UND breaks ground on transformational STEM Complex
$163 million project will foster ‘ecosystem of innovation,’ serve as ‘hub for interdisciplinary collaboration,’ ‘launchpad for moonshot ideas’
UND marked a historic milestone on Sept. 19 with the groundbreaking for its new STEM Complex, a $163 million, two-phase project that will redefine science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in North Dakota and beyond.
Held in the Tom & Carolyn Hamilton Atrium of the Collaborative Energy Complex, the event brought together university leaders, state legislators, donors, faculty, students and community members to mark the beginning of a bold project.
“This project is much bigger than just educating engineers and scientists,” said UND President Andy Armacost. “It’s about how those graduates will support our communities, drive innovation and shape the future. The STEM Complex will be a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration and a launchpad for moonshot ideas that connect technology with humanity.”
The planned three-story, 179,000-square-foot facility will serve more than 6,000 students annually. It will feature modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, makerspaces, student success centers and event spaces designed to support advising, tutoring, esports tournaments and competitive robotics teams.
The STEM Complex is designed to break down artificial barriers between disciplines and foster a dynamic ecosystem of innovation. It builds on a rich history of collaboration between the College of Engineering & Mines and the College of Arts & Sciences, dating back to the founding of the School of Mines in 1897.
“This facility represents a bold leap forward,” said Ryan Adams, dean of the College of Engineering & Mines. “It will house cutting-edge labs, collaborative spaces and student innovation hubs that reflect the evolving needs of engineering and science education.
“We’re proud to be part of a project that will set UND apart in the region and the nation.”
Breaking down boundaries
“Science and engineering naturally complement one another, and this building is designed to bring them together in meaningful ways,” said Brad Rundquist, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “By breaking down disciplinary boundaries, we’re creating a space that fosters discovery, drives economic development, and prepares students for real-world challenges.”
The STEM Complex is a cornerstone of the Forever UND Campaign, a fundraising initiative to empower tomorrow’s leaders and transform the future of education, research and innovation at UND. Fundraising for Phase 1 of the STEM Complex has reached its $25 million goal, while an additional $25 million in private support is being sought in Phase 2 fundraising.
The North Dakota Legislature provided $112 million in state funding over the past two legislative sessions.
“There’s a growing recognition of the excellence in North Dakota’s higher education system,” said State Rep. Mark Sanford, who represents District 17 in Grand Forks. “This legislative investment reflects our commitment to providing the facilities needed to support that excellence. I’m proud to see UND leading the way.”
“This groundbreaking marks more than the start of construction,” said DeAnna Carlson Zink, CEO of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation. “It marks a shared commitment to the future of UND, to the future of North Dakota, and to the future of STEM education. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community.”
The STEM Complex will be built on the site of the former Hyslop Sports Center. Demolition of the Hyslop began in August, with substantial completion of Phase 1 of the STEM Complex expected by summer 2027.
