Founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Convent as Mary College, the University of Mary is a premier private Catholic university located in Bismarck, North Dakota. Spanning a picturesque hilltop campus overlooking the Missouri River valley, UMary connects nursing, physical therapy, business leadership, criminal justice, and NSIC athletic traditions. You can examine its Benedictine heritage, founding charter, and campus evolution through the University of Mary Wikipedia historical entry.
When you study at UMary, you enter a values-centered Christian liberal arts community world-famous for servant leadership, accelerated degree paths, and rigorous professional preparation. Living in Bismarck places you inside North Dakota's capital city, surrounded by government agencies and healthcare systems.
Premier Academic Programs
UMary organizes its instruction across specialized schools holding top national reputations for health and leadership:
- Saint Alexius School of Nursing: Nationally recognized nursing program preparing clinical leaders and nurse practitioners in advanced simulation suites. Explore degree paths on the UMary Nursing portal.
- Gary Tharaldson School of Business: AACSB-eligible business school famous for project management, accounting, corporate finance, and healthcare administration.
- Department of Physical Therapy: Highly competitive doctoral program training clinical physical therapists and biomechanics researchers.
- Harold J. Miller College of Arts and Sciences: Focuses on behavioral science, Catholic studies, communication, and historical research.
- Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences: Prepares ethical teachers and professional counselors.
"Lumen Vitae, translated from Latin as The Light of Life, serves as the guiding motto of the University of Mary."
Campus Culture and Mascot
Your daily student experience centers on the McDowell Activity Center, the Welder Library, and Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel. School spirit revolves around the Marauders, the fierce costumed mascot representing UMary athletic teams in NCAA Division II competition. You can read about spirit traditions and athletic programs on the official UMary Marauders Athletics portal. Cheering inside the MDU Resources Center for basketball games, participating in campus ministry retreats, and joining over 40 student clubs creates a close-knit campus culture.
Research Infrastructure and Leadership Centers
UMary operates an active applied research framework emphasizing ethical leadership and regional healthcare innovation:
- Institute for Servant Leadership: Applied research center exploring ethical decision-making, organizational development, and virtue-based management.
- Swanson Academic Center Laboratories: Modern scientific facility supporting student research in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. Learn more via UMary Academic Operations.
- Hammond Pastoral Center: Dedicated resource hub supporting theological studies and regional ministry training.
Notable Alumni Legacy
You walk in the footsteps of healthcare executives, public officials, educators, and community leaders, including:
- Kelly Armstrong: U.S. Representative and prominent attorney who earned his degree in political science at UMary.
- Sister Thomas Welder: Legendary educator and long-serving President of the University of Mary who shaped modern Catholic higher education.
- Jason Weigand: Acclaimed medical administrator directing regional health networks in the Upper Midwest.
- Sarah Kopp: Award-winning physical therapist and clinical researcher.
UMary provides generous merit scholarships and accelerated three-year undergraduate degree options for motivated domestic and international applicants. Review full admission standards on the official UMary Admissions portal.