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University of Mary
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The University of Mary (UMary or simply Mary) is a private, Benedictine university near Bismarck, North Dakota. It was established in 1959 as Mary College.

Key Information

The university is the largest degree-granting institution in western North Dakota.[3] It has a study-abroad campus in Rome and also operates academic programs at satellite locations in North Dakota (Fargo, downtown Bismarck, Williston, Watford City, Grand Forks), Minnesota, Montana, and Kansas. The University also has a satellite location in Tempe, Arizona, operating as Mary College at ASU, in partnership with Arizona State University as a domestic exchange program. Through Mary College at ASU, the University of Mary offers all academic programs for Nazareth Seminary of the Diocese of Phoenix.[4][5][6]

History

[edit]
The first Benedictine sisters to arrive in Bismarck, ND

The University of Mary has its origins in a boarding school founded in Bismarck, Dakota Territory, in 1878 by Benedictine sisters.[7] In 1885, the sisters founded St. Alexius Hospital, adding a College of Nursing in 1915.[8] In 1944, the sisters formed the Convent of the Annunciation, independent of the motherhouse in St. Joseph, Minnesota. The convent was renamed Annunciation Priory in 1947.[9]

First buildings

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In the early 1950s, the sisters requested that Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer design a new priory building.[10] At the time, Breuer was finishing the new abbey and several university buildings at Saint John's Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota. In 1955, he accepted the commission[10] only after visiting the site, meeting the sisters, and being "overwhelmed by the power and presence of the landscape setting and the mission."[7] Breuer's designs used native granite prairie stone, complex concrete shapes, and a juxtaposition of light and shadow.[7] The first buildings were a convent, dining hall, and classrooms. The school was officially founded as a women's college in 1959 as Mary College. Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel was consecrated in 1963 in the second phase of construction.[11] As the school grew, it endeavored to preserve the spirit of Breuer's modernist prairie architecture while implementing new programs and new buildings by lesser-known architects.[7]

Coeducation and university status

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Mary College rapidly expanded and became fully co-educational in the 1960s. It achieved university status—becoming the University of Mary—in 1986. The University of Mary is North Dakota's only private Catholic university. It has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1969. Since its incorporation in 1959, the university's enrollment has grown from 69 to more than 3,800. Its undergraduate programs have grown from nursing and education to over 65 degrees, ranging from accounting to Catholic studies.

In 1986, the university began offering master's degrees in nursing, management, and education. It has added master's programs in business administration, counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, public administration, project management, clinical exercise physiology, kinesiology, speech-language pathology, music, Catholic studies, and bioethics. Doctorates are offered in education, nursing, business, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.[12]

2000 and later

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In 2001, the University of Mary unveiled its vision as "America's Leadership University." In 2005, the master's degree in physical therapy was replaced with a Doctor of Physical Therapy—the university's first doctorate. The first 26 candidates in this program received their entry-level clinical doctorates in 2006. Since then, doctorates have been added in education, nursing, and occupational therapy. The university has expanded options to make education accessible to working adults and support lifelong learning in the region and beyond. University of Mary Online offers accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs for the adult learner. The university also has 14 satellite campuses in the Upper Midwest and beyond, including the Butler Center in downtown Bismarck, Fargo Center in Fargo, North Dakota, and Billings Center in Billings, Montana. Since 2005, the University of Mary has offered bachelor's and master's programs online.

In 2006, UMary initiated the Gary Tharaldson School of Business. Named for Gary Tharaldson, a North Dakota hospitality entrepreneur and industry innovator, the school was designed to bridge the gap between academia and the business world. The 29,000-square-foot (2,700 m2) flagship facility that houses the Gary Tharaldson School opened in 2008.

In December 2008, the university announced that a 33-year-old Catholic priest, Father James Patrick Shea, had been named as its new president. At the time, and for nearly a decade afterward, he was the nation's youngest college or university president.[13]

From the fall of 2009 to the spring of 2010, the University of Mary searched for a facility as the base for its Rome, Italy program. It found one a ten-minute bus ride from the city center, on the Via del Casaletto. The first students to study in this Rome program traveled from the U.S. in the fall of 2010.

The Catholic Studies Program, an initiative of Shea, also launched in the fall of 2010. On October 19, 2010, the program was named in honor of Bishop Paul Albert Zipfel, sixth bishop of the Diocese of Bismarck. It is an interdisciplinary program designed to explore the Catholic Church's contributions to and influence on human thought and culture. The program invites students of any faith who wish to deepen their knowledge of Catholicism's history and living tradition.

