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.
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.
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: ndsu.transform@ndsu.edu
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
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
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
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.