On September 19, 2023, Andrew Armacost, President of the University of North Dakota (UND), navigated a bustling schedule filled with multiple speaking engagements while managing to find time for personal moments. Starting his day around 5 a.m., he immediately delved into emails, preparing for a series of events that defined the final day of UND’s Homecoming Week.
For breakfast, Armacost opted for a simple meal of sunny-side-up eggs, aware that his packed schedule would likely leave little time for a proper meal. He remarked, “Just a light breakfast, not so exciting.” On this particular day, he focused on writing brief notes for his speeches rather than crafting fully prepared addresses, believing spontaneity better reflects his true self during public speaking engagements.
Homecoming Week Celebrations
The day was a culmination of events celebrating UND, including a luncheon inducting new members to the Aerospace Hall of Fame and a groundbreaking ceremony for the new STEM Complex. Armacost’s schedule also featured a grand re-opening of Merrifield Hall and an Athletics Hall of Fame banquet that would extend into the evening.
As he mingled with attendees, Armacost showcased his commitment to community engagement, shaking hands and engaging in conversations throughout the day. At the Hall of Fame lunch, Dean of Aerospace Robert Kraus acknowledged Armacost’s busy agenda, expressing gratitude for his presence at the event. “You can imagine how busy his schedule is on a day like this, on Homecoming,” Kraus noted.
Throughout the day, Armacost was in constant motion, leaving one event to prepare for the next. A brief stop at Carnegie Hall allowed him to drop off materials and review background information on state representative Mark Sanford, who was a featured speaker later that day. “I like to have three facts prepared when I go to an event; it helps if I’m asked questions,” he explained.
Maintaining Balance and Finding Time to Relax
As he transitioned between events, weather challenges arose. Rain forced the groundbreaking ceremony indoors, and Armacost had to adjust his travel plans due to a malfunctioning campus vehicle. Despite these hurdles, he maintained a light-hearted demeanor, joking about the need for props like cups of dirt for the ceremonial shovels. This approach lightened the atmosphere and connected him with attendees.
Even with a packed schedule, Armacost emphasized the importance of taking breaks. He shared his strategy of implementing “at it again in 10,” which encourages short pauses during meetings to allow for relaxation or quick responses to emails. Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact on scheduling, he noted, “That little 10-minute break added again into them might help a little bit.”
After a full day of events, Armacost’s commitment to self-care became evident. He and his wife, Kathy Armacost, enjoy walking the campus together, allowing them to unwind from their busy lives. “Positions like this can be frantic,” he acknowledged, stressing the necessity of finding time away from work to recharge, particularly through vacations.
With a schedule that includes approximately 200 speaking engagements each year, Armacost’s approach to leadership reflects a balance of professional obligations and personal well-being. His day on September 19 served as a testament to the demands of university presidency, underscoring the importance of interaction with the community while also finding moments for relaxation amidst the hustle.
