Beyond Campus
Education built for anywhere.
The University of North Dakota extends education beyond campus — connecting learners
to engineering, nursing,
education leadership, space studies, and more.
Through flexible programs, strong partnerships, and statewide impact, UND helps students advance their careers while strengthening North Dakota’s workforce.
You can view the flipbook version here.
The UND Alumni Magazine is published quarterly with a goal of connecting University of North Dakota alumni and friends through stories of inspiration and impact.
Message to Alumni
Meeting Students Where They Are
This issue, we are exploring a theme that strikes at the heart of UND’s mission: moving “beyond campus” and meeting students exactly where they are.
This isn’t a new concept for the University of North Dakota — our commitment to distance learning dates all the way back to our first correspondence courses in 1911.
I have a personal connection to this tradition. Back in the 1980s, I took accounting classes through the continuing education program to stay on track for my degree. I would pick up my textbooks and lesson plans at Gustafson Hall and complete my coursework longhand at our kitchen table. I remember being 8 months pregnant, studying with my 3-year-old daughter coloring beside me.
Other alumni from that era might remember the engineering graduate courses delivered via VHS tape.
Some tapes were copied and viewed so often that the picture distorted, earning Professor Arnie Johnson the nickname “Fuzzy Arnie.”
Today, we have evolved far beyond the mail system and worn VHS tapes, leveraging the latest technology to be named the “Best Online University in North Dakota” by US News & World Report. Online flexibility allows our incredible student-athletes to maintain top GPAs while traveling for competition. It also allows us to serve our 2,000 military-affiliated students, letting them continue their education wherever they’re stationed.
Our online reach also elevates our globally recognized programs, such as Space Studies. This is thanks in large part to faculty like Dr. Pablo de LeĂłn, who ensure our distance students receive a world-class education.
You’ll read about the North Dakota 85 initiative, which will boost the number of state residents accepted into the School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS) Doctor of Medicine and Physician Assistant programs. Why? Because a North Dakotan is more likely to practice in the state following graduation.
A great example of this is UND SMHS grads Dr. Grant Edland, ’20, and Dr. Kristen Stenehjem,
’20. The couple recently returned from East Coast residencies to practice immunology
in Kristen’s hometown of Watford City.
Ultimately, these initiatives are about creating the next generation of professionals
for North Dakota.
Board Transitions
I want to thank the UNDAAF Board of Directors who guide our mission to build an extraordinary UND. A heartfelt thank you to our outgoing board members Mike Hamerlik, ’84, ’88; Jodi (Thompson) Rolland, ’92; and Chad Wachter.
We’re thrilled to welcome incoming board members F. John Williams; Ann (Kerian) Fish, ’91; and Sheri Haugen-Hoffart, ’88.
Homecoming
You’re invited to come back to campus for Homecoming Week, Sept. 28 – Oct. 3. We’ll celebrate some remarkable individuals at the Alumni Honors Banquet. I look forward to welcoming you home!
Sincerely,
DeAnna Carlson Zink
CEO, UND Alumni Association & Foundation
DeAnna has been named a 2026 recipient of the prestigious CASE Commonfund College and University Foundation Award. The international Council for Advancement and Support of Education award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement, quality, and effectiveness of their foundations.
Features
Spotlight On Tomorrow’s Workforce
Forever UND
The UND Alumni Association & Foundation sincerely thanks all alumni and friends who have made gifts and commitments to support students, faculty, programs, and places at UND. See who's listed in the Eternal Flame Society.
