NDSU Honors College connects students with new opportunities, prepares to host award-winning filmmaker

North Dakota State University's newly established Honors College is providing students with opportunities to explore interdisciplinary learning, collaborate on real-world problems and connect with professionals from a variety of industries.

The college welcomed its first cohort of 30 students in fall 2026, following its announcement in September 2025. The program was developed through collaboration between university faculty, administrators and donors who wanted to provide additional academic opportunities for high-achieving students.

James Brown, executive director of the Honors College, said the program was designed to supplement students' existing academic experiences while providing opportunities that might not otherwise be available through their majors.

"The goals are really to enable students and give them opportunities," Brown said.

Unlike traditional academic colleges, the Honors College does not grant degrees. Instead, students remain enrolled in their respective majors while completing 12 additional honors credits throughout their four years at NDSU.

During their first year, students participate in two studio courses focused on identifying and addressing real-world problems. Working in interdisciplinary teams, students select issues they are interested in exploring and develop approaches to addressing them.

Brown said the current cohort has formed eight teams researching topics ranging from nuclear energy and artificial intelligence in education to Alzheimer's disease, foster care, fertilizer pollution and transportation safety.

The program brings together students from a variety of academic backgrounds, including engineering, chemistry, biology, psychology, nursing and pharmacy.

"I think what we see now with technology and progress is that innovation is going to happen at the interface between disciplines," Brown said.

The college's approach encourages students to collaborate with individuals outside their areas of study, exposing them to different perspectives and methods of problem-solving.

Brown emphasized that students are not necessarily expected to solve the problems they identify during their first year. Instead, the goal is to encourage exploration, creativity and a willingness to take risks.

"I think the other thing we want to give them is the space to fail," Brown said. "If you want to shoot for the moon, sometimes you're going to miss, and you'll learn things along the way and may change direction."

Beyond academics, the Honors College emphasizes building a community among its students.

During their first two years, Honors College students live together in Pavek Hall, creating opportunities to develop friendships and collaborate outside the classroom. Students also receive scholarships of up to $25,000 annually to help cover tuition, housing, meals and other educational expenses.

Brown said the community aspect has been one of the most positive experiences for students so far.

"It's kind of like an instant friend group when you're starting college, which I think is very important for students," Brown said.

Students have also developed activities independently, including a newsletter called the "Nerd Herd" and informal Thursday discussions about theology and philosophy.

Brown said these activities demonstrate the importance of allowing students to develop their own interests and initiatives.

"Part of what I think our role is to give them opportunity and then get out of the way," Brown said.

The college also aims to connect students with entrepreneurs, researchers and other professionals through guest lectures and campus events.

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, the Honors College will welcome David Fialkow, co-founder and managing director of the venture capital firm General Catalyst and an Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker.

Fialkow has worked across multiple industries, including technology, finance and filmmaking. Alongside his wife, Nina, he has produced documentaries including Icarus and Navalny, both of which won Academy Awards for best documentary feature.

Brown said Fialkow's experience in both venture capital and filmmaking reflects the interdisciplinary approach the Honors College hopes to encourage.

"I think what David's been able to do is work across disciplines, to collaborate with creative people to develop impactful ideas," Brown said.

Fialkow's upcoming fireside chat will explore what makes an idea worth pursuing and a story worth telling, drawing on his experiences supporting entrepreneurs and producing documentary films.

The event will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. at Beckwith Recital Hall in Challey Hall, with a reception afterward.

Brown said the event is open to NDSU students and the broader community. Registration is encouraged but not required.

"We certainly want everybody in the community to come, enjoy the talk, and learn how to pursue compelling ideas," Brown said.

Following the public event, Fialkow will spend additional time meeting with Honors College students.

Brown said the college hopes to continue bringing professionals from different backgrounds to campus, providing students with opportunities to explore career paths and develop connections outside their academic disciplines.

The Honors College is currently recruiting its second cohort of 30 students for fall 2027. Applicants must meet academic eligibility requirements and complete the university's scholarship and supplemental Honors College applications. The priority application deadline is Dec. 1.

Although the program currently enrolls 30 new students annually, Brown said the university may consider expanding it in the future depending on its success and available resources.

For students who are undecided about their majors or interested in exploring multiple academic disciplines, Brown said the Honors College provides opportunities to discover new interests.

"One of the advantages of this is we want to give space to explore, whether you have declared a major or not," Brown said.

As the college continues developing its programs and campus connections, Brown emphasized that its broader mission extends beyond its enrolled students.

"We want to engage the whole campus," Brown said.

Students and community members interested in attending Fialkow's Nov. 17 fireside chat can register through Eventbrite or attend without registering. More information about the Honors College and its application process is available through NDSU's Honors College website.