UND Earns National Honor for Innovation and Economic Impact

The University of North Dakota has earned a coveted national designation that recognizes its powerful impact on the state's economy and communities. The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities named UND an Innovation & Economic Prosperity University, placing it among just over 90 institutions nationwide with this honor.

The designation isn't just a plaque on the wall. It reflects how UND collaborates with businesses and communities across North Dakota to create jobs, launch startups, train workers and solve real problems.

The numbers tell an impressive story. During the 2022-2023 school year, UND contributed $1.93 billion in industry activity across North Dakota. The university supported nearly 17,000 jobs, generated $1.13 billion in labor income, and produced almost $285 million in tax revenue for the state.

UND earned this recognition after a rigorous two-year review process. University leaders conducted a thorough self-assessment of their economic engagement programs, gathering input from partners across the state. An independent commission then verified the university's impact and approach.

President Andrew Armacost sees the designation as validation of the university's mission. "Economic engagement is not a single initiative at UND, but a web of connected actions that bring us together with industry partners and communities," he said.

The university's impact reaches into critical areas for North Dakota's future. Its School of Medicine & Health Sciences leads the nation in rural health care. The Research Institute for Autonomous Systems has made UND a hub for drone technology and testing. The Center for Innovation helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses that create jobs.

The Energy and Environmental Research Center attracts global attention for its work on cutting-edge energy solutions. Meanwhile, the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers network has contributed billions in economic impact by helping local businesses grow and thrive.

The Ripple Effect

This recognition creates momentum for even bigger things ahead. UND will use the designation to deepen connections across North Dakota over the next five years. The university joins a national network of top institutions that share strategies for maximizing economic and community impact.

Students benefit directly from these partnerships through hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for real careers. Faculty members connect their expertise with industry needs, turning research into practical solutions. Communities gain access to resources and knowledge that help them prosper.

APLU President Waded Cruzado captured it perfectly: "Universities are powerful engines for economic growth."

For North Dakota, that engine just got a national stamp of approval.