{"id":44338,"date":"2025-09-25T16:44:18","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T21:44:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.und.edu\/und-today\/?p=44338"},"modified":"2025-09-25T18:06:57","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T23:06:57","slug":"road-to-record-recovery-leaders-reflect-on-unds-momentum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.und.edu\/und-today\/2025\/09\/road-to-record-recovery-leaders-reflect-on-unds-momentum\/","title":{"rendered":"Road to Record Recovery: Leaders reflect on UND\u2019s momentum"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leaders express pride in partnerships, COMMUNITY, smart master planning, extraordinary philanthropy and an energized, beautiful campus<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Fall
Looking down University Avenue during any season is now a feast for the eyes. UND archival image.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

UND Today<\/strong> recently reached out to a handful of community leaders to ask them to reflect on the full-speed-ahead momentum that has fueled the University\u2019s incredible Road to Record Recovery<\/strong>. This is what they had to say …<\/em><\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

\"Brandon
Brandon Bochenski<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Brandon Bochenski
\n<\/strong>Mayor of Grand Forks
\n(UND alum, 2001-24, 2018-19)<\/p>\n

The city of Grand Forks and I are very proud to write about the positive and renewed energy we have in our wonderful community and the paramount impact of the University of North Dakota. The city has been honored over the past several years to work with UND on its growth, development and renewal on the physical campus, enrollment, student programs and research.<\/p>\n

The UND campus has seen a remarkable renewal to include: the University Avenue corridor, Memorial Village I and II, student housing complexes, athletic centers and STEM Complex.\u00a0Recruitment has become exceptionally easy when a potential student takes one look at the beauty and opportunity in front of them.\u00a0The UND student enrollment has grown to historic levels because of these tremendous campus improvements and investments, and even more important, the expanded student programs and research offerings as a Carnegie R1 institution.\u00a0The city has been honored to work in partnership with these UND initiatives to include facilities and infrastructure, mixed-use campus developments, as well as student programs, internships and research opportunities.<\/p>\n

The most inspiring fact through all the growth is that we haven\u2019t lost our roots and traditions as a hard-working and value-centric university. Where many schools have let their success cloud where they have come from, we have done it our own way and in our own style, continuing the tradition and feel of the past. That simply comes down to the hard-working professors, maintenance crews, janitors, servers and staff members who show up every day with the single mission of making UND the best it can be. I am a proud alum and can only dream of where the next 15 years will take us.<\/p>\n

\"Student
Students always feel right at home because comfort, convenience and community are top of mind in UND\u2019s residence halls. UND archival image.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

\"Keith
Keith Lund<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Keith Lund
\n<\/strong>President and CEO
\nGrand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation<\/em><\/p>\n

I remember very well the circumstances UND found itself in a decade ago, and I have watched with great pride the thoughtful and strategic steps UND leaders have made in the years since to place the University on a trajectory few thought possible at the time.<\/p>\n

A decade ago, agricultural and energy commodity prices were very depressed, and as a result, so were the revenues to the state of North Dakota. All state agencies were asked to reduce funding in a meaningful way, and the institutions of higher education were not spared. UND was forced to address significant funding shortfalls, which had negative impacts locally. Faculty and staff layoffs occurred, and some programs were reduced or eliminated. It was a challenging time on campus and in the community.<\/p>\n

I also vividly recall that UND took a strategic approach and faced the challenge head-on.\u00a0UND didn\u2019t just implement across-the-board reductions.\u00a0It cut deeper in some areas and invested in others that were critical for the future success of the University. Specifically, UND embraced online education as a means to long-term financial viability and to increase UND\u2019s reach across the country.<\/p>\n

\u2018The University made a commitment to rebuild and revitalize campus through public-private partnerships. It also invested heavily in marketing to raise the profile of UND across the United States and beyond to draw students to UND and Grand Forks.\u2019<\/p>\n

When asked about starting new or increasing investments in current programming during difficult financial times, UND shared its commitment to invest in programs with significant growth potential that would lead the University into the future. When asked about investing in facilities on campus at that time, UND leaders shared that students decide within minutes of visiting a campus whether they want to attend that university, so these investments were critical. When asked about increasing investments in marketing during challenging times, the University\u2019s response was how can we not invest in marketing this great university and drive students to this amazing community.<\/p>\n

Fast-forward 10 years and all those decisions, and many since by President Andy Armacost and his leadership team, have placed UND in a tremendous place with great momentum. Evidence includes an all-time record enrollment of 15,844 students, the largest freshman class in UND\u2019s history, achieving Carnegie R1 research status, programs that are contributing in a very meaningful way to our region\u2019s and state\u2019s workforce needs and universal challenges such as national defense, the UND Foundation achieving record fundraising success, and a completely revitalized campus, which includes a new medical school, a new business college, a new student union, many revitalized buildings on campus, major upgrades to athletic facilities, and a soon-to-come STEM facility.<\/p>\n

What has made this success especially rewarding is the tremendous relationship that has been forged between UND and the Grand Forks community and state of North Dakota. When faced with an opportunity or challenge, the Grand Forks community partners with UND to help achieve success. When the community sets its sights on a goal, leaders across UND simply ask, \u201cHow can we help?\u201d The saying that \u201cas UND goes, so goes Grand Forks\u201d couldn\u2019t be more true. The growth and success at UND have helped energize Grand Forks and have played a significant role in the community\u2019s momentum.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