In 2019, the University of Mary started a Satellite program whereby ASU students can take University of Mary classes at Mary College at ASU, located within the Old Mission Church of St. Mary's, located in the heart of Arizona State University's main campus in Tempe, Arizona.[14] The classes count as humanities credits for ASU classes. This program was the result of collaboration between Dr Crow, president of ASU, and Monsignor Shea.[15]

The University of Mary has 1,130 employees, with a full-time teaching faculty of more than 300. Annual revenue in 2023 was $96 million, with total assets amounting to $217 million.[16]

Campus

[edit]
A portion of the University of Mary's main campus, seen from the east, overlooking the Missouri River valley

The University of Mary is a rural campus located about four miles (6.4 km) south of Bismarck and was built on a high prairie bluff overlooking the "Capital City." The campus includes 24 buildings and is accessible via the Green 3 Route of Bis-Man Transit.[17] Several of the original buildings on campus were designed by architect Marcel Breuer.[18]

The Harold Schafer Leadership Center is home to a leadership program that the university offers. The upper floor usually holds conferences and meetings while the lower floor is home to IT training centers.[19][20]

The Benedictine Center for Servant Leadership is one of the oldest buildings on campus, since it previously served as the library and a priory for the Sisters. It primarily houses the university's administrative offices, including the Offices of the President, Academic Affairs, Undergraduate Admissions, UMary Online, Public Affairs, Financial Aid, the Registrar, Student Accounts, Student Success Center, Student Development, Career and Testing Services, M-Card Office, and the Business Office. It is also home to the Liffrig School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, three residence halls (below), and the Hauer Family Theater.[21]

St. Joseph's Hall for Men is a men's faith-based residence hall. Boniface Hall is a women's residence hall. St. Scholastica's Hall for Women is a women's faith-based residence hall. Roers Hall is a freshman women's residence housing the Saint Scholastica community on its third floor.[22]

Welder Library was built in 1990 and is named for the university's president emerita, Sister Thomas Welder. The library houses 61,000 print volumes, more than 340,000 eBooks, 3,600 multimedia items, and databases providing access to over 60,000 journals. The library building is also home to the humanities division of the School of Arts and Sciences.[23]

Greg Butler Hall is a women's residence hall located just southeast of the Welder Library. Hillside Hall is a women's residence hall located just northeast of the Welder Library. An outdoor track and baseball field are located east of both halls.

The McDowell Activity Center (MAC) is the center of the athletics department and includes offices and lockers on the lower level and a weight room. The main use for this center is for the men's and women's basketball teams and the women's volleyball team. The McDowell Activity Center is located just north of Hillside Hall. The Tschider Center for Health Sciences occupies one wing of this building, and provides both office and classroom space for the human performance programs.

The Lumen Vitae University Center (LVUC) serves as a community gathering space for students and faculty. The campus restaurant, the Crow's Nest, offers 24/7 dining. The Bookstore and Marauders Mart are located near the Crow's Nest.[24]

A panorama of the Crow's Nest Campus Restaurant
A panorama of the Crow's Nest Campus Restaurant

The Harold J. Miller Center is one of the oldest buildings on campus and houses science, math, occupational therapy, and a computer lab. This building is connected to the east side of University Hall. Arno Gustin Hall includes the main auditorium for the campus The Clairmont Center houses the music department as well as some classrooms and Heskett Hall, which is a small performing stage and home to a few lecture classes. The Casey Center for Nursing Education houses the nursing and physical therapy departments. In addition, the information desk is located here as well as a lounge just east of the information area. Tennis courts are accessible just outside the north end of this part of the building. In addition, there are practice fields for football, softball, soccer, track & field, and baseball on campus.

On April 25, 2019, construction began on the new school of engineering which will be housed in the renovated University Hall.

Deichert and Boyle Halls are student apartments located at the far north end of campus. Just beyond Deichert Hall, on the northernmost side of campus, lie "The Cloisters." The Cloisters is available to only upper and graduate level students. The Cloisters consists of three buildings, two suite-styled apartments and a student commons/campus pub. The two apartments are named after the Benedictine heritage sites Subiaco (women's) and Monte Cassino (men's). The student commons/campus pub is named "Chesterton's," in honor of the famous Christian essayist of the 20th century, G.K. Chesterton.

