Hotline // February 4, 2026

NDUS Launches VCSU Presidential Search

The North Dakota University System (NDUS) has opened the search for the president of Valley City State University (VCSU) and is now inviting applications and nominations for the position.

The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) and the VCSU Presidential Search Committee seek an inspirational leader who is visionary, collaborative, and deeply committed to the institution’s mission and people. The ideal leader will honor VCSU’s history and shared governance model while guiding the university confidently into the future and strengthening its academic excellence, community partnerships, and student‑centered culture.

View the VCSU Presidential Search website

Nominate or Apply: VCSU.PresidentialSearch@vcsu.edu

Co-chairing the VCSU Presidential Search Committee are State Board of Higher Education Vice Chair D.J. Campbell and VCSU Vice President for Business Affairs Erica Buchholz.

After the listening sessions involving VCSU community, staff, students and faculty, Campbell said, “It is clear that the new president is expected to be personable, visible, and a trustworthy leader who listens with intent, collaborates transparently, and builds authentic relationships across campus and the community. They must understand and honor VCSU’s mission while supporting innovation and academic excellence, prioritizing student success, and fostering a positive, inclusive environment that engages employees in shared governance. The president will be expected to build partnerships and collaborate for the well-being of the university, the system, and the state of North Dakota.”

Buchholz added, “The ideal leader will help us continue the momentum our campus has built over the last 15 years, which have included record enrollment, major facility upgrades and recognized academic excellence. A strong community presence, partnership‑building mindset, and political savvy are essential to advocating for VCSU and strengthening its regional impact.”

More information about the search process, the advertisement, and other information can be found at this link: www.vcsu.edu/about-vcsu/president/search/.

The VCSU Presidential Search is being coordinated through the North Dakota University System office and VCSU Human Resources. Nominations and applications should be sent electronically to VCSU.PresidentialSearch@VCSU.edu. For best consideration, applications and nominations should be received by March 15, 2026.

About Valley City State University

Valley City State University, a member of the North Dakota University System, is a student-focused institution committed to academic excellence and innovation. Founded in 1890 and located in Valley City, North Dakota, VCSU offers more than 65 undergraduate programs and graduate degrees. Known for its nationally recognized teacher education program and small class sizes, VCSU prepares students for success through hands-on experiences and strong faculty support. Learn more at www.vcsu.edu.

About NDUS
The North Dakota University System is a unified system of higher education governed by the State Board of Higher Education. Organized in 1990, the system includes two research universities, four regional universities and five community colleges.

The mission of the State Board of Higher Education and the Chancellor of the North Dakota University System is to unleash the potential of higher education in the state to enhance the quality of life, and the social and economic vitality of all served by its public colleges and universities.

U.S. News Ranks VCSU Among 2026 Best Online Programs

Valley City State University (VCSU) has been ranked among the 2026 Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report.

U.S. News ranked VCSU in both the 2026 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and the 2026 Best Online Master’s in Education categories. VCSU is the #2 North Dakota school in both online categories. U.S. News annually evaluates schools more than 1600 online programs based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, services and technologies.

“We know that VCSU is one of the top schools in the region for our combination of student support, academic quality and affordability,” said Dr. Allen Burgad, interim president. “Whether they choose to study on-campus or online, our students are receiving a quality education that fits their personal needs.”

About 27 percent of VCSU’s enrolled students are classified as online students. That includes the master’s degree programs in education, which are affordable online options for working teachers to further their education and career.

VCSU’s online master’s in education was ranked 2^nd among North Dakota institutions and 165^th in the nation by U.S. News. Valley City State University ranked 24^th – or top 8% in the nation – in the “Services and Technologies” category, which reflects an institution’s ability to deliver strong support structures for online students that are commensurate with campus-based programs. VCSU is one of just four North Dakota schools to achieve a ranking in the online master’s in education category.

“VCSU faculty and staff are dedicated to helping all our students succeed, whether they are on campus or online,” said Larry Brooks, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Rankings like this reinforce and validate the quality educational experience we offer for online students.”

VCSU’s online bachelor’s programs ranked 2nd among the North Dakota institutions and 235^th in the nation. VCSU is one of just three North Dakota schools listed in that category.

In its 13th year, the U.S. News Best Online Programs is designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education. This year’s edition evaluates more than 1,600 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs using metrics specific to online learning. The rankings only include degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.

The Forge, VCSU’s Student Magazine, Wins Highest Honor

Photo: The Forge student editors are pictured, from left, LilyBeth Townsend, Gabrielle Erickson, Landen Eback, Abigail Dreher, Grace Mueller, Beth Mehus.

The Forge, Valley City State University’s student literary magazine, has been recognized as a 2025 REALM First Class magazine by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

It is the second consecutive year The Forge has received the highest honor for the Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) contest. The Forge annually compiles and publishes works from VCSU students and employees that highlight their creativity, including poems, short stories, essays and visual art. This edition also featured several works by VCSU dual credit high school students.

