JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The University of Jamestown has set a new record with an enrollment of 1,372 students this fall, surpassing its previous high of 1,290 set four years ago. This represents a 6% increase, reflecting substantial growth in both undergraduate and online programs.
The student body includes 953 undergraduates on the Jamestown campus and students from 21 countries and 24 states pursuing degrees across 40 majors. The university’s expansion of online degree programs has contributed significantly to this growth.
University President Dr. Polly Peterson, now in her seventh year as president and 33rd year at the institution, attributed the success to the university’s strategic planning and adaptation to current educational demands. “Because we addressed these challenges in our strategic plan, we have been successful in not only retaining students but also expanding our degree programs to meet the demands for the most sought-after degrees and career opportunities,” Peterson said.
The University of Jamestown’s reputation for academic excellence is further underscored by its consistent rankings among the best institutions in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review. The university boasts a 99% career placement rate and, for the second consecutive year, all nursing graduates passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
The growth has been supported by the university’s new graduate programs and UJ Accelerated, its online upskilling degrees and certificates program. New offerings include a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN), PhD in Clinical Research, and Doctorate in Leadership. These programs are designed to cater to various career tracks and provide micro-credentialing options in areas such as leadership, supply chain management, healthcare, marketing, finance, sports management, and agribusiness.
Dr. Michael Brizek, who developed the online MBA program, highlighted its unique features and flexibility. “We meet employers’ needs to grow their workforce and make it flexible for degree seekers. The program is 12 months and offers micro-credentialing options,” Brizek said.
UJ’s new Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) and Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN) programs are also notable. These hybrid programs offer paths into high-demand careers without requiring prior healthcare experience, combining online coursework with in-person clinicals and labs.
Healthcare partners such as Sanford Health and Jamestown Regional Medical Center have supported these programs by enrolling employees and providing career advancement opportunities.
Executive Vice President Dr. Paul Olson commended the university staff for their adaptability and preparation for growth, including adjustments to the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process. “We’ve restructured our university departments, adopted new educational platforms, and are expanding facilities,” Olson said.
Looking ahead, Peterson outlined future plans for continued growth in performing arts, athletics, facilities, and academic programs. “At UJ, we start with a ‘yes’ as a mindset to solving today’s challenges. That is the Jimmie way of collaborating with local, national, and international partners,” Peterson said.