President, University of North Dakota (2016-2019)
Driving Institutional Renewal, Student Success, and Inclusive Engagement
As president of the University of North Dakota (UND), Mark Kennedy led the institution through a period of dynamic transformation—defined by bold strategic planning, measurable gains in student success, campus revitalization, and strengthened alignment with the state’s workforce and research priorities.
“Almost all progress and innovation at UND currently flows from the work you started.”
🔄 Strategic Renewal in Adversity
Kennedy arrived amid a state budget crisis that resulted in a 20% cut to current-year higher education funding, heightening public concern about the future of the university. In response, he launched an inclusive strategic planning process that engaged faculty, staff, students, alumni, and civic leaders to define a clear, mission-driven direction. The resulting plan restored momentum, strengthened stakeholder trust, and led to UND achieving the plan's goal of gaining R1 research status as well as earning the American Council on Education (ACE) Institutional Transformation Award.
The development of UND's Strategic Plan incorporated the input of a wide cross section of the campus community.
“President Kennedy has accelerated this change, guided by a set of goals and values that UND’s students, staff, and faculty have helped shape. The strategic changes that are occurring are positive, forward-thinking, and essential for our state’s long-term stability and growth.”
🎓 Student Success and Access
Under Kennedy’s leadership, UND’s graduation rate rose by 10 percentage points with improvement across all groups. His administration introduced the Finish in Four initiative to encourage on-time completion and implemented targeted outreach to first-generation, rural, and underserved students. Through detailed analysis, the university uncovered and resolved barriers preventing some American Indian students from receiving degrees they had already earned—an effort that directly improved outcomes and trust.
Kennedy regularly joined students at their table in the dining hall.
🧪 Research and Workforce Alignment
Kennedy set UND on a clear path toward R1 status by expanding research partnerships and aligning programs with North Dakota’s economic development goals. Despite severe budget pressures, he successfully advocated for internal reallocations—including additional cuts to non-core areas—to create seed funding for research. He also launched the Research Institute for Autonomous Systems (RIAS), further elevating UND’s leadership in unmanned and autonomous technologies, a key strength of the university. His leadership also advanced UND’s role in energy, aerospace, and health innovation—securing greater support from federal and state agencies and reinforcing the university’s impact on regional progress and workforce preparedness.
Reviewing research projects at UND.
💻 Leaning into Technology and Digital Innovation
At UND, Kennedy championed a forward-looking vision that positioned the university to thrive in a digital economy. He catalyzed the creation of new cybersecurity and data analytics degree programs—both on campus and online—to meet growing workforce demand and extend UND’s reach. In a widely read campus message, he challenged the university to “ride the digitization wave” by integrating technology across disciplines and preparing students for a future shaped by automation, big data, and AI. He also provided funding to establish a campuswide computational science cluster, expanding high-performance computing access for faculty and students across all disciplines. In addition, Kennedy oversaw upgrades to the university website, launched a new Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) platform, and improved technology infrastructure to better support students, faculty, and staff. His leadership culminated in UND’s first Big Data Symposium, uniting industry leaders, faculty, and students to explore how advanced analytics could drive innovation across sectors.
🏗 Campus Revitalization and Innovation
Having activated over $500 million in campus renewal, Kennedy’s tenure marked one of the most significant physical transformations in UND history. Through philanthropy, public-private partnerships, and strategic public investment, the campus gained modern academic, student life, and athletic facilities—elevating the student experience and university profile.
"You’d be proud of what you’ll see on the UND campus. The Memorial Union will open this summer, and the Nistler College has grown so fast. University Ave looks great, and I’m a huge fan of the eleven obelisks that represent our academic units. Folks have complimented me on how the campus looks, but I deflect 100% of that positive attention back to you and the decisions you made while leading us."
🤝 Inclusive Excellence
Kennedy emphasized inclusive excellence rooted in merit, student support, and shared values—expanding access for rural, first-generation, and tribal college students while strengthening leadership diversity across gender, race, and orientation. He reinstated Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations in collaboration with the city, launched a university-wide survey to assess students’ sense of inclusion, and supported new transfer pathways from tribal colleges. His approach focused on measurable progress, cultural respect, and ensuring that all students felt a sense of belonging and opportunity.
⚖️ Cultural Leadership and Community Trust
Following the NCAA mandate to retire the Fighting Sioux name, Kennedy led a respectful process to help the UND community embrace the new Fighting Hawks identity. He engaged with students, tribal leaders, and alumni to restore unity and pride—encouraging the creation of a mascot to further strengthen school spirit. His leadership during this cultural transition was marked by transparency, humility, and a commitment to reconciliation.
To help fans embrace of new Fighting Hawks team name, Kennedy encouraged the students to create a mascot.
🏒 Athletics and School Spirit
Athletics served as a powerful catalyst for institutional pride, national visibility, and community engagement during Kennedy’s presidency. UND’s NCAA Division I men’s hockey team won a national championship, igniting campus spirit and strengthening alumni ties. Kennedy also appointed a new athletic director to enhance the competitiveness of programs beyond hockey and led UND’s transition to a new athletic conference—enabling matchups with regional powerhouses and elevating the caliber of competition across all sports. He consistently emphasized student-athlete success and the unifying role of athletics in campus life.
Celebrating UND winning the Big Sky Conference football championship.
🌍 Community and State Engagement
Kennedy built strong partnerships with city, state, and industry leaders to position UND as a driver of civic and economic development. He collaborated closely with the president of North Dakota State University and a statewide business group to advocate for increased research funding and higher education investment. His administration advanced public-private partnerships that strengthened UND’s role in serving North Dakota’s workforce and innovation needs, while reinforcing its leadership across key sectors like aerospace, energy, and health.
Welcoming then North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, now U.S. Secretary of the Interior, to UND.
President Kennedy joining with students for their annual "Turkey Drive" collecting food for the needy during Thanksgiving.
🌱 Sustainability and Energy Leadership
UND became one of the most energy-efficient public research campuses in the nation under Kennedy’s leadership. He led a public-private partnership to replace the aging coal-fired steam plant with a modern natural gas facility. Upgrades to campus windows, heating infrastructure, and a hydro-based electricity supply further reduced the university’s environmental footprint and operational costs. The project earned national recognition from Johnson Controls and energy associations.
📊 UND by the Numbers
- 10 percentage point increased in graduation rate
- R1 trajectory initiated under Kennedy
- $500M+ in capital revitalization
- National award for institutional transformation (ACE)
- 1st-place finish in D-I hockey
🏅 Endorsements
- "Kennedy...moved the university forward...especially his efforts on UND’s strategic plan and to modernize buildings on campus" Grand Forks Herald
- "As I look back on what we accomplished, it is really nothing short of phenomenal." UND Provost
- "Thanks for leaving a legacy for all of us to enjoy." UND Student Affairs Executive
- "...we have a good steward for our university.” Mayor of Grand Forks
- "...he’s being proactive and saying why he makes decisions.” Community Liason, Office of Grand Forks Mayor
🌱 Campus Energy Overhaul
- Replaced coal plant with high-efficiency gas
- Upgraded windows and steam infrastructure
- Nationally recognized model of campus sustainability