Hotline // April 29, 2026

Juried Student Art Exhibit Open at VCSU

The Valley City State University Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Gallery presents the annual Juried Student Art Exhibit, featuring a diverse range of artwork created by VCSU students this academic year.

The exhibit is open from April 27 to May 16 and can be view during regular gallery hours at the VCSU Center for the Arts: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.

Awards will be juried by Jess Christy, Executive Director of the North Dakota Council on the Arts, and announced at a reception in the CFA Lobby, on Friday, May 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A virtual exhibit will also be available on the VCSU Art Department YouTube Channel.

VCSU Concert Choir to Perform May 1

The Valley City State University Concert Choir will present a spring concert on Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m. in the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Performance Hall.

Featured soloists for the evening include Exavian Westbrook, Jaycee Richter, Abby Hill, Clarissa Zander, and Matthew Johnson.

The community is invited to attend this free event and enjoy an evening of choral music performed by VCSU students.

100+ Students Featured at May 5 Scholar Symposium

Valley City State University will host its annual Scholar Symposium on Tuesday, May 5, at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts. The event begins at 10 a.m. and concludes around 3:30 p.m.

A record 100+ VCSU undergraduate students will showcase their research, writing or other creative projects developed over the past academic year. Eight different departments are represented at the symposium, revealing a wide range of research and scholarship VCSU’s students produced individually and collaboratively in 16 unique courses and special university research programs.

Due to the record number of participants, this year’s Scholar Symposium has four different sessions, including advanced student research presentations at 2 p.m. These will feature students involved in university research programs EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) and SOAR (Student Opportunities for Academic Research).

The entire event schedule is below.

Schedule Of Showcases

10 a.m. Welcome from VCSU Interim President Allen Burgad
10-11 a.m.

• Department of Art
• Department of Communication Arts
• Department of Language and Literature
• Department of Science
• Department of Social Science

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• Department of Art
• Department of Computer Systems and Software Engineering
• Department of Kinesiology and Human Performance
• Department of Language and Literature
• Department of Social Science

1-2 p.m.

• Department of Business
• Department of Computer Systems and Software Engineering
• Department of Kinesiology and Human Performance
• Department of Language and Literature
• Department of Science
• Department of Social Science

CFA 177
2-3:30 p.m.

• EPSCoR and SOAR Advanced Student Research Presentations

Registration Open for IgniteND Conference June 2-3 at VCSU

Register for IgniteND Conference

Valley City State University and the AI Institute for Teaching and Learning are partnering with NDIT-EduTech to hold the 2026 IgniteND conference June 2-3 on the VCSU campus.

IgniteND is an exciting two-day conference designed primarily for K-12 teachers, education administrators and technology leaders. The conference offers practical strategies, professional credentials, and hands-on experiences to spark innovation in education and lifelong learning across North Dakota, with artificial intelligence (AI) as this year’s central focus.

Conference attendees will explore practical strategies and hands-on learning in artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, student data, and essential digital skills. Expert-led sessions, collaborative discussions, and statewide partnerships will equip educators to implement new ideas and technology practices in their classrooms, schools, and districts.

Attendees can also earn professional development credit hours, awarded through VCSU Distance and Continuing Education.

Early-bird registration is currently open for just $50 after a stipend supplied by the VCSU AI Institute for Teaching and Learning. Learn more and register at https://www.edutech.nd.gov/ignitend

IgniteND Featured Presentations

Keynote: “Facing the AI Challenge”

Dr. Mark Hagerott will deliver the keynote presentation – “Facing the AI Challenge” – where he explores how AI reshapes attention, creativity, and decision-making and what that means for the future of education. You’ll leave with clear questions to drive AI discussions in your classroom, practical strategies to integrate tools with students, and concrete insights into how learning is changing with these technologies.

“The Engagement Drop-off”

In “The Engagement Drop-off,” Dieumerci “DM” Christel shows how AI can help teachers discover what interests their students and create stronger classroom connections. You’ll get to see a live demo of an AI-powered classroom game and pick up practical ways to connect with students. Dieumerci grew up in North Dakota, where a teacher’s encouragement made a big difference in his life. Now, he creates tools to support educators everywhere.

Dr. Chuck Gardner

What would it take to bring hands-on cybersecurity training to every student in North Dakota?

Dr. Gardner’s keynote goes beyond theory. It introduces a proven, working model already delivering virtual labs, competitions, and real-world cybersecurity experiences to students, regardless of location. From infrastructure to access to funding, this session focuses on what it takes to make it happen.

Prairie Waters Hosting Outdoor Youth Summer Camps

Valley City State University’s Prairie Waters Education and Research Center is hosting three separate 2026 summer camps that provide opportunities for students to learn more about water ecosystems and have fun doing it.

Splashin’ Around at Prairie Waters, Fishin’ Around the Prairie Waters and STEM Explorers: Water Research Institute all provide different opportunities for students in grades 5-12 to interact with water ecosystems in a variety of fun activities.

