The past decade has been a time of accomplishment and advancement at NDSU, and more achievements are expected in the future. That was the assessment of President Joseph A. Chapman during his 2009 State of the University Address delivered Oct. 1 in Festival Concert Hall.
Chapman, who became NDSU’s 13th president in June 1999, focused on the university’s growth and success since that time.
“North Dakota State University is a truly fine institution with a long tradition of educational excellence. We bring passion to our work, and are strongly committed to providing the best possible environment for our students, faculty and staff now and in the future,” he told the audience of nearly 300 people. “In the past 10 years, we have accomplished a great deal for our students and for our state. We have broadened our research base, brought more educational opportunities to more students and created facilities for both to flourish. We have furthered the strong traditions of this great institution, and we have been to the Big Dance.”
Chapman said the university’s total enrollment was about 9,600 students when he arrived on campus in 1999. That number has grown to nearly 14,200 students today. NDSU’s doctoral programs have increased from 18 to 44 in 10 years, and annual research expenditures have risen from $44 million to $115.5 million.
In athletics, Chapman said NDSU sent seven teams to post-season play in the first year of eligibility since the university’s highly successful transition to NCAA Division I.
“Everyone here – everyone in the NDSU family – has contributed and deserves credit for our achievement,” he said. “Our success is built on the collective energy and commitment of all of you.”
Chapman credited the North Dakota Legislature, Executive Branch, State Board of Higher Education and the state’s Congressional delegation for their support of the institution. He thanked Fargo, West Fargo and communities across the state for being partners with NDSU. He said the NDSU Development Foundation, Alumni Association and Team Makers have been critical to the university’s success.
“We knew that by being a strong and growing institution, we would benefit everyone,” Chapman said. “The economic impact to North Dakota over the past 10 years of just our growth is $3.15 billion.”
Chapman said NDSU facilities have advanced markedly in recent years. As an example, he pointed to the opening this fall of Richard H. Barry Hall as a world-class facility for the College of Business, Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, Center for Global Initiatives and Leadership, and North Dakota Trade Office.
He said other important recent projects include Renaissance Hall, Klai Hall, Criminal Justice building, Graduate Center, Bentson/Bunker Fieldhouse, Equine Science Center, three buildings in the Research and Technology Park, new residence halls, Memorial Union, Wallman Wellness Center, Sudro Hall, Beef Center of Excellence, the Arboretum, Animal Physiology and Nutrition Center, and Minard Hall.
“We are on this journey together. As one of our colleagues said to me a few years ago, once you achieve the next level, you can never go back,” Chapman said. “We have, in fact, laid a strong foundation for a bright future. As we move ahead, let us be mindful of our qualitative themes; to be inclusive, responsive and excellent is the basis for positive achievement.”
In closing, he said, “North Dakota State University changes lives. Research at North Dakota State University changes the world. We have the tools and the talent and the ability. We are North Dakota State University.