[edit]
  • The University of Mary campus with a view of Apple Creek and the Missouri River below
    The University of Mary campus with a view of Apple Creek and the Missouri River below
  • Inside the Lumen Vitae University Center's main atrium
    Inside the Lumen Vitae University Center's main atrium
  • A view from one of the balconies in the Lumen Vitae University Center
    A view from one of the balconies in the Lumen Vitae University Center
  • A view from the stage of Founders Hall, the university's main ballroom, prepared for a banquet
    A view from the stage of Founders Hall, the university's main ballroom, prepared for a banquet
  • One of the private dining rooms available for internal and external events at the university
    One of the private dining rooms available for internal and external events at the university
  • The University of Mary's Grotto dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as seen at night
    The University of Mary's Grotto dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as seen at night
  • The University of Mary's Grotto dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary
    The University of Mary's Grotto dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • A view of the University of Mary's pub, "Chesterton's" named after G.K. Chesterton
    A view of the University of Mary's pub, "Chesterton's" named after G.K. Chesterton
  • A view of the main chapel at the University of Mary, Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel
    A view of the main chapel at the University of Mary, Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel
  • A small prayer chapel for reposition of the Blessed Sacrament in Our Lady of Annunciation Chapel
    A small prayer chapel for reposition of the Blessed Sacrament in Our Lady of Annunciation Chapel
  • Roers Hall, the freshmen women's residence hall
    Roers Hall, the freshmen women's residence hall
  • Welder Library and the Gary Tharaldson School of Business at sunset
    Welder Library and the Gary Tharaldson School of Business at sunset
  • A view out of the large windows of Welder Library
    A view out of the large windows of Welder Library
  • A view of the expansive University of Mary Fieldhouse
    A view of the expansive University of Mary Fieldhouse

Rankings

[edit]

University of Mary is endorsed by The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College and is recognized as a college of distinction with notable programs in education, business, engineering, and nursing.[25][26] The National Council of State Boards of Nursing exam results (i.e. NCLEX) ranked the University of Mary's nursing program as #1 regionally and #1 of 2,061 nursing programs nationwide in 2019, and again in 2021 as #1 of 2,145 nursing programs nationwide.[27][28][29][30]

Athletics

[edit]
Main article: Mary Marauders

The University of Mary is a member of the NCAA Division II and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The University of Mary athletics teams are known as the "Marauders," and the team colors are blue and orange. The Marauders field teams in 18 varsity sports, including golf, football, basketball, swimming, soccer, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, cross country, volleyball, baseball, softball, wrestling, and tennis. In 2018–19, the Marauders also launched an American Collegiate Hockey Association hockey team, finishing its inaugural season 39–6–2, winning two national championships in ACHA Division 2 before moving to ACHA Division 1 in 2023.[31]

Notable alumni

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See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

University of Mary

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from Grokipedia
The University of Mary is a private Catholic university located in , founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of the Monastery as Mary College to provide four-year degrees in and . It transitioned to full coeducational status in 1970 and was renamed the University of Mary in 1986 upon achieving university designation, marking a period of significant expansion in enrollment, academic programs, and campus facilities. Today, it enrolls a record 3,973 students for the 2025–26 , including undergraduates, graduates, and those in online and evening programs, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 that supports personalized learning and mentorship. Rooted in the Benedictine tradition of faith, community, and service, the university offers nearly 60 undergraduate majors across fields such as health sciences, business, education, and liberal arts, alongside master's and doctoral degrees in areas like nursing practice, physical therapy, and education. Its mission emphasizes forming ethical leaders who integrate professional skills with moral virtues, evidenced by 93% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of completion. The campus, nestled in the hills overlooking the , features modern facilities for academics and athletics as the Marauders, fostering a vibrant student life that includes international opportunities like a study center in , . Known for affordability and accessibility, the University of Mary continues to grow as a leading Catholic institution in the Midwest, with a focus on that prepares students for lifelong success.

History

Founding and early development

The Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation Monastery trace their roots in the region to 1878, when five sisters from St. Benedict's Monastery in , arrived in the Dakota Territory to establish ministries focused on healing and . They founded hospitals, schools, and academies in Bismarck, laying the groundwork for Catholic higher education in amid the challenges of frontier life. This commitment to service and learning, guided by Benedictine values of stability, hospitality, and community, directly inspired the creation of a dedicated institution for women's higher education decades later. In 1959, the Benedictine Sisters established Mary College as North Dakota's first four-year Catholic institution for women, located in Bismarck. The college emerged from the sisters' earlier efforts, including a two-year program begun in 1955, and represented an expansion to offer baccalaureate degrees amid growing demand for professional education for women in the state. The site, a rural 40-acre parcel seven miles south of Bismarck known as Gift Hill, was donated in 1957 by "Chick" Swenson after the sisters had purchased land near Dickinson in 1954; groundbreaking occurred on March 30, 1958, with initial construction including a , dining hall, classrooms, and designed by architect using local fieldstone and brick. From its opening, Mary College emphasized bachelor's degrees in and , programs aligned with the sisters' longstanding focus on healthcare and teaching professions while incorporating a liberal arts foundation. Mother Edane Volk served as the first president, overseeing the institution's early operations on what was initially called the North Campus. The college's development reflected the Benedictine emphasis on holistic formation, preparing women for leadership roles in a rapidly changing society. By the late , as enrollment and programs expanded, Mary College began transitioning toward coeducation in subsequent decades.

