Governor School welcomes future leaders to UND

Monthlong residential summer program draws high-achieving students from across North Dakota

Editor’s note: In the UND LEADS Strategic Plan, the Service core value calls on the University to “create ‘front doors’ to UND, helping streamline ways for people and partners to engage and collaborate.” This story reports on the North Dakota Governor School, a project that invites high school students to explore their preferred disciplines and career opportunities while working closely with faculty, UND students and peers. This story first was published by UND Today on July 1. 

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For many students, summer is a leisurely time spent away from the classroom.

But for 37 of North Dakota’s highest achieving high schoolers, Summer 2025 meant hitting the books.

In June, UND hosted the annual North Dakota Governor School – an intensive, four week-long residential summer school program, designed to introduce rising juniors and seniors to college coursework and provide exposure to a variety of careers.

Admission to the program is highly competitive, requiring students to complete a holistic application, including submitting transcripts, personal statements and teacher references.

Tuition and on-campus accommodation are funded through a grant provided by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, with UND and North Dakota State University alternating years as hosts. Prior to their arrival, students are asked to select their preferred area of study from among core disciplines: education, energy, law & legal studies, health studies and mental health.

UND faculty members serve as course instructors, totaling six hours of classroom instruction per day. Students supplement their coursework with career-related field trips and extracurricular activities.

Additionally, the group traveled to Bismarck for a luncheon with Gov. Kelly Armstrong and a tour of the State Capitol Building.

On the penultimate day of Governor School, students gave group presentations on the coursework and research they conducted during their stay. Topics included arson prevention and treatment, emergency preparedness during winter and the implications of power grid failures.

Karyn Plumm, vice provost for undergraduate studies and Student Success, attested to the scholastic aptitude of this year’s cohort, stating that their average grade point average was 3.8 on a four-point scale. She said that the ideal candidate for Governor School is one who shows enthusiasm for one of the core discipline areas in their personal statement.

“We wanted them to get something out of this,” Plumm said.

For Autumn Oler, a rising junior from Elgin, N.D., Governor School was an opportunity to explore a career path she is passionate about.

“I got an email from my counselor, and he encouraged me to try it out,” she said. “After this experience, I definitely want to pursue a career in mental health in the future and attend Governor School next year.”

“The memories and friendships I made here will last a lifetime,” Oler added. “What you gain here is something that no one can take away from you.”

Addison Grayson, a rising senior from Dickinson, N.D., who also attended last year’s governor’s school, said the program’s career exposure component – which included a tour of the new Altru hospital – was invaluable.

“Being able to learn about and explore different career opportunities is such a valuable experience that most high schoolers don’t get,” she said.

Chelsea Mellenthin, director for career engagement at UND and coordinator of Governor School, imparted both praise and encouragement upon students at the program’s closing ceremony.

“What’s been most inspiring is watching these young minds grow not only academically, but also personally,” she said. “This cohort represents more than academic potential. They are compassionate leaders and innovative thinkers, ready to make a lasting impact on their communities, state and world.

“Continue striving for excellence, pursue your goals and make a difference.”

>> Questions or comments about the UND LEADS Strategic Plan? Your thoughts are welcome! Please contact Ryan Zerr, associate vice president for Strategy & Implementation, or Anna Marie Kinney, coordinator of the University Writing Program, the co-chairs of the UND LEADS Implementation Committee. You also may offer your thoughts by visiting the UND LEADS Strategic Plan home page and clicking on the “Provide your feedback” link.

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