Remembering Randy Eken
Editor’s note: This post first appeared in the For Your Health blog on March 27, 2026.
UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS) faculty and staff past and present expressed condolences this week on news of the passing of Randy Eken, the School’s former associate dean for administration & finance.
“I was lucky enough to join Randy in Administration & Finance at the SMHS in 1990 as the team was about to start the five-story addition to what is now Columbia Hall,” recalled former SMHS finance director Terry Nelson. “I remember the twinkle in his eye as he told me about the new addition and how it would greatly help the SMHS research operation. That twinkle never left his eyes over the years as he continued to be instrumental in the construction of additional SMHS buildings and renovations across the state of North Dakota as the SMHS grew. He took great pride in being part of the leadership team that was improving healthcare across the state of North Dakota. I will always remember Randy for his kindness, humor, mentorship and his quiet way of leading that everyone appreciated and admired.”
Eken was first hired as the SMHS Business Affairs Director in June 1979. Although his title changed throughout his nearly 40 years with UND, he ended his career as the School’s associate dean for administration & finance in the current SMHS building in Grand Forks, retiring on June 30, 2017.
Former SMHS Dean Dr. Joshua Wynne credited Eken with being the force that carried the SMHS building project in Grand Forks across the finish line a decade ago.
“From my first day at UND until the day he retired, Randy was my trusted associate and mentor regarding the ways of UND and North Dakota,” said Wynne. “His crowning achievement was the design, construction, and operationalization of the new state-of-the-art health professions education building that was a critical ingredient in the School’s ability to increase class size. Henceforth, I will think of him every day when I walk into the building. I hope that you will too.”
Buildings notwithstanding, Wynne added that without Eken, North Dakota’s healthcare workforce would look very different today. “Along with many others, we addressed the major healthcare delivery challenge in the state – the shortage and maldistribution of clinical providers,” Wynne added. “Together, we formulated the Healthcare Workforce Initiative that successfully increased the number of graduates from the SMHS and enhanced their retention for clinical practice within the state.”
From UND’s Office of the President, Chief of Staff Judy Solberg, who worked with Eken for years, echoed Wynne’s and Nelson’s sentiments.
“Randy and I worked side-by-side during the design and construction of the beautiful building that now stands, housing the School he dedicated his career to,” said Solberg, who served as Wynne’s chief of staff for years. “He commanded a room in a way most cannot. People were attracted to him, knowing he would listen to them, offering mutual respect and understanding. My favorite memories of Randy include him coming down to the Dean’s Office for a Diet Coke, settling in my guest chair, and checking in. He cared about everyone, and it showed.”
Eken’s full obituary is available online.
The SMHS Dean’s Office extends its condolences to Eken’s family, friends, and former colleagues. A celebration of life for Randy will be held on Saturday, April 18, in the West Atrium at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences building in Grand Forks, beginning at 11 a.m. Public visitation will take place Friday, April 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, with a prayer service starting at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the memorial at the SMHS on Saturday.