\"Korrie
Korrie Wenzel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Korrie Wenzel
\n<\/strong>Publisher, Grand Forks Herald<\/em><\/p>\n

The growth at UND is the ultimate feel-good story. The University shook off the uncertainties of past economic concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic and emerged bigger, better and brighter. It\u2019s evidenced not only by the increased number of students who can be seen on campus and milling about the community, but also in the University\u2019s expansive work at structural modernization and rejuvenation.<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t take much of an effort to tap into a national dialogue that portends a stark future for higher education \u2014 declining enrollment, college closures and the like. It wasn\u2019t too long ago that program and staffing cuts were making headlines at UND. Yet the University has shown that the trend can be bucked with strong leadership, a dynamic master plan and, especially, with eyes focused on the future.<\/p>\n

Importantly, UND isn\u2019t alone in reaping the rewards from the growth. The community and surrounding region also will benefit from the rising enrollment. In the short term, these students will continue to boost the city by frequenting businesses and contributing to a streak of local sales tax growth; in the long term, more of them will live here and work here.<\/p>\n

North Dakota\u2019s flagship university is healthy and vibrant. The entire state should be proud.<\/p>\n

\"Students
Students study and hang out in The Landing Zone off the new residence hall Quad. UND archival image.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

\"Barry
Barry Wilfahrt<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Barry Wilfahrt<\/strong>
\nPresident and CEO
\nThe Chamber of Grand Forks\/East Grand Forks<\/em><\/p>\n

Over the past decade, UND has traveled an extraordinary road \u2014 from a period of difficult cuts and uncertainty to today\u2019s record-setting enrollment and thriving campus community.<\/p>\n

With more than 15,800 students this fall, UND has surpassed not only last year\u2019s numbers by nearly 5 percent but also has set a new all-time historic high. That is no small achievement, and it speaks volumes about the collective determination of our University, community and state leaders.<\/p>\n

Together, UND and the Grand Forks community set bold goals for the future. At the heart of this effort was a commitment to rebuild and reimagine campus. In partnership with \u201cTeam Grand Forks\u201d and local legislators across multiple sessions \u2014 and with the UND Foundation leading on private fundraising \u2014 we created a revitalized campus. From a new School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Nistler College of Business & Public Administration, Memorial Union, to upgraded athletic facilities, the Education Building, and even the steam plant \u2014 nearly every corner of campus reflects that shared vision.<\/p>\n

The second pivotal step was UND\u2019s early embrace of online learning. At a time when Netflix was replacing Blockbuster, UND recognized the need to blend the flexibility of online classes with the strength of the traditional classroom experience. That foresight positioned the University to meet student needs in new ways, long before it became the industry standard.<\/p>\n

These two strategic decisions \u2014 rebuilding campus and embracing online learning \u2014 have played a big part in UND\u2019s success and created the positive, dynamic vibe we celebrate today. With record enrollment, national recognition and a campus buzzing with life, I can\u2019t help but feel grateful for this story of community, vision, investment and resilience.<\/p>\n

\"Merrifield
Just last week, state lawmakers, UND administrators, faculty and students officially cut the ribbon to mark the grand reopening of Merrifield Hall. UND archival image.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

\"mark
Mark Sanford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mark S. Sanford
\n<\/strong>N.D. House of Representatives, R-Grand Forks
\nRetired longtime Superintendent
\nof Grand Forks Public Schools<\/em><\/p>\n

Budget realities facing higher education institutions in the 2016-19 time frame dictated the need for major adjustments. UND leaders were aggressive in making reductions, and they also made operational plans for the future.<\/p>\n

The future plans included reducing the footprint of little-used space and replacing\/remodeling space that was critical to programs of the future.<\/p>\n

These efforts enabled UND to present compelling requests to the Legislature, alumni and local community organizations regarding necessary facility improvement projects on campus. The results have yielded a modern campus that is very attractive to students and one that plays a major role in the recruiting efforts of UND.<\/p>\n

Credit also must be given to the University faculty and staff.\u00a0They have been instrumental in providing quality programs and services. Students are held to high standards and appreciate the expectations dealt with in their programs.<\/p>\n

The current reality of UND is the need to stay focused on quality, complete facilities upgrades, maintain the excellence in programs offered, etc. The UND team (leadership, faculty, staff, etc.) is outstanding and capable of continuing the recent success story.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

\"Todd
Todd Feland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Todd Feland<\/strong>
\nCity Administrator for Grand Forks<\/em><\/p>\n

The University of North Dakota\u2019s success over the past 10 years has been marked by a break from the past in ensuring master planning leads to executable action. Prior to this 10-year period, UND would master-plan and struggle to get to any significant action.<\/p>\n

UND Presidents Ed Schafer and Mark Kennedy provided the administrative change of not becoming paralyzed in decision-making through overly cautious and consensus-based leadership and management.<\/p>\n

They brought executive-based decision-making and the idea of reaching out to both private and public value-added partners to move that master plan to positive and actionable outcomes.<\/p>\n

Building upon the master plan to action paradigm, President Andrew Armacost has been<\/em> and is <\/em>the right person in this time to continue to move to even greater and lasting thoughtful action with his skill, authenticity and humble servant leadership.<\/p>\n

Here are some examples that I know originated from a master plan and, importantly, led to positive and actionable partnerships.<\/p>\n