From Hawaii to North Dakota: Students Arrive at University of Mary as Programs and Campus Expand

Tuition-free academies are full, high-demand programs grow, and major campus projects take shape as a new academic year begins 

BISMARCK, N.D. — When Palma Gorman began thinking about college from her home on Maui, North Dakota wasn’t on her radar. In fact, she had never heard of the University of Mary. 

That changed when her mother, while talking with someone from Relevant Radio about prayers for Gorman to get into another Catholic college, learned about Mary. Gorman researched the university and found what she wanted: a strong nursing program, residential college experience and Catholic community where she could grow in her faith. 

When she learned in July 2025 that she had been accepted, she stopped looking. 

“I just took it as a sign from God that I was supposed to go to the University of Mary and I didn’t apply to any other colleges,” Gorman said. 

This week, Gorman is among hundreds of new students beginning their University of Mary journey amid growing academic programs and a transforming campus. 

North Dakota remains Mary’s strongest source of new students, with 196 in the incoming class, followed by Minnesota with 82. Students are also arriving from farther away, including 30 from Colorado, 29 from Wisconsin, 14 each from Arizona and California, and 10 from Washington. Mary’s overall student body represents all 50 states and 23 countries. 

For Gorman, traveling thousands of miles from Hawaii offered something she couldn’t find close to home. 

“I much preferred the idea of going to a college that had deeper community,” she said. “I wanted to go to a place where I could easily attend Mass and where I would be pushed to grow in my faith.” 

Tuition-Free Academies Full as High-Demand Programs Grow 

Gorman is a member of the Saint Gianna Nursing Academy, part of Mary’s expanding Academy model making college more affordable while preparing graduates for high-need professions. For the first time this fall, all of Mary’s Academies are operating simultaneously, with all 65 tuition-free scholarships filled. Overall, interest in those majors has also increased.  

Enrollment in Elementary Education nearly doubled from 14 students last year to 27 this fall. Mary’s counseling program also enters the academic year at capacity. 

“What excites us is not simply where students come from, but why they are choosing Mary,” said Rachael Brash, vice president for Enrollment Services. “They are looking for an excellent, affordable education that prepares them for meaningful work while forming the whole person. We see that in the response to our Academies and growing demand for programs preparing graduates to serve where they are needed most.” 

For Gorman, the Nursing Academy also made attending college thousands of miles from home more affordable. 

“I am so grateful for the ability to be in the Nursing Academy first of all because the tuition-free scholarship helps to take some of the stress out of going to college for both me and my mom,” she said. 

A New College and a Changing Campus 

The academic year also marks the beginning of the Larry and Eileen Weigum College of Nursing, led by inaugural dean Dr. Billie Madler. 

Students returning to Mary are also finding a campus transformed by summer construction, including expanded parking and infrastructure improvements designed to improve accessibility. 

Saint Joseph’s Residence Hall, a new women’s residence hall scheduled to open in fall 2027, is rising on south campus. The additional housing will also free space elsewhere on campus for male students. 

Nearby, the $45 million Marauders Athletics Complex, part of Mary’s $272 million Vision 2030 Campaign, continues to take shape. Scheduled for completion in fall 2027, it will include a Research and Performance Center for academics, sports medicine, athletic conditioning and wellness, along with North Dakota’s largest multipurpose sports dome. 

When Gorman finally visited Mary for SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration), the experience confirmed the decision she had already made. 

“Everyone in Bismarck is so friendly compared to what I was used to in Hawai‘i and the UMary campus is so beautiful and filled with amazing staff!” she said. 

Now the Maui freshman is ready for nursing classes, new friends, a new community — and something decidedly unfamiliar. Winter. 

“While it being sunny all year in Hawai‘i seems nice, it can get kind of boring,” Gorman said. “So, I am really excited to see the leaves change and then finally have snow!” 

But beyond the change in seasons, Gorman says what matters most is knowing that, even thousands of miles from Maui, she has found a university where faith and community are part of everyday life. 

“They don’t only say that they are a Catholic college that strives to help students grow to live an amazing life, they actually live out their Catholic values all around campus and in the community and they give you individual support as a student to help you grow,” she said. “Even though I don’t really know many people in Bismarck yet, I know that I will be welcomed into the community.”