NDSU community,
The Leadership Assembly met Tuesday to open the 2026-27 academic year and reflect on the year ahead. I centered my opening remarks on three themes: The People's University, Distinctive Excellence and One NDSU. Together, these themes reflect our commitment to serve the state and region through our land-grant mission, build on the unique strengths that set NDSU apart and work together as one university in pursuit of shared goals. Reflecting on my first 90 days as president, I shared three qualities I’ve learned about NDSU and North Dakota: grit, pride and potential. Those qualities help us navigate challenges, including budget pressures and enrollment challenges, and they will continue to position us for success.
Below is a summary of other key topics presented.
Strategic Planning Update
Presenter: Jeffrey Boyer, vice provost for assessment and strategic initiatives
Jeff shared an update on the status of the strategic framework that we’re working together to build. NDSU is partnering with the University Design Institute (UDI), a global leader in higher education transformation, to guide a process built to move from ideas to implementation. We’re currently in the Discovery Phase of this work, which is focused on listening and learning. UDI is gathering insights from students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, employers, industry partners, community leaders and North Dakotans through discovery sessions and through an online survey available by clicking here.
First-day Enrollment Data
Presenter: Seinquis Leinen, Senior Director of Strategic Enrollment Management
Seinquis provided an update on preliminary first-day enrollment. As of the first day of the fall semester, enrollment is down approximately 3% in headcount and 2% in scheduled credit hours compared to last year. Official enrollment will be reported following the 20th day of the semester in September. Despite the overall decline, NDSU has seen growth in several key areas, including fall-to-fall retention, new North Dakota first-time freshmen, new undergraduate international students, enrollment in the College of Health and Human Sciences and online-only students. As more than 3,000 new students join our community, and 8,000 students return this fall, faculty, instructors, and staff are encouraged to support their transition by utilizing Bison Advise alerts and connecting students to campus resources when needed.
2027 Legislative Session Preview
Presenter: Jace Beehler
Jace provided an update on preparations for the 2027 legislative session, noting that NDSU is finalizing its budget submission to the governor’s office and the state Office of Management and Budget. He emphasized that the governor’s proposed 3% budget reduction is a planning exercise, not a final decision, and that NDSU is also being asked how it would reinvest those funds. Discussions are ongoing to revise the higher education funding formula, including greater emphasis on credit production, high-demand workforce degrees and research activity. He also discussed leadership changes in the legislature, continued advocacy efforts and NDSU’s request for continued New Horizons funding. Regular campus updates will continue throughout the legislative process.
In closing, I provided updates on our national searches for the Vice President positions for Research and for Marketing and Communications. I also stressed the importance of moving forward as One NDSU and why it’s critical we show up and be engaged.
If you have any questions or would like further details on any of these topics, please feel free to reach out to the presenters or me.
Thank you for your continued commitment to NDSU.
Marshall Stewart, Ed.D.
President
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY