UND Advances Toward National Innovation And Economic Prosperity Designation

(University of North Dakota photo)

(By Tom Dennis. UND Today) – The University of North Dakota has reached a major milestone in its pursuit of national recognition as an Innovation & Economic Prosperity (IEP) University, a designation awarded by the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU).

After nearly two years of work, UND has completed the required institutional self-study, developed a draft Growth & Improvement Plan and is now gathering feedback from campus leadership, the UND community and APLU reviewers before submitting its final application in February.

The IEP designation recognizes universities for their commitment to economic engagement, innovation, workforce development and community partnership. UND formally entered the IEP process two years ago and has spent the past 24 months examining how the University supports the state’s economic vitality — and how it can enhance that impact.

Jason Jensen, professor of Political Science and Public Administration and co-chair of UND’s IEP working group, said the process has been both revealing and valuable. “It has the potential to transform the university in ways that touch everybody — faculty, staff and students,” he said. “Even if the designation didn’t exist, the process itself has been incredibly worthwhile.”