Category: News Release

For Immediate Release Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014 MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Ackerman (701) 355-8002 University of Mary Offers Solution to National Concern Over Time and Cost of College Education BISMARCK, ND, Nov. 13, 2014 — Starting in Fall 2015, University of Mary students will have the option of completing a bachelor’s degree in 2.6 years and a master’s degree in four. Hailed as Year-Round Campus, this first-of-its-kind option provides a new and radical pathway for completing traditional undergraduate and graduate degrees in less time and at a lower cost, with normal course loads and a full college experience. Based on the University’s analysis, the incremental savings, increased earnings, and reduced student loan balances would result in lifetime financial benefits of at least $322,000. According to University of Mary President Monsignor James P. Shea, the Year-Round Campus reflects an innovative and student-centered response to the changing dynamics of today’s higher education market. “The growing sentiment nationwide is that a college education is too costly, takes too long to complete and no longer provides a healthy return on investment,” Shea said. “Mary’s Year-Round Campus addresses those concerns by empowering students to complete a bachelor’s degree in 2.6 years and a master’s in four. It also dramatically increases the student’s long-term earnings and savings potential while meeting the growing demand for an educated, and work-ready employees.” Unlike accelerated degrees, Year-Round Campus offers the...

CHI Partnership Addresses Healthcare Workforce Demands BISMARCK, ND, October 30, 2014 — The University of Mary rolled out three new scholarships as part of its partnership with Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI). The CHI Scholarship Program offers a tuition-free senior year option to students majoring in nursing, and generous incentives to a variety of healthcare industry related programs such as accounting, business administration, counseling and marketing. University of Mary President Monsignor James P. Shea believes the scholarships are a “game-changer” for North Dakota and the region. “This is an incredible opportunity,” stated Shea. “It turns college dreams into reality, expands the pool of well-trained healthcare professionals and raises the standard of living for the good people of the Northern Plains.” According to University officials, students can earn scholarships ranging from $3,000 up to a tuition-free senior year. To qualify, applicants need to be accepted and complete courses on the Bismarck campus. Dr. Jodi Roller, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Professor of Physical Therapy at the University of Mary, said the CHI Scholarship Program is a timely one as the need for healthcare workers continues to grow. “The demand for healthcare professionals is already high and as baby boomers retire, it is only going to rise. As a recent study from Georgetown University demonstrates, the market for healthcare workers is expected to grow at twice the rate of...

Gift from national health system will fund scholarships, help strengthen and improve healthcare across the region BISMARCK, ND, October 24, 2014 — Catholic Health Initiatives, one of the nation’s largest health systems, will donate $10 million to the University of Mary to fund endowed scholarships supporting students enrolled in nursing and other healthcare focused academic programs in response to the ever changing healthcare environment. The gift from CHI, which is joining with St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck to form a regional health network, is the largest gift ever for the University. Monsignor James Shea, President of the University of Mary, said, “This generous gift demonstrates CHI’s commitment to health and wellness in our communities, deepens the long and fruitful relationship between St. Alexius and the University of Mary, and dramatically increases educational opportunities for so many students who will come to us from our region and beyond to prepare for careers in some of our strongest academic programs, such as nursing and healthcare administration.” “CHI’s generosity, and more importantly the sense of partnership, is critical to our ability to continue to serve our students and our state,” Shea added. “I would like to thank our founding sisters, St. Alexius Medical Center, and our new partners.” “CHI has long served the communities of North Dakota through our hospitals and medical centers across the state,” said Jeffrey Drop, senior vice...