Coeducation and expansion

In 1970, under the leadership of its fourth president, Dr. Harold Miller, Mary College transitioned to full coeducation by admitting male students for the first time, aligning with broader societal shifts toward integration in higher education during the late and early . This decision marked a pivotal change from its origins as a , enabling the institution to broaden its reach and adapt to evolving cultural norms that emphasized equal access to . The shift to coeducation spurred significant enrollment growth, as the college attracted a more diverse population. This period also saw key physical expansions to accommodate the influx, including the dedication of Arno Gustin Hall in 1970, which provided new lecture and theater facilities to support growing academic needs. Additional residence halls and academic buildings were added throughout the , enhancing campus infrastructure and fostering a vibrant community environment. Academic offerings diversified during the and , with the introduction of new undergraduate majors in , sciences, and liberal arts to address regional demands and expand beyond the original focus on and . These developments reflected the college's commitment to comprehensive growth under Miller's tenure. Complementing these expansions were the architectural foundations laid by modernist designer , who contributed to early campus buildings such as the library and science hall, incorporating local prairie stone and concrete to create enduring, light-infused structures.

University status and recent growth

In 1986, Mary College achieved university status and was renamed the University of Mary, coinciding with the launch of its first programs in , , and . This transition marked a significant expansion of graduate offerings, building on the initial graduate program in introduced three years earlier. The university introduced its first doctoral program, the (DPT), in 2003, with the inaugural degrees awarded in 2006. This program represented a pivotal step in elevating the institution's academic profile within health sciences. In December 2008, James Patrick Shea, then 33 years old, was appointed as the university's sixth president, becoming the youngest president in the United States at the time; he was inaugurated in 2009. Under Shea's leadership, the university strengthened its Catholic identity through initiatives such as the 2010 launch of the Bishop Paul A. Zipfel Catholic Studies Program, which has grown into one of the nation's largest and most respected programs of its kind. These efforts also drove institutional growth, including expanded academic programs and campus infrastructure. The University of Mary began offering online bachelor's and master's programs in 2005, with subsequent expansions to include certificates and further degrees in flexible formats to serve working adults. Enrollment surged during the , surpassing 3,000 students by the mid-decade, and reached a record 3,973 total (undergraduate and graduate) for the 2025–26 academic year. Financially, the endowment grew to $65.3 million as of 2024. Recent developments include the construction of the Our Lady of the Word Chapel in the 2010s, enhancing spiritual life on the Bismarck campus alongside the historic Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel. During the , the university responded by enhancing its online offerings and implementing comprehensive health protocols, which helped maintain steady enrollment amid national disruptions.

Academics

Undergraduate and graduate programs

The University of Mary offers nearly 60 undergraduate majors, providing students with a diverse array of options rooted in professional preparation. Key programs include , , , , , and Catholic studies, among others such as biochemistry, communication, and . The university also provides numerous minors, including and addiction counseling, allowing students to tailor their education with specialized focuses alongside their primary major. Undergraduate education at the University of Mary emphasizes a core liberal arts that fosters , ethical reasoning, and broad intellectual development, integrated with hands-on learning experiences such as internships, research projects, and . This structure is informed by the university's Benedictine values, which prioritize intellectual inquiry, personal growth, and service to others, ensuring graduates are well-rounded professionals equipped for real-world challenges. The graduate portfolio includes more than 30 master's and doctoral programs, designed for working professionals and delivered in flexible formats. Master's degrees are available in fields like , , , and counseling, while doctoral options encompass , nursing practice (DNP), and , with additional emphases in areas such as and leadership. Many of these programs incorporate online delivery to accommodate diverse student needs. The university's programs highlight professional emphases in high-demand sectors like healthcare and , where graduates achieve strong outcomes, including a 93% job placement rate or enrollment in within six months of . Small class sizes, supported by a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, enable personalized mentorship and close collaboration between students and instructors.

