Exploring the Future of Higher Education and Training at ND Future Forum

North Dakota’s economic strength has long been tied to its people—their skills, adaptability, and readiness to meet the evolving needs of business and industry. As the state looks toward the next 100 years, how we train, retain, and retool our workforce will be critical to maintaining that competitive edge. At GNDC’s Future Forum, a featured panel will explore just that: The Future of Higher Education.

This discussion will examine how postsecondary education—through institutions, policy shifts, and innovation—is adapting to equip learners for success in a changing world. Whether through expanded virtual offerings, career-aligned programs, or public-private partnerships, North Dakota’s higher ed leaders are working to meet students where they are and prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow.

THE PANEL FEATURES:

• Dr. Polly Peterson, President of the University of Jamestown, whose leadership has driven growth in enrollment, new academic programs, and facilities while advancing UJ’s mission to prepare students for lives of leadership and service.
• Dr. Steve Shirley, President of Minot State University and Dakota College at Bottineau, brings insight from a career in student affairs and global education, now serving in national higher ed leadership roles within the NCAA.
• Brent Sanford, former Lieutenant Governor and interim Chancellor of the North Dakota University System, whose deep roots in private sector leadership and higher ed governance will lend perspective on bridging public and private needs.
• MODERATOR: Matthew Chaussee, CEO and Co-founder of CareerViewXR, a North Dakota-based ed-tech company redefining how career exploration is delivered through immersive VR experiences.

(Full bios here)

These thought leaders will explore how education systems can—and must—remain responsive to workforce trends, from trades and tech to healthcare and energy. Attendees will walk away with insight on how the future of higher education is not just about degrees, but about delivering training, relevance, and opportunity.

WHEN
The Future Forum takes place June 18 in Grand Forks, hosted at the headquarters of premier sponsor Minnkota Power Cooperative.
The event runs 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and includes additional panels on housing, technology innovation, and a fireside chat with ONEOK leadership.

Registration is now open, and speaker bios are available online. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from those shaping the next generation of North Dakota’s workforce.