North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University
Name	North Dakota State University
Established	1890
Type	Public land-grant research university
President	David J. Cook
City	Fargo
State	North Dakota
Country	United States
Campus	Urban, 258 acres
Students	12,242 (Fall 2022)
Colors	Yellow and green
Nickname	Bison
Mascot	Thundar
Affiliations	North Dakota University System, APLU, Space-grant

North Dakota State University. Founded in 1890 as North Dakota Agricultural College, it is the state's flagship land-grant institution. Located in Fargo, the university is a prominent research university classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity". It is renowned for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and the health sciences, and its athletic teams, the Bison, have achieved national prominence.

History

The institution was established under the Morrill Act of 1862 as the state's land-grant college. It opened its doors in 1890, focusing on agricultural science and mechanic arts. The early 20th century saw significant growth, including the construction of iconic buildings like Old Main. In 1960, it was renamed North Dakota State University, reflecting its expanded academic scope beyond its agricultural roots. Key historical developments include its merger with the former North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton and its leadership under presidents like John H. Worst and Gordon A. Mork.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges, including the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, the College of Engineering, and the College of Health and Human Sciences. It offers over 100 undergraduate majors, numerous master's degree programs, and doctoral degrees through the Graduate School. Notable research centers include the NDSU Research and Technology Park and the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering. The university maintains a strong partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture and is a leader in fields like cereal science, polymers, and coatings.

Campus

The main campus in Fargo spans 258 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. Key facilities include the Fargo Dome (now the Fargodome), the Memorial Union, and the NDSU Library. The campus is also home to the NDSU Dairy Plant and the Shepperd Arena. Recent developments include the construction of the Richard H. Barry Hall for the College of Business. The university also operates several research extension centers across North Dakota, such as the Carrington Research Extension Center.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Bison, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Summit League for most sports, with football competing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The football program has achieved remarkable success, winning multiple FCS national championships under coaches like Craig Bohl and Chris Klieman. The Bison Sports Arena and the Fargodome serve as primary venues. The university's athletic history includes a transition from the North Central Conference to Division I and notable athletes like Phil Hansen and Carson Wentz.

Student life

Student life is centered around over 300 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities governed by the North-American Interfraternity Conference and the National Panhellenic Conference. The Memorial Union is a major hub for activities. Major annual events include Homecoming and the Bison Pride Day. Student media includes the newspaper, *The Spectrum*. The university also hosts the NDSU Jazz Festival and numerous lectures and performances through the NDSU Lecture Series.

Notable alumni and faculty

Distinguished alumni include Carson Wentz of the Washington Commanders, astronaut and United States Air Force colonel Karen Nyberg, and former North Dakota governor Doug Burgum. Notable faculty have included Nobel laureate in Chemistry Robert H. Grubbs, who was a visiting professor, and pioneering plant pathologist Neal E. Miller. Other prominent graduates are Phil Hansen of the Buffalo Bills, and business leader and philanthropist Alfred D. Crellin.

Category:North Dakota State University Category:Universities and colleges in North Dakota Category:Land-grant universities and colleges Category:Educational institutions established in 1890