Online education and accreditation

The University of Mary launched its online programs in 2005 to expand access to higher education for working adults, building on its long-standing commitment to flexible learning formats. Today, the institution offers more than 50 online and evening programs, including several bachelor's completion degrees designed for transfer students and professionals seeking to finish their . Examples include degrees in business management and cybersecurity administration, which emphasize practical skills for career advancement. Additionally, graduate certificates are available in areas such as and healthcare administration, providing targeted that can stack toward full master's degrees. To accommodate non-traditional learners, the University of Mary provides evening and hybrid course formats alongside fully options, allowing students to balance work and study. Fully master's programs cover fields like education leadership—through the in Teacher Leadership—and marriage and , integrated within broader counseling concentrations that prepare graduates for clinical practice. These initiatives support accessibility for adult learners across multiple states. The university maintains its overall institutional accreditation through the (HLC), a regional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring the quality and integrity of all degree programs. Specialized accreditations further validate key disciplines: the baccalaureate, master's, and programs hold accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); educator preparation programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); and the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Education (CAPTE). These recognitions affirm the rigor of the university's online offerings in health sciences and . Supporting these programs, the University of Mary employs as its primary , enabling seamless access to course materials, assignments, and interactive discussions from any location with internet connectivity. For hands-on fields like and , virtual simulations supplement online coursework, providing practical training experiences without requiring on-site presence.

Rankings and recognition

The University of Mary has received recognition in various national rankings for its academic quality, value, and institutional commitments. In the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges, it is ranked #343 among National Universities. The institution has been highlighted for its strong and affordability. A 2021 analysis by , based on data from the , ranked the University of Mary as the top private college in for , considering factors such as net price, graduation rates, and earnings. As of 2025, the university continues to emphasize graduate outcomes and affordability, with recent data from the College Scorecard showing median earnings of $60,909 for ten years post-graduation, supporting its focus on high-value . In specialized rankings, College Raptor named the University of Mary the #1 Hidden Gem among institutions in , praising its accessibility, quality, and underrecognized status. Its nursing program has earned top national honors for student success on the NCLEX-RN , ranking #1 in 2019 across all categories according to benchmarking service Mountain Measurement, and again #1 in 2021 among 945 similar programs based on first-time pass rates. The university's Catholic identity has been endorsed by The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic , which recommends it for fidelity to Catholic teachings and a supportive faith-based environment. Additionally, it has been designated a Friendly School with Silver status for 2025 by VIQTORY Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs magazine, recognizing its support for military students, veterans, and families through flexible programs and benefits.

Campus and facilities

Main campus in Bismarck

The main campus of the University of Mary is situated approximately four miles south of downtown Bismarck, North Dakota, atop a 175-foot bluff offering scenic views of Apple Creek and the Missouri River valley. Spanning approximately 124 acres of rolling hills and open fields as of 2023, the rural setting provides a serene environment with walking paths, natural areas, and features like the Warford Grotto for reflection. The campus layout includes 28 major buildings connected by accessible routes, emphasizing a blend of academic, recreational, and communal spaces. The campus architecture highlights the modernist vision of renowned Bauhaus alumnus , who designed several original structures in the 1950s and 1960s using native prairie stone and concrete to create dramatic plays of light and shadow; notable examples include the science building and the . Breuer described the site as his "jewel on the prairie," and these buildings remain central to the campus's identity. Contemporary expansions honor this legacy while incorporating modern functionality, such as the Lumen Vitae University Center, a 2017 addition serving as the primary student hub with a 24/7 dining facility, bank branch, study nooks, and event spaces like Founders Hall. Academic facilities support diverse programs through specialized infrastructure, including the Casey Center for Nursing Education, which features renovated simulation labs with mock hospital rooms, an expanded nurses' station, and medication rooms for hands-on training in the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences. Science laboratories are housed in Breuer's original building, while the Clairmont Center for the , dedicated in 1992, provides venues for music, theater, and dramatic arts productions. The Liffrig Family and Behavioral Sciences occupies Boniface East Hall, equipped for teacher preparation and behavioral sciences instruction. The Welder Library, integrated into the School of building, maintains nearly 47,000 print volumes alongside digital resources and an . This primary campus accommodates the majority of the university's 3,973 students enrolled for the 2025–26 , fostering a close-knit in its rural yet accessible location. In April 2025, construction began on the $45 million Marauders Athletics Complex, which will include a multipurpose sports dome and enhanced facilities for athletics. efforts include energy-efficient practices, such as restricting office HVAC systems to to align with institutional goals for and . Recent building renovations, like those in the Casey Center, incorporate modern efficiency standards to support long-term campus green initiatives.

