Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
UND President Andrew Armacost and Professor Prodosh Simlai introduce one of UND’s newest degree programs in this week’s video address.
Simlai serves as Korus Economics & Finance Endowed Professor and chair of the Fransen Department of Real Estate, Economics & Finance at the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration.
Armacost invites Simlai, who’s been with UND since 2007, to talk about the addition of the Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate and the subsequent change to its department — now named for UND alum, North Dakota native and real estate developer Bob Fransen.
Simlai says the addition of the program addresses what was a “clear gap” in the regional market for real estate degree programs, as no other public programs in North Dakota or Minnesota offer the major.
As the real estate industry becomes more complex, there exists great demand for high-caliber professionals educated by a comprehensive curriculum, he adds.
Bringing real estate into the fold also aligns with UND’s strategic plan, Simlai says, in that UND strives to offer market-relevant programs and support economic growth in the region.
Armacost notes that other existing programs in the department won’t be changed by adding the B.B.A. in Real Estate, to which Simlai replies that the synergy of the subjects of economics, finance and real estate under one department is a “win-win” for the College.
In naming the department for Fransen, founder and CEO of real estate investment company Timberland Partners, Simlai expresses gratitude for Fransen’s lifelong support of UND and vision to establish the University as a leader in real estate education. Simlai also credits real estate developer John Solberg for his support. The College is in the process of hiring three more faculty members for the department through their generosity.
More information on the B.B.A. in Real Estate can be found on the Program Finder, as well as on the Nistler College website. Simlai also invites people to reach him personally if they’d like to discuss the program further.
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Founded in 1883, six years before the state itself was established, the University of North Dakota is a busy 521-acre campus, the state’s largest. We're an innovator in engineering, medicine, aviation and unmanned aircraft systems with colleges of business, arts, sciences, nursing, aerospace, education, engineering and medicine. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered online and on campus.
WEBSITE: https://und.edu/
ABOUT: https://und.edu/about/index.html
MAJORS: https://und.edu/programs/
VISIT: https://und.edu/admissions/visit/
APPLY: https://und.edu/admissions/apply.html
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UND President Andrew Armacost and Professor Prodosh Simlai introduce one of UND’s newest degree programs in this week’s video address.
Simlai serves as Korus Economics & Finance Endowed Professor and chair of the Fransen Department of Real Estate, Economics & Finance at the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration.
Armacost invites Simlai, who’s been with UND since 2007, to talk about the addition of the Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate and the subsequent change to its department — now named for UND alum, North Dakota native and real estate developer Bob Fransen.
Simlai says the addition of the program addresses what was a “clear gap” in the regional market for real estate degree programs, as no other public programs in North Dakota or Minnesota offer the major.
As the real estate industry becomes more complex, there exists great demand for high-caliber professionals educated by a comprehensive curriculum, he adds.
Bringing real estate into the fold also aligns with UND’s strategic plan, Simlai says, in that UND strives to offer market-relevant programs and support economic growth in the region.
Armacost notes that other existing programs in the department won’t be changed by adding the B.B.A. in Real Estate, to which Simlai replies that the synergy of the subjects of economics, finance and real estate under one department is a “win-win” for the College.
In naming the department for Fransen, founder and CEO of real estate investment company Timberland Partners, Simlai expresses gratitude for Fransen’s lifelong support of UND and vision to establish the University as a leader in real estate education. Simlai also credits real estate developer John Solberg for his support. The College is in the process of hiring three more faculty members for the department through their generosity.
More information on the B.B.A. in Real Estate can be found on the Program Finder, as well as on the Nistler College website. Simlai also invites people to reach him personally if they’d like to discuss the program further.
---
Founded in 1883, six years before the state itself was established, the University of North Dakota is a busy 521-acre campus, the state’s largest. We're an innovator in engineering, medicine, aviation and unmanned aircraft systems with colleges of business, arts, sciences, nursing, aerospace, education, engineering and medicine. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered online and on campus.
WEBSITE: https://und.edu/
ABOUT: https://und.edu/about/index.html
MAJORS: https://und.edu/programs/
VISIT: https://und.edu/admissions/visit/
APPLY: https://und.edu/admissions/apply.html
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: instagram.com/uofnorthdakota
Facebook: facebook.com/UofNorthDakota
TikTok: tiktok.com/@uofnorthdakota
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/uofnorthdakota
#college #undproud #university #collegelife #studentlife
