University of North Dakota Will Host Dean Finalists

Four candidates for the Nistler College of Business and Public Administration will visit the Grand Forks campus in October.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People

University of North Dakota Will Host Dean Finalists

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The University of North Dakota has announced that four finalists for the dean of the Nistler College of Business and Public Administration will visit the campus throughout October 2026. This search follows a previous pause after the committee failed to recommend candidates from an earlier pool.

Why it matters

The appointment is a critical step in securing permanent leadership for the college after the previous dean departed last year. Selecting a new dean is vital for the continued academic and administrative oversight of the Nistler College.

The search committee has identified four candidates to compete for the dean position. The successful applicant is projected to assume the role on January 1, 2027.

The players

Patrick O'Neill

He has served as the interim dean of the Nistler College of Business and Public Administration since July 2025.

Jacquelyn Rees Ulmer

She is a professor of analytics and information systems who is currently a finalist for the dean position.

Melissa Gruys

She is a professor of management at Cleveland State University and is one of the four dean finalists.

Lorenzo Patelli

He is the senior associate dean and professor of accounting at the University of Denver.

Amy Henley

She served as the previous dean of the college before leaving for the University of Louisville last year.

The details

The candidates, including internal and external applicants, will meet with faculty, staff, and students while hosting community open forums. These visits occur after the search committee previously struggled to find suitable candidates to lead the college.

Jacquelyn Rees Ulmer will visit the campus on October 5-6, 2026.
Melissa Gruys will visit the campus on October 7-8, 2026.
Lorenzo Patelli will visit the campus on October 12-13, 2026.
Patrick O'Neill will visit the campus on October 14-15, 2026.

Market Landscape

This selection process follows a period of administrative uncertainty that prompted a pause in recruitment efforts. The outcome will shift the college from interim oversight to a permanent administrative structure.

Students, faculty, and local stakeholders can engage directly with the candidates during the scheduled open forums. These interactions provide the community an opportunity to evaluate the future leadership of the business school.

The takeaway

The successful completion of this search will provide stability for the college following a year of leadership transitions. Community members are encouraged to attend open forums to provide feedback that may inform the final selection process.