Satellite locations and international sites

The University of Mary operates several satellite locations across North Dakota to provide accessible education for regional learners, particularly through hybrid and evening formats that accommodate working professionals and military personnel. In Fargo, the Butler Center hosts undergraduate and graduate programs, including business administration, education-related offerings such as early childhood development, and specialized graduate degrees in occupational therapy, with facilities featuring classrooms and a dedicated lab for hands-on training; in 2025, the center was renovated into a licensed early learning facility serving children up to age 12. Downtown Bismarck's Front Avenue site focuses on evening classes from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., supporting degree completion in fields like business and healthcare via online and in-person options. Additional North Dakota sites include Williston, offering bachelor's degrees through hybrid evening courses; Watford City at the Roughrider Center, emphasizing online and night classes for degree completion; and Grand Forks Air Force Base, which provides military-tailored master's programs like the MBA and Master of Organizational Leadership, with flexible online and onsite accommodations for service members, veterans, and their families. Beyond North Dakota, the university extends its reach to other U.S. sites to address local workforce needs, particularly in healthcare and graduate education. In Billings, Montana, the campus delivers career-focused programs, including the state's first Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, taught by full-time faculty through a mix of onsite labs, video conferencing, and hybrid formats to support daytime and evening schedules. In the Phoenix-Tempe area of Arizona, Mary College at ASU operates as a partnership with Arizona State University, housed in the historic Old St. Mary's building on the ASU campus, offering Catholic studies courses and semester exchanges that allow UMary students to access ASU resources while fulfilling general education requirements; it also supports graduate-level seminary programs for the Diocese of Phoenix. These domestic satellites feature compact facilities with classrooms, specialized labs, and advising services but lack full residential options, prioritizing accessibility for non-traditional students. Internationally, the University of Mary maintains a study-abroad campus in Rome, Italy, located in the Monteverde Nuovo neighborhood near Saint Peter's Square, to immerse students in Catholic heritage and global perspectives. This site offers semester or summer programs emphasizing Catholic studies, history, theology, art history, philosophy, and Italian language, integrating academic coursework with experiential learning at sites like the Vatican and Saint Benedict's historical locations. Facilities include a guest house with private rooms, high-speed internet, study areas, a library, chapel, and outdoor grounds, fostering a supportive environment for short-term immersion without permanent residency. The Rome program supports semester exchanges through UMary's Office of Global Studies and partnerships, enabling students to earn credits toward their degrees while engaging in faith-based service and cultural exploration. Overall, these satellite and international sites enhance the university's mission by extending hybrid and onsite learning to diverse populations, comprising a significant portion of its extended education efforts.

Student life

Housing and campus services

The University of Mary provides on-campus across six traditional and suite-style residence halls, primarily serving freshmen and sophomores, as well as apartment-style options for upperclassmen. These include North Hall, an all-male facility housing 339 students in single to quad rooms with amenities like free laundry and computer labs; Roers Hall, a women's residence for freshmen and upperclasswomen accommodating 284 residents in two-bedroom suites; Boniface East and West Halls, traditional women's options for freshmen; and Hillside Hall, a women's suite-style hall for 123 students. Hall offers suite-style living for upperclasswomen. All residence halls are single-sex, aligning with the university's Catholic tradition, and include faith-based living-learning such as Saint Joseph's Hall for men and Saint Scholastica Hall for women, emphasizing spiritual growth, character development, and holiness through communal activities. University policy requires traditional undergraduates to reside on campus for at least five semesters or until the semester after turning 21, fostering a close-knit . Dining services at the University of Mary feature two primary facilities: the Campus Restaurant, a 24/7 all-you-can-eat venue in the Lumen Vitae University Center offering diverse options like fire-grilled pizza, made-to-order stir-fry, burgers, and , with spaces for study and recreation; and Marauders Cove, providing grab-and-go items such as espresso drinks, breakfast foods, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Apartment residents also access Chesterton's for casual meals and socializing. Emphasizing Benedictine hospitality and community, the program includes on-site chefs, a registered dietitian for nutritional guidance, and an allergen station to accommodate special dietary needs, promoting healthy eating through fresh, varied menus. Campus services support well-being and success, including the on-site Health Clinic offering medical exams, physicals, prescriptions, vaccinations, and walk-in care from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Counseling is provided free by licensed professionals from CHI St. Alexius Health, focusing on support via appointments or . Career services assist with resume building, internships, job placements, and fairs to prepare students for post-graduation opportunities. Services address needs, including housing accommodations and academic support. operates 24/7, reachable at 701-355-8000 for emergencies or non-emergencies, ensuring a safe environment. A public transit shuttle via the Bismarck CAT bus connects to downtown Bismarck, running frequently on weekdays.

