD Distinguished Teaching Award (Read More).
	More than 350 nursing, pharmacy, therapy, medical and other students take part in UND’s first Interprofessional Healthcare Day. Read More
	What happens when you combine nursing school with military training? You get powerhouse students. Read Army ROTC + CNPD features on students Cierra Delzer and Isaac Hallberg.
	Nursing PhD alums Dr. Tanya Trotter, Dr. Stephanie Orth, Dr. Renee Colsch, and Dr. Brenda Sanya were featured in spotlights which highlight the impact of Nursing Research. Read more about their journeys on the CNPD PhD Nursing page
	Three CNPD faculty—Dr. Jeffrey Anvari-Clark (Social Work), Dr. Nathaniel Johnson (Nutrition & Dietetics), and Dr. Christina Erickson (Associate Dean) all were published in The Conversation, a national media platform where academic experts work with journalists to publish articles that help the public understand complex and timely topics.
	UND is home to the Nursing Research Collaborative (NDNRC). The NDNRC provides a transformative approach to nursing in North Dakota, uniting state-wide academic, clinical, and organizational partners to advance research, inform policy change, and enhance healthcare outcomes. They recently published findings in their Retention of Nurses in North Dakota. NDNRC Reports
	RAIN’s Barb Anderson among those Honored with UND Meritorious Service Award. With an incredible 40 years of service at UND, Barb has been a mentor and advocate for American Indian students in the field of nursing. The RAIN Program has become a national model for student support and cultural inclusion, empowering generations of nurses and strengthening healthcare in Native communities. Read More
	The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics offers the Wenberg Preceptor Award that supports professional development for preceptors, and recognizes their vital teaching role with students. This year’s recipients were Michelle Fundingsland and Rondee Boe Feltman. Read More
	Each year, RAIN holds a unique graduation ceremony, one that blends the typical graduation affair — speeches, food, applause — with elements of Native American culture such as drum and chant music, a traditional meal and sacred Star Quilts. Read More
	Dietetics student McKenzie Moe shares how UND’s flexibility and supportive community can help distance students thrive. Read her Leader in Action Story.
	UND Nursing Faculty, Students, and Alumni Shine at MNRS 2025: UND was well-represented at the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) Conference, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from March 26-29, 2025. Faculty members, current students, and alumni shared their research through podium and poster presentations, showcasing the impact of nursing research at UND. Read More
	Dr. Dawn Denny was named Fellow of the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON). The NAON Fellow Designation (FNAON) demonstrates commitment to the orthopaedic nursing profession beyond the normal role requirement and the highest standards of practice. Read More
	At this year’s CNPD Research and Scholarship Day, students from the College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines presented studies that tackled patient safety, awareness of wildly popular medications and the role of diet in chronic disease management. Read More
	Did you know the CNPD publishes a record of reported faculty research and scholarship? Our many faculty and student publications reflect a broad expertise and interest in the fields of nursing, nutrition and dietetics, and social work. Read reported activities for 2025

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