Introducing Dan – UND’s Compensation Analyst

Dan Zakopyko was hired on May 1, 2025 as the UND’s Compensation Analyst

Dan works closely with the divisional area HR Managers in the development of positions and how they fit in UND’s job architecture. He is a critical component to ensuring equity across the University, researching best practice and applying compensation strategy and analysis to assist in providing guidance for pay decisions, policies, and position evaluations. Dan also complete annual market surveys and reports on UND’s behalf and works alongside outside companies to analyze the annual job market and conduct market trend analysis. He is a key employee for the Compensation Team and the Office of Human Resources is excited to have him on board.

About Dan

Originally from Grand Forks, Dan joined the Army and served for 13 years. After his enlisted time, where he served in Iraq as an M1A1 Abrams tank crewmember, he joined NDSU ROTC to pursue a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice with Honors and become an Army Officer. During his service, he pursued a  Masters in Human Resources Management from  Webster University. Dan left the Army as a Cavalry Scout Captain, having earned a Bronze star in Afghanistan.

Dan brings twelve years of HR experience in the military, manufacturing, telecommunications, and aerospace/defense industries as a Sr. HR Business Partner, HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Manager, and Program Manager. He shared he enjoys HR because its an opportunity to work with employees and help bridge knowledge and resources to help people. Dan added he’s excited to be part of the UND team. He shared he took correspondence classes from UND while in the Army, which helped him get into college. Many of his friends and family either graduated or worked at UND.

“As a kid, I would spend days with my mom at Gustafson Hall and go to the Memorial Union for lunch, Chester Fritz library to read, Upson Hall to play on computers, and Leonard Hall to look at the triceratops fossil.”

In his free time, Dan enjoys supporting UND’s hockey team and the Minnesota Vikings. He as avide hiker, photography, and participates in geocaching. He stated he’s looking forward to the community volunteer opportunities for the fossil prep sessions here at UND with the Edmontosaurus and Triceratops geological survey team.