NE North Dakota News

The University of North Dakota (UND) is expanding its efforts to address the state's workforce shortage, with a particular focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. As the state faces more job openings than available workers, UND’s initiatives aim to prepare students for roles that are in high demand across North Dakota.

During his campaign, Governor Kelly Armstrong highlighted this issue by stating, “It’s fun to campaign on not necessarily trying to bring in more economic development, but to develop the economic development that’s already here,” as reported by the Grand Forks Herald. The university has responded by launching new academic programs and research projects designed to build a skilled workforce.

UND has introduced several notable firsts in STEM education. In 2009, it became the first university in the country to offer a degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations. In 2021, UND joined the U.S. Space Force’s University Partnership Program as its first member institution. The university also recently launched North Dakota's first commissioned satellites—ROADS One and Two—which will be operated from Odegard Hall once fully functional.

New academic offerings include bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace and Cybersecurity Engineering and a doctorate in Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is unique within the region. President Andy Armacost emphasized UND's commitment to AI during his State of the University Address and at the annual UAS Summit & Expo: “I think the University of North Dakota, as a flagship institution that involves not just our technology development, but also our amazing work in the liberal arts and humanities, allows us to look at AI in the context of humanity,” he said. “How do we adopt these technologies, keeping humanity at the forefront?”

Enrollment figures reflect this momentum. This fall, UND reached a record enrollment of 15,844 students. The College of Arts & Sciences grew from 929 students in 2015 to 952 currently; meanwhile, enrollment at the College of Engineering & Mines increased from 2,188 to 2,753 over the same period.

Beyond classrooms and labs on campus, UND students participate in fieldwork such as research conducted by members of ARCTIC LAB in Alaska. The lab is part of a $17 million Defense Resiliency Platform Against Extreme Cold Weather initiative—a collaboration involving multiple universities and federal agencies aimed at improving military capabilities under harsh conditions.

Professor Timothy Pasch leads UND’s involvement in this project alongside Assistant Professor Emily Gibbens-Buteau. Together they mentor undergraduate communication students who document scientific research for broader audiences through stories and social media outreach. Pasch explained: “The goal is for the students to bring awareness to research... Our science reporters translate this work into impactful stories that bring the people, experiences and impacts of the research to life in powerful ways.” Gibbens-Buteau added: “No matter what field you end up in or job you do, you have to be able to craft a story and get that message across... Stories turn research into something that people can truly connect with.”

Students like Quinn Berg and Mia Nixon say their participation provides valuable experience working collaboratively on complex projects while learning technical language relevant for future careers.

On campus, facilities such as UND’s Nanofoundry are contributing both educational opportunities and technological advancements important for national security and computing industries. Led by Professor Nuri Oncel with support from Associate Professor Deniz Cakir—and funded partly by a $500,000 Air Force Office of Scientific Research grant—the Nanofoundry produces vanadium nitride thin films used in quantum computing and electronics operating under extreme conditions.

State investment has played a role as well; $14 million was appropriated by North Dakota lawmakers last year toward national security initiatives including equipment for the Nanofoundry facility.

According to Oncel: “Vanadium nitride is very stiff and resistant to environmental conditions... This makes it more valuable for electronics operating under harsh conditions.” He noted growing interest from private industry—including startups and companies like Northrop Grumman—in using these facilities.

In February, UND achieved R1 status from the Carnegie Foundation—recognizing it among institutions with very high research activity nationwide.

Provost Eric Link commented on this progress: “Our research is making a difference here at the University of North Dakota, and the impact this research is having on the state of North Dakota and beyond is exciting to watch... Looking toward the future... continued investment and innovation... will continue to solve real-world challenges.”

UND continues developing new buildings such as its STEM Complex while supporting online programs that help keep talent within North Dakota.

With ongoing investments across STEM disciplines—both academically and through hands-on experience—UND positions itself as an essential contributor toward solving workforce shortages statewide.