While many colleges are experiencing drops in enrollment, cutting majors and, in some cases, merging public colleges, enrollment for the incoming class is up this year at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, beating out their banner year in 2023.
Last year, they brought in a record number of 559 freshmen, and a total of nearly 700 students including transfer students. That’s a sign that their Vision 2030 strategic plan, now in phase two, has been successful.
“Instead of doing a five-year plan, which is more typical, we decided to employ a much larger vision that has been a real foundation,” said Rachael Brash, vice president for public affairs and enrollment management. “We looked at all of the strategic work of the university and launched it in 2014. Our goal was to every year bring in 500 freshmen and have an 80% retention, and by the year 2030 to have 5,000 students in total enrollment.”
The 3,800 students currently enrolled include 1,200 students online. Registration closed in late July with a record number of both applications and students accepted. In August, the admissions office was working with individuals who were still interested in coming to ensure that there was enough space in the residence halls and that their course schedules could be accommodated.
Educating for life
Mary was founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, who continue to support the university. Their history is rooted in the Benedictine sisters who in 1878 came to the Dakota Territory to bring ministries of teaching and healing.
Brash noted that the continual drive of Mary’s mission carries on the vision of the founding sisters and Benedictine hospitality that welcomes guests as Christ.
“When people talk about Mary, they of course talk about our students,” she said. “And when people interact with our students and graduates, they talk about the brightness that is inside of them. Part of the purpose of the university is not only to educate them in their chosen field, but to educate them to the whole life. And so when you see our students, they are so joyful and they have a thirst for both life and their faith. I think other students want to be part of that.”
Mary has a 10:1 ratio of students to faculty, one of the lowest among all colleges and universities in the United States.
“When you see our students, they are so joyful and they have a thirst for both life and their faith. I think other students want to be part of that.”
Rachael Brash
“That fosters a better learning environment between scholars and our world-class faculty,” Brash said.
Impressive nursing program
The Catholic Scholars program that offers free room and board to graduates of Catholic high schools is another attraction. So are innovative programs like the university’s tuition free nursing academy, which is one of their flagship programs.
“Our incoming freshmen complete their bachelor’s degree in nursing in eight semesters, just like any other students, but they are year round,” Brash said. “So they finish up in 2.6 years. But from the very beginning they are immediately accepted into their major, and upon successful completion of their degree they have a job in one of two local health care systems, Sanford Health or CHI St. Alexius.”
“We are able to provide a direct pipeline of well prepared and excited engaged nurses who while they are part of the university get exclusive experiences like a pilgrimage that’s health care related and is included in the Nursing Academy program.”
Rachael Brash
Sanford additionally offers opportunities in their research programs where nurses can gain experience in a level one trauma center and critical access situations.
When the nursing graduates meet their employment requirements of a three-year commitment with the participating health care systems, combined with scholarships from Mary, their tuition ends up being paid in full.
“That’s fantastic when you talk about how you meet the workforce needs in health care and in nursing,” Brash said. “We are able to provide a direct pipeline of well prepared and excited engaged nurses who while they are part of the university get exclusive experiences like a pilgrimage that’s health care related and is included in the Nursing Academy program.”
That program started last fall. This year preparations are underway for a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, and to Rome so that students really get to understand the vocation of nursing in the broader context of the dignity of the human person. University president Msgr. James Shea will accompany them.
Caroline Watkins of Wisconsin is one of the incoming nursing students.
“The primary reason that I chose Mary was because I wanted a place that would help me strengthen my faith,” she said. “Mary was the perfect combination between affordable and Catholic, and I am thrilled to make it my home away from home this year.”
Meeting the needs of the workforce
Mary also has programs for students interested in IT, engineering, cyber security and other STEM fields. The Hamm School of Engineering, opened in 2016, is another flagship program that’s in high demand in an energy-driven state that produces oil and natural gas.
“We are doing things that make sense for the workforce needs,” Brash said.
Jovian Tupy from Prior Lake, Minnesota, is an incoming student who will major in civil engineering. In addition to the strong program, he was also attracted to the university’s Catholic identity and campus life.
“I chose Mary because it gives me the chance to strengthen my Catholic faith, build lifelong relationships with my peers, and receive a personalized education in a smaller setting,” he said. “These are just a few of the many reasons why I’m excited and looking forward to my next four years at Mary.”
Last year, there were students from all 50 states pursuing degrees in a number of health care fields, education, business, the arts and sciences, Catholic studies and more. Over 65% of the current incoming class are from outside North Dakota, and some, as in the past, will stay in the area.
“By collaborating closely with local businesses, government agencies and community organizations, we ensure graduates are not only well-prepared but also well-connected to the opportunities available in our region,” said Diane Fladeland, vice president for academic affairs.
Meeting the diverse needs of the local economy, she added, is part of the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering a workforce that drives innovation and sustains economic development.
Msgr. Shea noted that the university community is “humbled and honored” that so many new students are eager to attend. He was looking forward to Welcome Week to witness “the light in their eyes and the joy on their faces as they embark on a quest to discover who God meant them to be.”
