University of North Dakota aims to become the state’s premier AI university

University of North Dakota President Andrew Armacost announced ambitious plans to make UND “the AI university for North Dakota” during his State of the University address on Thursday. The initiative is part of two “moonshot” goals that also include launching four new companies based on university research by the end of the school year, positioning UND as a leader in translating academic discoveries into practical applications.

What you should know: Armacost outlined several major initiatives during the annual address, with AI leadership and entrepreneurship taking center stage.

• The university aims to become a national example of AI adoption through public-private partnerships and comprehensive student preparation for an AI-driven future.
• UND plans to launch or take substantial steps toward launching four companies based on university research within the current academic year.
• These goals build on UND’s recent success with satellite launches, demonstrating the university’s commitment to ambitious technological achievements.

Why this matters: The initiative addresses North Dakota’s expectation that public investment in university research should yield tangible economic benefits.

• “The piece that is missing is being able to take our great discoveries and inventions and put them into practice,” Armacost explained. “We publish about them, we give papers, we give presentations. But there’s a gap, and the state of North Dakota wants to see us make it happen.”
• The AI focus positions UND to lead statewide technology adoption while preparing students for rapidly evolving career landscapes.

Community-centered approach: This year’s university theme centers on “community,” using quilts as a metaphor for diverse patterns creating unified designs.

• Armacost emphasized that both moonshot goals involve community collaboration, from campus-wide AI integration to partnerships with state businesses and organizations.
• The president noted that “now is the time to bind together as a community” amid uncertainty in higher education.

Additional initiatives: UND is pursuing several other major goals alongside its AI and entrepreneurship focus.

• The university aims for 85% digital accessibility compliance by fall semester’s end and 100% compliance by April 2026, ensuring websites and electronic materials serve all students.
• Ongoing pay equity reviews will expand to create comprehensive career progression frameworks for faculty and staff with market-competitive salaries.
• UND continues repatriating Native American human remains and artifacts discovered on campus, with all ancestors expected to be returned within the next year.

What they’re saying: Armacost framed the ambitious goals using historical inspiration.

• “When you say, ‘to infinity and beyond,’ sometimes people listen,” he said, referencing the university’s successful satellite program.
• On digital accessibility: “We’re doing it to support other human beings who deserve an education and participation here at the University of North Dakota.”
• Regarding repatriation efforts: “This is not just a legal requirement under federal law. It’s also a moral and ethical requirement for us to abide by.”