Registration for the summer camps is currently open. Students are encouraged to register early as camps fill up fast. Learn more or complete online registration at vcsu.news/prairiewaters.

STEM Explorers: Water Research Institute | June 9 – 11, 2026

This camp runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day and is designed for students who have completed grades 9 – 12. Camp sessions will vary daily, and students can sign up for one, two or all three days. There is no cost to register and VCSU offers up to $75 in mileage reimbursement available to each participant.

• June 9 – Water Quality Day: Students will travel to local lakes/streams to collect water samples and then bring them back to VCSU to test the water quality.
• June 10 – Macroinvertebrate Day: Students will travel to a local stream to collect aquatic insects and sample mussels.  Students will identify the macroinvertebrates at VCSU and learn about their use in assessing water quality.
• June 11 – Fish Day: Students will sample fish in a local stream.  They will learn about fish stomach contents and how to age fish at VCSU.

Registration link for STEM Explorers

Splashin’ Around at Prairie Waters | July 20 – 22, 2026

This camp is designed for kids entering 5th and 6th grades. Activities include:

• Wading in streams
• Find out what lives in our waters with a water hunt
• Learn about stream health and do water testing
• Other fun outdoor activities

There is a $95.00 registration fee that includes lunch, snacks, a t-shirt and transportation from VCSU – the bus leaves campus at 8 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m. each day. Financial assistance with the registration fee is available by contacting Ellen Fehr at prairie.waters@vcsu.edu.

Splashin’ Online Registration Link 

Fishin’ Around the Prairie Waters | July 27 – 29, 2026

This camp is designed for kids entering 7th and 8th grades. Activities include:

• Exploring fish habitats
• Canoeing the Sheyenne River
• Boat fishing
• Catching fish without fishing rods
• Other fun outdoor activities

There is a $95.00 registration fee that includes lunch, snacks, a t-shirt and transportation from VCSU – the bus leaves campus at 8 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m. each day. Financial assistance with the registration fee is available by contacting Ellen Fehr at prairie.waters@vcsu.edu.

Fishin’ Online Registration Link

VCSU's Monilaws and Jones Place Top 10 at DECA Nationals

Photo, from left: Katie Jones and Sarah Monilaws show off their Top 10 medals.

Valley City State University students Sarah Monilaws and Katie Jones were named finalists and placed Top 10 at the national collegiate DECA competition held in Louisville, Kentucky, April 18-21.

Monilaws, a senior from Absaraka, N.D., and Jones, a freshman from Valley City, competed as a team in the Event Planning category during the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC). The pair was named finalists after the preliminary round and then earned Top 10 honors at the Grand Awards Ceremony following the final round of competition.

For the preliminary round, Monilaws and Jones competed in a role play that asked them to plan a “Star Wars” re-watch party for a screen advertising company to celebrate the 50^th anniversary. They had one hour to prepare before a 15-minute presentation detailing the event’s activities, marketing, budget, amenities and more.

Their performance in the preliminary round qualified Jones and Monilaws for finals, where they participated in another role play to plan a chamber of commerce networking event. They again had one hour to plan a marketing and communications strategic plan, build a brand for the event, detail advertising methods, and plan other aspects of the event.

This was the third year Monilaws has competed at DECA Nationals and her first time earning Top 10 honors. It was the first year at collegiate DECA Nationals for Jones, who has previously competed at high school nationals.

“I had never been called as a finalist before at nationals, so hearing our names at the preliminary award ceremony was a surreal moment that I’ll never forget,” said Monilaws, who has previously competed as an individual at nationals. “Going into the Grand Awards Ceremony I was confident in our competition, and I knew we were capable of being Top 10, but when we heard our names called as top performers I still couldn’t believe it.”

Monilaws and Jones qualified for DECA nationals after taking first place at the 2026 State Career Development Conference in February.

For more information about VCSU DECA or to inquire about joining the club, contact advisor Wesley Wright at wesley.wright.1@vcsu.edu.

Photo, from left: Katie Jones, advisor Wesley Wright, and Sarah Monilaws.

Fisheries and Wildlife Students Assist in Prescribed Burn

Trista Montgomery, M.S., assistant professor for science, and students in the Fisheries and Wildlife Science program assisted a local community member with a prescribed burn on their native prairie planting over the weekend. Janet King, a sophomore, played a key role in starting the only Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) on the eastern side of the state and is already an experienced crew member. Zach Edwards, a senior, is ready to graduate and begin his career as a conservation professional.

VCSU Partners with Williston State College

Photo, from left: Minot State University President Dr. Steven Shirley, VCSU Interim President Dr. Allen Burgad, Superintendent of the Williston Basin School District 7 Dr. Jason Germundson and Williston State College President Dr. Bernell Hirning.

