NDSU Transform

We are shaping the future of our institution with NDSU Transform — a bold strategic vision designed to meet the evolving needs of our students, North Dakota, the region, and beyond. Grounded in our land-grant mission, this initiative focuses on enhancing student success, expanding groundbreaking research, and fostering innovative partnerships that drive economic growth and community impact. By investing in modern facilities, cutting-edge programs, and collaborative opportunities, NDSU is empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers.

Our Vision

NDSU will be a national leader, with global reach, in aligning higher education and industry/community partnerships to prepare all students to be thought leaders and contributors in an ever-changing world.

Together, we’re making bold choices and driving transformation through strategic change and investments. With our sights set on the horizon, we are pushing boundaries and continuously improving to better serve our students and communities across North Dakota.

faculty member and several students having discussion during business class

Built on the foundation of NDSU Transform, we’ve focused our efforts on five strategic priorities that position the university to meet today’s challenges and shape tomorrow’s opportunities.

Enhancing enrollment, retention and student success
Prioritizing NDSU’s R-1 Carnegie classification status as a top research institution
Investing in the well-being of the people across the NDSU community
Building a stronger culture of diversity, inclusion and respect
Embracing NDSU’s critical role as a land-grant university

For additional background or to share your ideas and feedback, please email ndsu.transform@ndsu.edu.

Driving Progress: From Disruption to Transformation

Our efforts to rethink our processes and transform how we deliver the best experience to our students began in the 2022–2023 academic year. Since then, we’ve gained significant momentum, building on student success and driving continuous improvements across our institution.

The Hard Work of Reductions and Disruptions

Restructured 7 colleges down to 5
Rethinking academic programs
Clarifying policies
New budget models

faculty working with student in a computer lab setting

Our Focus on Transformation

Aligning programs with industry demand
Focusing on student success initiatives
Enhancing 1st and 2nd year experiences
Strategizing for enrollment and marketing

faculty working with student in a pharmacy

Our Work Toward Continuous Improvement

Data-informed decisions
Aligning employee expertise for greater impact
Investing in professional development
Prioritizing industry collaborations and meeting workforce demands

students in cybersecurity class working together in computer lab

Building On Our Stengths and Working Together

NDSU’s legacy of excellence lays the foundation for bold progress and meaningful impact. While we honor our proud history, we are focused on driving innovation to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Through NDSU Transform, our faculty, staff, and students are working together to define priorities and shape the future of our institution.

By fostering collaboration and embracing strategic action, we are ensuring that NDSU continues to excel in education, research, and service—creating a lasting impact across North Dakota and beyond. Our Strategic Priorities Work Teams are advancing recommendations from the President’s Councils and other shared governance groups, using diverse approaches to gather input from faculty, staff, and students. Together, we are charting a bold path forward.

Contact Us

NDSU is undergoing a tremendous transformation with the intention of creating a new Land Grant University that focuses on increased student success and outstanding research. To that end, the university is soliciting inspiration and ideas from faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community.

Please send ideas, feedback and constructive criticism.

Send a message