The University of North Dakota (UND) is emphasizing the Discovery core value as part of its LEADS Strategic Plan. This initiative focuses on creativity, innovation, and safety alongside traditional research.
Emily Gibbens-Buteau, assistant professor in the UND Department of Communication; Spencer Milanowski, a UND student and founder of PRC Electric; and Marcus Simpson, UND director of Safety, highlight various aspects of Discovery at the university.
Gibbens-Buteau describes how her projects allow students to engage in real-world experiences. She led a special topics course that involved students in promoting the UND LEADS Strategic Plan through creative campaigns. Additionally, she hosted the Digital Storytelling Summit where participants learned about media production and community engagement. “Both experiences have reminded me that Discovery isn’t just about what we learn,” she says. “It’s also about how we use that knowledge to create, connect and contribute in real ways.”
Milanowski shares his experience with the Runway program, which supports student ventures through mentorship and funding. “UND’s Runway program has allowed me to ‘Discover’ the possibility of starting my own business,” he states. The program provides essential resources for budding entrepreneurs at UND.
Simpson emphasizes the importance of safety in all university activities. His role involves integrating safety into every aspect of campus life. “We don’t just save lives,” Simpson explains. “We create an environment where safety is woven into every action, decision and process that is undertaken on the campus.”
These efforts illustrate how UND’s commitment to Discovery extends beyond research to include creativity, entrepreneurship, and a strong culture of safety.
