President’s Column: Helping in time of need
The higher education community was saddened to recently learn of the planned closing of Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD at the end of the summer 2023 semester. Many students, faculty, and staff have been impacted by this closure. Additionally, as a member of the NAIA Collegiate Athletic Conference and North Star Athletic Association, VCSU and other NSAA schools will have one fewer partner for our athletic contests for the immediate future.
Presentation College has been a tremendous partner for the NSAA. They have served an important role in the delivery of higher education for the region. VCSU and Presentation College have entered into a formal teach-out agreement, approved by the Higher Learning Commission on February 6, 2023, to assist students with the completion of their degree requirements. Many of the VCSU courses and programs are available both in-person on the main campus and online. Teach-Out programs available at the undergraduate level include:
- Bachelor of Science in Sport Management – on campus
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Management concentration) – on campus or online
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Rehabilitative Studies – on campus
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology – on campus
- Bachelor of Science in Human Services (Criminal Justice concentration) – on campus
- Bachelor of Science in Communication – on campus or online
- Bachelor of Science in Biology – on campus
- Bachelor of Science in Health Science – on campus
The pathway to graduation for each student transitioning to Valley City State will allow the student to complete their program in the same timeframe as was possible at Presentation College (or sooner) if the student continues to maintain satisfactory progress and completes all requirements per the agreed upon plan.
Several of our staff and faculty have participated in teach-out and transfer fairs over the past two weeks for students. Presentation College faculty and staff were encouraged to apply for openings at VCSU. I am grateful for the outstanding work of many faculty and staff, including:
- Mr. Larry Brooks, Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Dr. Katie Woehl, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Erin Heide, Director for Enrollment Services
- Dr. Nick Galt, Chair, Department of Science
- Brigitte Greywater, Head Volleyball Coach
- Casey Olney, Head Baseball Coach
- Matt Gable, Head Softball Coach
We extend our very best wishes to our friends and colleagues at Presentation College and stand ready to assist as needed.
Go Vikings!