Search Menu About History Section Menu A Heritage Rooted in Foundational Teachings and Practice In 1959, the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation opened Mary College, offering four-year undergraduate degrees in nursing and education. Mary College would become the University of Mary in 1986, and today serves close to 4,000 students in multiple locations, both in-person and online. That’s the simple Mary story. But while accurate, it doesn’t tell the complete narrative of an institution rooted in traditions that predate its founding by thousands of years. Our Heritage Our distinct heritage can be traced to: the Great Commission of Jesus: "Go, teach all nations" (Matthew 28:19) the ancient and venerable wisdom tradition of the Benedictine order the Catholic intellectual tradition which gave rise to the very first universities, nearly a thousand years ago. We share our story with a brave band of Benedictine Sisters who arrived in Dakota Territory in 1878 to bring ministries of healing and learning, founding hospitals and schools for the people they had come to serve. Through these courageous women, the unique pioneer spirit of North Dakota is ours as well. Today, the University of Mary continues their focus on healing, teaching, and serving others. Our Timeline Follow our highlights and growth, from 1959 to the present. Our Renowned Architecture We are home to original works by Marcel Breuer, one of the most celebrated architects of the 20th century. Our Values & Culture Our community is proudly and firmly rooted in Catholic, Benedictine teachings. Ours was the glory of work and the joy of living! Theodore Roosevelt, on his formative year in the North Dakota Badlands The University of Mary Faithfully Christian. Joyfully Catholic. Gratefully Benedictine. FAITH & SERVICE AT MARY COVID 19 FACULTY & STAFF DIRECTORY JOBS AT MARY UNIVERSITY OF MARY ONLINE PRIME MATTERS 7500 University Drive, Bismarck, ND 58504See All Locations Contact Us enroll@umary.edu 701-355-8030 800-288-6279 (MARY) © University of Mary HEERF Privacy Policy Accreditation Title IX & Related Policies University Policies