Organizations and traditions

The University of Mary supports over 50 student-led clubs and organizations that span academic, service, cultural, and honors interests, fostering personal growth and community engagement among its students. Academic groups include the Nursing Student Association, which prepares members for professional leadership in healthcare through events and networking. Service-oriented clubs such as Mission for Life Volunteering emphasize hands-on community outreach, while cultural organizations like the International Student Organization promote exchange by sharing global traditions and supporting international students from 20 countries. Honors societies recognize scholarly achievement, aligning with the university's commitment to excellence in all disciplines. Benedictine traditions at the University of Mary shape campus life through practices that emphasize and . The Work Campus program integrates part-time employment opportunities for students, encouraging them to develop responsibility and contribute to the community's mission while earning funds for education. Annual events like Welcome Week, which includes peer-led activities and a family dinner, help new students integrate into the Marauder community, often incorporating elements of opening convocation to celebrate the start of the academic year. The May crowning of a of the Virgin Mary, a longstanding Catholic devotion, occurs during spring semester gatherings to honor Marian central to the institution's identity. Spiritual life thrives through University Ministry, which offers daily Masses at Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel, including a 9 a.m. Mass and an 8 p.m. all-university choral Mass on . Retreats and events, such as seasonal formation programs and the annual Day with guest speakers, provide opportunities for reflection and discernment, drawing on Benedictine values of and . While not formally a , University Ministry serves a similar role by coordinating sacramental life, , and confession, welcoming students of all to build a vibrant spiritual environment. Diversity efforts are supported by student groups focused on multicultural awareness and , including the International Student Organization, which hosts cultural sharing events to bridge global perspectives. Annual celebrations like Marauder Welcome Week incorporate inclusive activities for all newcomers, while and Dignity Week features events such as the Midwinter in partnership with United Tribes Technical College, promoting cultural exchange and respect for indigenous traditions. These initiatives align with the university's Catholic mission to foster hospitality and respect for persons from diverse backgrounds. Community impact is woven into the fabric of student life through service programs tied to the Catholic and Benedictine heritage, where students participate in initiatives like Monday Morning Mission and the annual Day of Service, involving hundreds in local and global . Although not a formal requirement, many students complete over 100 hours of service through clubs and retreats, embodying and contributing to the university's emphasis on transformative encounters beyond campus. Housing options integrate these values by designating faith-based residence halls that encourage communal service and spiritual discussions among residents.

Athletics and extracurriculars

Intercollegiate athletics

The University of Mary fields 18 varsity intercollegiate athletic teams known as the Marauders, competing in as members of the (NSIC). The program transitioned from the NAIA to , beginning provisional membership in 2004 and achieving full active status in 2007 after the NCAA waived the final two years of the typical four-year provisional period; the Marauders joined the NSIC in fall 2006. This move allowed the teams to compete for conference titles and postseason opportunities immediately upon joining. The Marauders sponsor eight men's teams: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor , outdoor , and wrestling. Women's teams number ten: basketball, cross country, golf, indoor , outdoor , soccer, , swimming and diving, , and . These programs emphasize both competitive success and academic excellence, with numerous student-athletes earning NSIC All-Academic honors annually. Home competitions are hosted across several facilities in the Bismarck area. The University of Mary Fieldhouse and Wellness Center serves as the primary indoor venue, featuring four basketball courts, a 200-meter NCAA competition track, and space for and other events. Football games take place at the Community Bowl, while and diving occurs at the BSC Aquatic & Fitness Center, which includes a 50-meter competition pool. is played at Bismarck Municipal Ballpark, and at the on-campus University of Mary Softball Field. In April 2025, the university broke ground on the Marauders Athletics Complex to consolidate outdoor sports like football, soccer, , , and on campus, enhancing the scholar-athlete experience. The Marauders have secured multiple NSIC championships and made national appearances since joining Division II. In track and field, the women's indoor team won three consecutive NSIC titles from 2018 to 2020, while the men's program has also claimed conference crowns in both NAIA and NCAA eras. Wrestling achieved a milestone in 2025 when Reece Barnhardt became the program's first NCAA Division II national champion at 133 pounds. In cross country and track and field, Melissa Blanchard and Jennifer Keller, who won individual NCAA Division II titles in 2013 (Blanchard in the indoor mile and outdoor 1500-meter run; Keller in cross country), were inducted into the NSIC Hall of Fame in 2025 as the university's first honorees in those sports. Other highlights include Ida Narbuvoll earning NCAA Division II Women's Track Athlete of the Year in 2021 for her academic and athletic prowess, and Jorgen Paulson being named NSIC Outstanding Senior in men's outdoor track and field in 2025. In addition to NCAA sports, the university added a competitive men's ice hockey program in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division I starting in the 2023-24 season, after previous success in Division II including national titles in 2021 and 2022; the team competes in the Midwest College Hockey conference and plays home games at the Schwan Cadillac Rink at Starion Sports Complex.