The 2024-25 edition of The Forge was produced by students in the Literary Publications course offered by VCSU’s Language and Literature Department. Faculty member J. Gregory Brister advised a team of six student editors including Landen Eback, Gabrielle Erickson, Beth Mehus, LilyBeth Townsend, Abigail Dreher and Grace Mueller.

“This award recognizes the dedication of our student editors and the vibrancy and vitality of the literary, artistic and scholarly work of the VCSU community,” said Brister. “Thank you to our faculty and staff judges for their expertise, and all our students and employees who submitted pieces for The Forge.”

The Forge is now accepting submissions from VCSU students, faculty and staff for its 2026 magazine. View submission guidelines.

Music Faculty Performing Feb. 5 Recital

Valley City State University music faculty members will present a Faculty Recital on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts.

The concert is free and open to the public, with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Six VCSU music faculty members will perform a diverse program of instrumental and vocal works, featuring both solo and duet performances. Scheduled performers include Ken Jimenez, Ozzie Johnson, Taylor Long, Jeremy Wohletz, Christopher Argenziano and Stephen Cunningham.

The evening will also feature selections by the VCSU Faculty Jazz Quartet, comprised of Jimenez, Argenziano, Johnson and Long.

For those unable to attend in person, the recital will be livestreamed on the VCSU YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@VCSUVikings

VCSU Hosts Emerging Leaders Competition

The Valley City State University DECA Chapter and the VCSU Department of Business hosted more than 550 DECA and FBLA students to campus January 28 for the 33^rd annual Emerging Leaders Competition (ELC) Day.

Students from 25 area high schools attended the event, competing in various DECA and Future Business Leaders of America competitions along with a team quiz bowl.

Mandan High School was crowned the overall top school at the Emerging Leaders Competition after winning seven individual events. Grand Forks Red River took second and Fargo Davies was third.

Fargo North’s Team 2 won the Quiz Bowl while Devils Lake took second in that competition.

For the full list of winners, keep reading at https://www.vcsu.edu/vcsu-hosts-emerging-leaders-competition/.

VCSU Announces Free App Month for Prospective Students

Valley City State University is excited to roll out Free App Month, a special opportunity for prospective students to apply at VCSU without paying an application fee. From January 20 through February 20, 2026, application fees will be waived on most undergraduate applications.

“We want to remove barriers and make higher education more accessible,” said Erin Heide, director for enrollment services. “Students should feel empowered to take the next step in their college search without worrying about the cost of applying.”

VCSU offers more than 65 academic programs, an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and a supportive campus community. By waiving application fees during Free App Month, VCSU is encouraging more students to explore the opportunities available at its student-focused university.

How to Apply:
Prospective students can apply online at www.vcsu.edu/apply. Most applications submitted between January 20 and February 20 will qualify for the waiver when using the promo code “Vikings2026” during the application process. The promotional waiver applies to degree-seeking undergraduate students from the United States and neighboring Canada. It is for both incoming freshmen and transfer students.

For more information about VCSU programs and the admission process, visit www.vcsu.edu or contact the Admissions Office at enrollment.services@vcsu.edu or (800) 532-8641.

Viking Sports Update

MEN’S BASKETBALL
Valley City State was on the road this past weekend for two more home games in the Frontier Conference. Friday, the Vikings were in Wahpeton at the North Dakota State College of Science and dropped a 84-60 decision to Dakota State. The Vikings bounced back with an upset win over conference leading (RV) Bellevue 85-81 at Concordia College in Moorhead. This weekend, the Vikings head to Montana for a pair of games. Friday they are in Great Falls to play the University of Providence and Saturday they play Montana State-Northern in Havre.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
The Viking Women split their Frontier Conference games this past weekend. On Friday, they fell to #7 Dakota State 71-60 at NDSCS in Wahpeton. On Saturday, the women downed Bellevue 80-62 at Concordia College in Moorhead. This weekend, the Vikings look to avenge a pair of close losses earlier this year. Friday they are in Great Falls, Mont. to play the University of Providence and Saturday, they are in Havre, Mont. to take on Montana State-Northern.

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD
The Vikings competed at the UND Open and Multi last Saturday in Grand Forks. Many personal bests were set, and Frida Barrera re-set the school record in the 800 Meters. This weekend the Vikings will be in Fargo for the Bison Open and Multi. The two day event will begin on Friday and conclude on Saturday at North Dakota State University.

BASEBALL
The Vikings Baseball team will open the spring portion of its schedule this weekend with a pair of doubleheaders in Mitchell, S.D. against Dakota Wesleyan. As of now will be played Sunday and Monday with doubleheaders both days.

SOFTBALL
The softball team will be in action Saturday and Sunday in Jamestown at the Nelson Family Bubble. Saturday, VCSU plays the University of Providence at noon and the University of Jamestown at 4:30 p.m. On Sunday the Vikings will play a doubleheader with the University of Mary at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...

February 5
7:30 p.m. Faculty Recital, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts

February 6
Viking Visit Day

February 12
11 – 1 p.m. Career Expo, VCSU Student Center

Find out what’s happening at VCSU: https://www.vcsu.edu/news-events/

Find out what’s happening in the community: https://www.valleycitycalendar.com/