VCSU and Williston State Formalize Co-Matriculation Model

Valley City State University has partnered with Williston State College’s Degree Bridge program, creating additional opportunities for students to earn a bachelor’s degree without leaving the Williston community.

The Degree Bridge program is designed as a co-matriculation model, allowing students to begin at WSC while simultaneously working toward a bachelor’s degree through a partner university. With aligned coursework, coordinated advising, and shared resources, students can complete both their associate and bachelor’s degrees in a streamlined and cost-effective way—all while remaining in their home community.

VCSU is offering a focused pathway in education, allowing students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education while staying in Williston.

“This expansion represents a major step forward in how we serve students in northwest North Dakota,” said Dr. Bernell Hirning, President of Williston State College. “Degree Bridge was designed to remove barriers. By bringing more university partners to our campus, we’re creating real access—allowing students to stay here, remain connected to their community, and still achieve their long-term academic and career goals.”

The partnership with Valley City State University was announced during a press conference on Monday, April 20, in Williston. WSC also announced a partnership with Minot State and had previously announced agreements with other NDUS institutions.

VCSU’s elementary education program prepares future educators to teach grades 1–8 and emphasizes real-world classroom experience. Students can further customize their degree through endorsements in early childhood education, kindergarten, special education, and teaching English language learners, as well as certificates in middle school education, reading, and STEM education.

“This effort reflects a shared responsibility to develop highly skilled educators for the future,” said Dr. Allen Burgad, interim president of Valley City State University. “By aligning our programs, we’re helping students move confidently into teaching careers while addressing the increasing demand for qualified teachers.”

Students typically complete their first two years at WSC before transitioning into upper-level coursework through their partner institution, often while continuing to live and learn in Williston. This approach allows students to maintain their support systems, reduce relocation costs, and remain engaged in the region they are preparing to serve.

Viking Sports Update

BASEBALL
The VCSU Baseball team wrapped up the regular season last week with 2-3 record. Two of the three losses were by one run. The Vikings lost to Bismarck State 9-8 in a non-conference game at Charlie Brown Field. Then in the final series of the season, they would split with Dickinson State. On Friday, the Blue Hawks won 4-3 while VCSU took the second game 9-5. On Saturday, VCSU and Dickinson State split again. The Vikings won the opener 6-0 then dropped game two 15-4. With the four-game split, the Vikings earned the second see in the Frontier Conference tournament. They will play the winner of the Dickinson State/Bismarck State game Thursday, April 30th at 7:00 p.m. MT/8:00 p.m. CT in Dickinson. 

SOFTBALL
The Vikings softball team had a great week on the diamond, going 4-2 and earning the third seed in the upcoming tournament. On Wednesday, the Vikings split with Bismarck State, 6-0 and 2-8. Then over the weekend, the Vikings took three of four from second place Providence. They swept Friday, 4-2, 5-1, then split on Saturday 10-2, 3-8. After the Vikings did their part, they had to wait to see where they would be seeded. Thanks to Mayville State, the Vikings got the third seed. They will open the Frontier Conference Softball Tournament at 5:30 MT/6:30 CT versus Bellevue in Dickinson on Thursday, April 30th. 

TRACK AND FIELD
The Track and Field teams at VCSU wrapped up their season with a busy week. Tuesday, hosting the Viking Twilight Meet that saw the Vikings Men finish first with five first place finishes, 14 top 3 finishes and 14 personal bests. The Women took third with one first place finish, four top 3 finishes and 13 personal bests. On Wednesday, Frida Barrera ran at the Gary Wilson Invitational on the campus of the University of Minnesota. The freshman set the school record in the 1500 Meters with a time of 4:46.55. She broke the record that had stood for 32 years by .28 seconds. To wrap up the week, a few athletes competed at the Al Cassell Classic at the University of Jamestown. Brock Norton won the 400 Meter Hurdles with a personal best time of 1:04.97. Andrew Winczewski, Kyle Cotton, and Delaney Cottom all set personal bests. The Vikings will now compete in the Frontier Conference Championships which will be in Dickinson May 2nd and 3rd.  

GOLF
The Golf teams are in Phoenix, Arizona for the Frontier Conference Championships. After day one, the Vikings are in eighth place as a team on the men’s side. Owen Haase is the top Men’s player so far sitting in a tie for 14th early on Day 2. Sydney Carlson is leading the Women for VCSU. She is tied for 15th so far midway through day 2. 

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

May 1
7 p.m. Choir concert, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Performance Hall

May 2
8:30 a.m. Crocus Hike, meet at Rosebud Visitor Center to drive to Clausen Springs Recreation Area trailhead. Find more information about this hike and other events hosted by the Sheyenne River Valley Chapter North Country Trail Association at https://www.meetup.com/ncthikersinnd/events/

May 4
6 p.m. SOAR Banquet, Student Center Skoal Room

May 5
10 a.m. VCSU Scholar Symposium, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts

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/