Club sports and recreation

The University of Mary offers a variety of club sports that provide competitive opportunities outside of its NCAA intercollegiate programs, including the men's ice hockey team, which competes at the Division I level of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). Student-led clubs such as the eSports Club and Marauders Ultimate Frisbee enable participants to engage in organized competition and skill development without athletic scholarships. Intramural sports promote broad participation through casual leagues and tournaments open to all students, featuring basketball, soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and spikeball. Participants, including those who may suggest new activities, can join teams or events that emphasize fun and teamwork, with annual tournaments and fitness challenges fostering a sense of community. Recreational facilities support these programs via the 80,000-square-foot Fieldhouse & Wellness Center, which includes a fitness area equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, free weights, and strength machines; a rock with options; four / courts; a six-lane, 200-meter track; and courts. Outdoor pursuits are available through the Outdoor Adventure Club, which organizes and exploration on regional trails near the Bismarck campus. These offerings, shared with intercollegiate athletics, align with the university's Benedictine emphasis on holistic wellness, community building, and the development of mind, body, and spirit.

Notable people

Notable alumni

The University of Mary has produced distinguished alumni who have achieved prominence in , , the , , , and , reflecting the institution's emphasis on leadership and service. In the realm of and , earned a from the University of Mary in 2003 and has served as the U.S. Senator from since 2019, following eight years as the state's U.S. Representative from 2013 to 2019. Pat Heinert, who received both a and Master of Management in Management from the University of Mary, served as from 2002 to 2016 and has been a Republican member of the for District 32 since 2017. In the military, Jackie Huber earned her from the in 1999 and a from the University of Mary; she became the first female general officer in the upon her promotion in 2019 and has served as Deputy Adjutant General since October 2019, overseeing more than 4,200 personnel. The field of professional sports features Marquice Williams, who earned a from the University of Mary in 2008; a former Marauders football player, he advanced to the as an assistant coach with the from 2013 to 2020 before becoming special teams coordinator for the in 2021, marking him as the first former University of Mary athlete to hold an coordinator position. Other notable alumni include inductees to the University of Mary Marauders Hall of Fame, such as Chris Schwab (class of 2000), a four-year starting who led the football team to the 1999 NAIA national semifinals and set multiple passing records; business leaders like Brandon Leingang (), whose company was named Small Business of the Year; and educators holding leadership roles in academia and community institutions. The university's network, exceeding 27,000 members worldwide, fosters , , and philanthropic efforts that support current students and community initiatives.

Faculty and administration

The University of Mary is governed by a Board of Trustees that includes the prioress of the and several Benedictine Sisters, who actively participate in oversight to ensure the institution's Catholic and Benedictine identity. These Sisters, as sponsors of the university since its founding, contribute to governance through their Ministry of Sponsorship, which integrates values of community, hospitality, and service into decision-making. The Board approved the university's Statement of Mission and Identity in 2010, formalizing its commitment to faith-integrated education. Monsignor James Patrick Shea has served as the sixth president since 2009, emphasizing enrollment expansion from under 2,000 to over 3,000 students and deepening the integration of Catholic faith with academic programs. Under his leadership, the university introduced doctoral programs in fields like and while maintaining a focus on rooted in Benedictine traditions. His predecessor, Sister Thomas Welder, OSB, held the position from 1978 to 2009 and oversaw the transition from Mary College to university status in 1986, along with the launch of the first graduate program in 1983. The faculty comprises over 300 full-time teaching members dedicated to a low student-faculty ratio of 10:1, enabling personalized mentorship and faith-informed instruction across disciplines. Notable scholars include those in , such as Michael F. Lombardo, PhD, of theology and Catholic studies, who directs the Rome Campus program emphasizing Benedictine principles. In and , faculty like Molly Berg, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, contribute to clinical training and Benedictine values in health sciences. The administration embodies , a core model promoted university-wide to foster competence, values, and among leaders. This approach is reflected in roles like Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Diane Fladeland and Executive Vice President Jerome Richter, who support the integration of religious, academic, and cultural needs. Faculty contributions include research in healthcare and through the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences, highlighted by annual conferences on human dignity and in medical practice. Teaching excellence is recognized via awards such as the 2024 Higher Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year given to Dr. Donny Bungum by the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC, and the Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence to Brenda Tufte, PhD, in 2014.

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