New NDSU president speaks at Bismarck event

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - North Dakota State University’s new president attended an event in Bismarck Tuesday night to speak with community members.

Marshall Stewart was named president of NDSU back in March. He emphasized his goal to grow enrollment by 3,000 students, from the current 12,000 to 15,000.

“Enrollment is really based on a lot of different factors,” said Stewart. “We know that right now in the country we’re facing an enrollment cliff. Less 18-year-olds coming up pipelines. So, if universities are really gonna achieve enrollment growth, they’re gonna have to become very distinctive in what they offer. So, one of the things we’ll be looking at is our portfolio of academic programs. What’s distinctive, what’s unique, what’s different, what’s one-of-one or one-of-five in the country that people can come here and get unique things.”

Stewart previously served as executive vice president for external management and chief of staff for Kansas State University. He is touring western North Dakota from July 10 through the 17.