NDSU President Dean L. Bresciani says the stage is set for NDSU to begin to pursue membership among the nation's top research universities. Bresciani unveiled his vision for the near future during his annual State of the University Address Oct. 8.
According to Bresciani, NDSU's many advancements and accomplishments put it in position to pursue membership in the elite Association of American Universities, known as AAU.
"On every level of measurement, ranging from campus facility improvements to thriving full time student enrollment, historic academic achievement, a growing record endowment, positive and record research numbers and one of the winningest overall athletic programs in the nation, we serve our citizens at the highest levels ever known by our state," Bresciani said. "And we continue to improve."
He pointed to NDSU's soon-to-open STEM building that will provide state-of-the art education and laboratory facilities for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Bresciani also noted private sector partners like Doosan and Bobcat Company that provided $3 million to fund a STEM-related scholarship program and a $3.6 million gift for the visual arts department. He also discussed the importance of the mathematics department's new Math Emporium Learning Center.
"Our strategic plan is very intentional about continuing the successful trajectory we now enjoy," Bresciani said, noting NDSU is committed to solving complex and evolving Grand Challenges in the areas of Food Systems and Security; Healthy Populations and Vital Communities; and Sustainable Energy, Environment and Societal Infrastructure.
In addition, he said three new housing projects are on the fast track, including a new residence hall near the existing high rises, a new housing development on the 1600 block of University Drive and the replacement for University Village.
These accomplishments and others have put NDSU in a position to join the very best institutions in the nation, Bresciani said.
"I believe we are on the path to legitimately being able to pursue membership in the AAU. This association of top research universities are leaders in innovation, scholarship and solutions that contribute to the nation's economy, security and well-being," Bresciani said. "I believe our scholarly performance already more than meets their standard, and with increased endowment of academic activities, AAU membership will become possible at some foreseeable point in the future."
To accomplish this goal, Bresciani said NDSU must:
• Pursue an enrollment of 18,000 students
• Grow student scholarship endowment by at least $100 million
• Aggressively pursue a substantial increase in endowed chair and faculty positions
"We’ve laid the groundwork, and sown the seeds," Bresciani said. "It’s now time to see the rewards that come from that careful preparation and hard work, and to demonstrate to the citizens we serve the impressive opportunities that will emerge as a result."
As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.