Jacob Knapek: the Plant Guy
by Garret Fettig, '23 As a high school student in St. Cloud, Minn., Jacob Knapek had no idea he’d spend his future days thinking about grass. Not just any grass — specifically, native prairie grasses. Though Minnesota is the Midwest’s most forested state, there’s more to their terrain than trees. Prairie once covered one-third of Minnesota’s 86,000 square miles. Today, less ...
Read More About Jacob Knapek: the Plant GuyMeet Dr. Ryan Lorenz
Dr. Ryan Lorenz PT, DPT a 2007 graduate was prepared for grad school after receiving his health science degree from VCSU. Upon completing his Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Lorenz decided to head back to his hometown of Valley City where he now not only practices, but owns Mobility Plus Rehabilitation. Describe your current job and what you did to ...
Read More About Meet Dr. Ryan LorenzNothing is Impossible
ND-ACES Profile: Dr. Hilde van Gijssel - Courtesy of North Dakota EPSCoR Research is the obvious focus for the ND-ACES project, but one professor is also well-known for her emphasis on developing students in the process of advancing research. Hilde van Gijssel, professor of science and also the ND-ACES principal investigator for Valley City State University (VCSU) is constantly in search ...
Read More About Nothing is ImpossibleConnor Aanderud
Connor Aanderud, senior, was interested in coding and computer science but wanted a smaller campus and educational experience. As he prepares to graduate in December of 2022, Aanderud reflects on the opportunities and skills he has gained as a student in the Computer Science and Software Engineering program at VCSU. Major: Software Engineering Hometown: Hillsboro, North Dakota When will you ...
Read More About Connor AanderudDalvin Simmons
Dalvin Simmons came to VCSU after hearing about our nationally-acclaimed education program. He is balancing work on the field as a football coach and off the field in one of our Education master's programs. Major: Master of Art in Teaching Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas When will you graduate? Spring of 2024 What are you studying and why? I chose to ...
Read More About Dalvin SimmonsLindsey Kiecker
Upon transferring to VCSU, Lindsey Kiecker was met with peers and professors who foster her passion for teaching. She is busy preparing for a career as a science teacher and hopes to one day pursue her Ph.D. Major(s): Chemistry education, physics minor, STEM education certificate Hometown: Jamestown, N.D. When will you graduate? Spring of 2023 Tell us your story. ...
Read More About Lindsey KieckerDerek Bear
Derek Bear, a sophomore at VCSU, takes the term “busy” to the next level. Aside from studying Computer Information Systems, Bear works on campus in the IT department. His skills come in handy outside of VCSU as well working with a local technology solutions provider and executing livestreams for Valley City Public Schools’ sporting events. Bear fills any extra time ...
Read More About Derek BearDual Credit Instructor Jamie Worden, ’19
Jamie Worden, '19, has taught art at Larimore High School for 13 years. For the past five years, she has worked with Valley City State University to offer dual credit courses in her classroom. This September, she brought a group of students to campus to see what being a college art student was like for a day. Tell us a ...
Read More About Dual Credit Instructor Jamie Worden, ’19Gina Burtness
Gina Burtness is heading into her 4th year at VCSU. During spring semester, the double major worked her way to the top as she took home first place in her human resources event at the Collegiate DECA International Career and Development Conference and Competition. Now Burtness is leaning in to her software engineering major this summer as she interns with ...
Read More About Gina BurtnessJoe Wright
Joe Wright always had a passion for becoming an entrepreneur, although at a young age he wasn't quite sure what that word meant. Now the VCSU grad operates both of his businesses out of a two bedroom apartment and uses his communication degree in every aspect of his work. Tell us a little bit about yourself . My name is ...
Read More About Joe Wright