Hotline // January 21, 2026

President's Column: Greetings from Valley City State University

By Dr. Allen Burgad, Interim President

As I begin my role as Interim President of Valley City State University, I would like to introduce myself to the Valley City community and thank you for the warm welcome I have already received.

I was born and raised in Strasburg, North Dakota, and I am a proud 1989 graduate of VCSU’s teacher education program. For my wife, Lee, and I, Valley City State University has always been more than a campus—it has been home. We were grateful for the education and community we experienced as students, and that gratitude deepened as our three children, Eric, Aaron, and Ashlee, each earned their degrees from VCSU. During their time here, it was the people—faculty, staff, and community members—who supported them as they grew into confident adults and launched their professional lives. That sense of care and connection is one of VCSU’s greatest strengths.

I was saddened when President Alan LaFave shared that he had accepted the presidency at his alma mater, Northern State University. His leadership brought tremendous growth, innovation, and strong community partnerships to VCSU. We are deeply thankful for his service and commitment to our students, faculty, staff, and this community. He will be missed, and his impact will continue to shape the university.

After more than 30 years in North Dakota education—serving as a teacher, principal and superintendent—I returned to campus in 2021 as Dean of the School of Education and Graduate Studies with a renewed appreciation for the mission of this institution. From my first day back, I was struck by the dedication of our people and the powerful role VCSU plays in supporting families and preparing students for meaningful careers. The culture of care, pride, and collaboration here, along with President LaFave’s mentorship, inspired me to step forward and serve in this interim role.

In the weeks following my appointment, my first priority has been listening and learning. I have begun meeting with departments across campus to better understand their accomplishments, their priorities, and the important work they do every day. Just as important, these conversations focus on how I can best support their efforts during this transition. Those discussions will continue as we begin the spring 2026 semester.

I am working alongside our administrative cabinet to thoughtfully identify priorities for the coming months and to keep our focus on advancing VCSU’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. Throughout my career, I have learned that strong institutions grow through trust, collaboration, and relationships. I look forward to being present on campus and in the community—listening, learning, and building connections with the many people who care deeply about our students and the future of VCSU.

As we begin the spring 2026 semester, I am filled with optimism. Valley City State University is a vibrant institution that has served generations of families and continues to prepare students to pursue their dreams and contribute to their communities. It is a university we can all be proud to call home, and I am honored to serve it during this important time.

Sincerely,
Dr. Allen Burgad
VCSU Interim President

Students named to Fall 2025 Honor Rolls

Valley City State University has released its President’s Honor Roll, Dean’s Honor Roll and Honor Roll for Fall 2025 semester.

The President’s Honor Roll recognizes students who completed 12 semester hours or more of VCSU classes for which grade points are earned with a 4.0 grade point average.
View President’s Honor Roll

The Dean’s Honor Roll recognizes students who completed 12 semester hours or more of VCSU classes for which grade points
are earned with a grade point average of at least 3.50.
View Dean’s Honor Roll

The Honor Roll recognizes students who completed 6 to 11 semester hours of Valley City State University classes for
which grade points are earned with a grade point average of at least 3.50.
View Honor Roll

Valley City State University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, VCSU is one of 11 institutions in
the North Dakota University System (NDUS).

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 Pathway Leadership Attends 2026 DADD Conference

Heather Peschel and Janna Kohler, Directors of the Viking Pathway program and faculty/staff at VCSU, attended the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD) Conference in Long Beach, Calif., held on January 15 and 16. Together they attended 20+ sessions bringing together research and practice that highlighted evidence-based strategies to improve education for students with autism, intellectual disability and other developmental disabilities. Sessions focused on fostering independence, career readiness, utilizing AI and program sustainability.

The event also facilitated valuable networking among leaders and practitioners dedicated to advancing postsecondary options for individuals with exceptionalities.

Meet Jaydin Rombs

Name: Jaydin Rombs
Hometown: Aberdeen, S.D.
Major/Minor: Music Education major, Psychology minor
Campus involvement: National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Viking Student Veterans Club, Viking Ambassador
Graduation Year: 2028

Tell us what led you to choose your major. Has your military service affected that at all?

I have been set on music education since I first joined band in sixth grade, and it hasn’t changed since joining the guard. That year, in my language arts class, we had to write a “future me” paper and for the project, we had to pick the university we would attend and what job we wanted to do. I wrote about music education for that assignment and I haven’t changed my mind ever since that day. I have always wanted to go into education; it wasn’t until that year of band that I realized I wanted to teach music.

What has been the most challenging part of serving while being a student?

Viking Sports Update

MEN’S BASKETBALL
The Viking Men did not let the change in venue for the games this week keep them from sweeping the two games. On Saturday, the Vikings beat Dickinson State. Then followed that up with a win over Bismarck State. Now the Vikings hit the road to play Mayville State. This “home” game will be played at Concordia College’s Memorial Auditorium in Moorhead on Saturday, January 24 at 4 p.m. All passes, including parent, student, faculty, staff, and booster pass, WILL be honored. 

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
The Viking Women had two good games but just could not come out on top in either one. On Saturday, the Vikings fell to Dickinson State. On Tuesday, VCSU dropped a heartbreaking four point decision to Bismarck State. Saturday, the Vikings will go for the sweep over Mayville State. The game will be at the Memorial Auditorium on the campus of Concordia College in Moorhead. Tipoff time is scheduled for 2 p.m. All passes, including parent, student, faculty, staff, and booster pass, WILL be honored.

TRACK AND FIELD
The Viking Track and Field team were back in action after a month off. A small squad of athletes competed at the Bison Team Cup at North Dakota State University on Saturday. This Saturday, a small contingent of Viking athletes will head to Bismarck to compete in the U-Mary Winter Classic. The rest of the team will also be at Concordia College for the Cobber Open Indoor Meet.

BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL
The VCSU Baseball and Softball teams are now practicing as they get ready for the spring portion of the schedule. The first baseball game will be February 13 in McPherson, Kansas against Dordt University. The first softball game will be on February 7 at the UJ Dome in Jamestown against the University of Providence.

THARALDSON ATHLETIC COMPLEX UPDATE
Things are progressing nicely with the construction of the Tharaldson Family Athletic Complex (The Ship). Look at the live construction here. This incredible addition to the VCSU Campus is beginning to take shape.

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

January 21
Campus Listening Sessions for VCSU President Search

January 28
Emerging Leaders Competition, VCSU Campus

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/