UND Student Body President Reflects on His Journey as a Nistler College Student

By Victoria Wu

In April 2024, Connor Fergeson was elected as UND’s Student Body President for the 2024-2025 academic year. He is committed to amplifying student voices and advocating for their needs during this legislative session.

About Connor Ferguson

Ferguson is from Maple Grove, Minnesota. He is a senior this year majoring in Information Systems with a minor in Cybersecurity. Ferguson is actively involved in various student organizations, such as Student Government, the North Dakota Student Association (NDSA), and UND Young Professionals. In his free time, he loves to bike, game with friends, and play instruments as he was a part of UND’s marching band!

How the Nistler College Has Shaped Ferguson’s Leadership Journey

The Nistler College of Business has played a significant role in fostering Ferguson’s development as a leader, providing him with many opportunities to step up, contribute, and grow.  Many of his professors push students to get involved and reward those actively seeking leadership roles. Their encouragement goes beyond the syllabus. Whether it’s advising on a class project or advocating for extracurricular involvement, the faculty consistently emphasizes the importance of stepping into leadership positions.

The college has provided opportunities for Ferguson to attend numerous leadership conferences, such as the Morrison Leadership Summit, the Accounting Hall of Fame, and BeBold. These events not only expanded his understanding of leadership but also provided incredible networking opportunities. A particularly memorable moment for Ferguson was interviewing Kevin O’Leary—an experience that pushed Ferguson out of his comfort zone and taught him the importance of being bold in seizing opportunities.

Balancing Academics with the Role as Student Body President

Being Student Body President while keeping up with academic responsibilities is no small task, but Ferguson has found a few key strategies that help him manage it all.

First, caffeine has definitely become a reliable companion! It’s a small but essential boost during those long days. Good scheduling is another crucial element— Ferguson makes sure to plan out his time carefully, finding those small gaps in the day to tackle assignments or study.

Nonetheless, one of the biggest factors in balancing both roles has been the understanding and support of his professors. Ferguson states that they’ve been incredibly accommodating, working with him when he needs to miss class for his leadership duties and helping him stay on track academically. Their flexibility has made it possible for Ferguson to thrive in both areas.

Current Initiatives to Enhance the Student Experience at UND

Ferguson is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community that supports the needs of all students. Ferguson and the Student Body Vice President, Maya Orvis, aim to enhance UND’s student experience by working closely with the community on projects designed specifically with students in mind.

One key area of focus is promoting wellness in all aspects—mental, physical, and social. UND has long emphasized the importance of a balanced, healthy lifestyle, and Ferguson and Orvis are committed to continuing and improving this tradition. Additionally, they are actively involving students in shaping the future of the Wellness Center—whether it’s expanding intramural sports or upgrading equipment.

UND’s culture is rooted in student success, and the university’s administration aims to build on that foundation by creating new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Ferguson and Orvis have a strong track record of bringing professional development opportunities to students, and they are committed to expanding those efforts. Whether through career services or new learning experiences, they are focused on providing students with the resources and support needed to thrive both on campus and beyond.

Advice for Aspiring Business Students Seeking Leadership Roles on Campus

“For business students who are looking to take on leadership roles at UND, my biggest piece of advice is to get involved in any way you can. Whether through student organizations, class projects, or extracurricular activities, the key to developing leadership skills is active participation. Engage with your professors and fellow students—they are invaluable resources for guidance and networking.

Personally, my journey into leadership began with involvement in Student Government and Young Professionals (YP). These experiences provided me with opportunities to grow, connect with others, and take on meaningful responsibilities. By stepping into these roles early, I was able to develop the confidence and skills necessary to lead effectively.

I encourage every student to seek out similar opportunities. Whether it’s through leadership conferences, student clubs, or professional organizations, taking that first step can open doors to personal and professional growth. The more you engage with the campus community, the better prepared you’ll be to lead within it.”

– Connor Ferguson