NDSU President Cook outlines budget cuts and new academic programs for growth

The House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division meeting held on March 20, 2025, focused on key budgetary discussions and strategic initiatives for North Dakota State University (NDSU). The meeting began with an introduction from the committee chair, who welcomed President Cook of NDSU to address various topics of concern.

President Cook provided insights into the university's legislative budget priorities, highlighting an inflation factor of over 4.7% related to the compensation package. He also discussed the pharmacy factor, which has been a point of discussion in the Senate, indicating that it could potentially lead to an additional $14 million in funding. Cook emphasized the rising costs associated with pharmacy education, noting the increased responsibilities of pharmacists in North Dakota and the importance of their role in primary care.

The committee addressed the significant reduction of 69.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions at NDSU, with over half being faculty members. Cook explained that these cuts were part of the NDSU Transform initiative, which aims to streamline operations and improve financial sustainability. He mentioned that voluntary separation agreements have been utilized to manage these reductions, particularly among faculty.

Further discussions revolved around the New Horizons initiative, which seeks to align NDSU's academic programs with workforce needs. Cook outlined the strategic plan's focus on developing new programs, such as a Bachelor of Science in Robotics and Automation, and enhancing existing ones to better serve the state's agricultural and technological sectors.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the challenges faced by NDSU in retaining top faculty, as competition from other institutions remains a concern. Cook reiterated the importance of investing in faculty development and maintaining a strong academic environment.

Overall, the meeting underscored NDSU's commitment to adapting its educational offerings to meet evolving industry demands while navigating budgetary constraints and workforce challenges. The committee plans to continue monitoring these developments as part of their ongoing oversight of educational funding and resources in North Dakota.