The University of North Dakota is much different than it was just nine years ago, when Chuck and Adele Kupchella began their duties as president and first lady.

Chuck brought a calm, focused, and thoughtful approach to campus. His belief in strategic planning and building the foundation for UND’s future energized a campus that was still recovering from the flood of 1997.

The result? Economic development for Grand Forks and North Dakota. A near tripling of research activity. More students. New and remodeled buildings that better serve UND’s missions of teaching, research, and service. A move to Division I in athletics. And much more.

Adele defined a new vision for UND’s first lady. She helped establish more support for non-traditional students, worked with Student Government to support staff and students in military deployment, and earned national recognition for her work with chancellors’ and presidents’ spouse organizations. Her reputation as a hostess is legendary.

The Kupchellas’ interest in wellness benefited the entire campus and resulted in an award-winning student wellness center and a number of new initiatives. The president, who has always enjoyed music, also became known for his coffeehouse concerts.

Together, the Kupchellas moved UND forward and positioned it on a trajectory to become one of the top 50 universities in the country.