Ever mindful of its mission to serve the region's religious, academic, and cultural needs, the University of Mary continues to strive for quality in its academic and co-curricular programs.

Its undergraduate programs have grown from nursing and education to 44 majors, ranging from accounting to theology.

In 1986, the university began offering master's degrees in nursing, management, and education, and went on to add master's programs in business administration, counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and project management.

In 2005, the master's degree in physical therapy was replaced by a Doctor of Physical Therapy -- the university's first doctorate, which was first awarded to 26 graduates in 2006.

In 2001, the University of Mary unveiled its vision as "America's Leadership University." In this role, the university is committed to providing leadership experiences for every student.

The University of Mary also has continued its mission by expanding learning options, making education accessible to working adults and supporting lifelong learning in the region and beyond. The University of Mary School of Accelerated and Distance Education (formerly the College for Professional Studies) offers accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs for the adult learner.

Today, the University of Mary School of Accelerated and Distance Education has a total of 18 sites in the Upper Midwest and beyond, including the Butler Center in downtown Bismarck, Fargo Center in Fargo, ND, and Billings Center in Billings, MT.

In 2005, the University of Mary further extended the accessibility of its programs by launching M.B.A. programs online. Today, students can earn graduate and undergraduate degrees online through U-Mary's School of Accelerated and Distance Education. U-Mary's online MBA programs were rated among the Top 40 "Best Buys" in their class by GetEducated.com, an online consumers' clearinghouse on accredited online degrees.

The University of Mary also was among 30 Schools included in Military Advanced Education (MAE) magazine's 2007 listing of 30 Top Colleges and Universities for members of the military service.

Taking leadership to a new level, in 2006, the University of Mary became a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, setting a new standard of quality in programs campus-wide. In July 2007, the NCAA waived the last two required years of U-Mary's provisional status and the university became an active member Sept. 1, 2007.

In 2006, U-Mary also launched the Gary Tharaldson School of Business. Named for North Dakota hospitality entrepreneur and industry innovator Gary Tharaldson, the new school -- the university's first -- is a new model for preparing students for business careers that is uniquely designed to bridge the gap between the academic and business world. The new 29,000-square-foot, flagship facility that houses the Tharaldson School opened its doors Sept. 11, 2008.

Today, with a faculty and staff of more than 200, the University of Mary remains committed to continuing the mission of its founders and to serving the people of the region in a spirit that fosters servant-leadership.

To serve the religious needs, the University of Mary offers:

• Formation in a Christian community with a full liturgical life on campus.
• Experiences that foster religious and humanistic values, both in and out of the classroom, particularly those Benedictine values of community, hospitality, respect for others, prayer, service, and moderation.
• Activities that encourage individuals and groups to volunteer service to the community.
• Opportunities to build the body of Christ through growth in intellectual, religious, and moral understanding.
• A setting for collegial exchange and support between the communities of Annunciation Monastery and the University of Mary.

To serve the academic needs, the University of Mary offers its students preparation in the following areas of competence in addition to the major:

• Communicating
• Effective Thinking
• Decision-Making Based on Values
• Information Literacy
• Aesthetics
• Social Environment
• Natural Environment
• Professional Development

To serve the cultural needs, the University of Mary provides:

• Cultural events and opportunities to participate in community cultural enrichment.
• A stimulating academic community that promotes growth in itself and the local population.
• A Christian community that fosters diversity through hospitality and dialogue so as to learn to live in an interconnected world.
• A campus that reflects the artistic principles of renowned architect and designer Marcel Breuer.

We are committed to providing leadership experiences for every student to include:

• Competence mastery in a chosen profession
• Decision-making skills based on Benedictine values
• Service to others as through preparation to lead in professional, religious, civic and global communities

The University of Mary's leadership development opportunities include:

• A first-year experience based on the concept of servant-leadership
• Mentorships, internships, internships, practicums, and meaningful work experiences
• Independent or individualized studies with faculty mentoring and guidance
• Student participation in the university's decision-making processes
• Student involvement in professional and service organizations
• Service learning in curricular and co-curricular offerings, to include a global perspective
• Exchange among students, faculty, and staff in the social, academic, and spiritual areas of the campus environment
• Involvement in the religious, social, educational, and political communities beyond campus

The University of Mary emphasizes:

• A unique emphasis on servant-leadership for every student
• Intensive leadership development through the Harold Schafer Emerging Leaders Academy
• Excellent undergraduate and graduate academic programs
• Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• More than 65 volunteer organizations
• 19 varsity sports -- U-Mary is the only North Dakota school in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
• A 98 percent placement rate after graduation

One of the core Benedictine values is "community." The university is a community of learners that recognizes and respects diversity and the richness it brings to the college experience. We identify with the Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine tradition while welcoming individuals from all faiths who seek truth with a spirit of mutual respect and understanding. Each student is encouraged to participate in his or her religious, social, educational, and political communities and share his or her traditions as part of the university community. This promotes an environment where each individual may attain self-identity and self-realization and makes the University of Mary open to change.

Throughout its history, the University of Mary's mission has been to respond to the needs of people in the region. As the university grows, it continues to explore new ways to provide outstanding religious, academic, and cultural opportunities that carry forth the vision of its founders and sponsors, the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery. We hope that you will join us and discover why at the University of Mary, "We have always measured our success by the success of our graduates."

A university is a place of hospitality, growth and preparation for professional service. At the University of Mary, your future as a leader is our deepest concern.

Martin White Chairman of the Board MDU Resources Group Bismarck, ND	Myron Atkinson Attorney Atkinson and Associates Bismarck, ND	Father Al Bitz St. James Basilica Jamestown, ND
Dan Butler President Butler Machinery Company Fargo, ND	Dr. William Clairmont President Clairmont Development Company Bismarck, ND	Leon Comeau Electrical Contractor Grand Forks, ND
Kevin Cramer ND Public Service Commission Bismarck, ND	George Ehlis President and CEO American State Bank Dickinson, ND	Sister Joanne Graham, O.S.B. Annunciation Monastery Bismarck, ND
Dr. Ray Gruby Medical Doctor Bismarck, ND	Father John Guthrie Church of St. Joseph Williston, ND	Joe Hauer Business Owner United Printing Bismarck, ND
Dr. Mike Hofer Business Owner Imaging Solutions Fargo, ND	Wally Joersz Retired - Business Owner Grocer Mandan, ND	A. Kirk Lanterman Chairman Emeritus Holland America Line, Inc. Seattle, WA
Sister Susan Lardy, O.S.B. Mission Effectiveness Coordinator St. Alexius Medical Center Bismarck, ND	Craig Larson President and CEO Starion Financial Bismarck, ND	Duane Liffrig Retired - President Liffrig Realty & Insurance Makoti, SD
Shirley Martz Retired - Shareholder Brady, Martz & Associates Minot, ND	Sister Rebecca Mayer, O.S.B. Liturgist Annunciation Monastery Bismarck, ND	Dr. Harold Miller Chairman Emeritus University of Mary Bismarck, ND
Sister Nancy Miller, O.S.B. Prioress Annunciation Monastery Bismarck, ND	Amy Mossett Executive Director Northern Plains Heritage Foundation Bismarck, ND	Sister Agatha Muggli, O.S.B. Director of Formation Annunciation Monastery Bismarck, ND
Sister Patricia Schap, O.S.B. Annunciation Monastery Bismarck, ND	Richard Tschider Retired - CEO/Administrator St. Alexius Hospital Bismarck, ND	Terry Zeltinger Business Owner United Community Bank Minot, ND