 We’ve
heard a lot about the economy lately. Analysts are talking
about the return of the bull market and whether or not the
nation is headed for boom times. With respect to the University
of North Dakota, I can say we are absolutely and definitely
on a roll!
We’ve enjoyed five straight years of enrollment increases,
adding nearly 2,500 students to our headcount since 1999.
We have likewise seen great progress in research and other
sponsored program dollars coming into the University, from
the range of $30 to $40 million to more than $70 million
per year. We are well on the way to our $100 million-per-year
goal.
Although a number of areas do need further work, the overwhelming
fact of the matter is that we’ve enjoyed great success
across the whole range of our strategic objectives as a
University. As a result, we now have momentum that should
carry us well into the future. I am pleased to bring you
this report summarizing our progress.
In the following pages you will read about what UND is
doing to increase access to higher education through weekend
and evening programs, and through courses and programs available
on the Internet. You will read about the development of
the Bronson Property and the beautification of our campus.
You will read about the successes of individual faculty
and students, among them lots of sizzling and exciting things
like our students putting a camera on the International
Space Station.
An article here describes a new leadership role for the
University in coordinating fine arts and entertainment throughout
the region. You will read about the success of outstanding
UND alumni and the impact they’re having on the world.
You will read about our College of Business and Public Administration’s
Capital Campaign having passed its halfway mark. You will
also read about research and service projects in the Energy
and Environmental Research Center, the Center for Rural
Health, and elsewhere.
Through all of its work, the University of North Dakota
returns great value to its constituents. Although we have
substantially less revenue on a per-student basis —
from tuition and state appropriations — compared to
a set of nine “benchmark” universities adopted
for UND by the State Board of Higher Education, we get a
result that is as good or better than them. Indeed, three
of the nine were rated at the same level as UND by U.S.
News and World Report in its “America’s Best
Colleges” issue, and four were in a tier below UND.
We are pleased to bring such a positive
report to the University’s stakeholders. We invite
your questions and comments on how we might serve you even
more effectively in the future. Of course, we will continue
to count on your support as we seek to sustain and build
upon a grand tradition of excellence..
Charles E. Kupchella
President |
