Hotline // January 25, 2023

Valley City State University Ranked by U.S. News and World Report for Offering Best Online Programs

Top Regional School in North Dakota for online Bachelor’s degrees and online Master’s Education degree

Valley City State University (VCSU) has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as having one of the best online Bachelor’s programs and one of the best online Master’s Education programs in the nation.

The U.S. News and World Report Best Online Programs report was released today.

Overall, VCSU had the second-highest score among all schools in North Dakota for online bachelor’s degree programs. VCSU was also one of only two North Dakota universities ranked for having the best online Master’s Education program.

“We are proud to offer a high-quality education in multiple formats at VCSU,” President Alan LaFave said. “Our faculty and academic affairs team prioritize ensuring every student has an excellent experience, regardless of classroom location or delivery method.”

Faculty at VCSU have participated in multiple Quality Matters workshops to ensure online courses are of the highest quality possible.

“We are happy to see that external sources recognize the efforts we have made to provide a great education in person and online,” Larry Brooks, Vice President for Academic Affairs, said. “We have a dynamic team of faculty that take the extra time and effort to ensure courses help students succeed in school and beyond.”

The U.S. News and World Report utilizes multiple data points when compiling the rankings, including how well the program promotes participation and engagement. The utilization of services and technology also weigh heavily in the report. Faculty credentials and peer assessments are factored into the ranking.

To schedule an interview about the rankings or for more information, contact Tammy Jo Anderson Taft by emailing tammyjo.taft@vcsu.edu or calling 701-845-7227.

Giving Hearts Day coming up on Feb. 9

The VCSU Foundation will participate in Giving Hearts Day on Thursday, Feb. 9 for the 7th consecutive year.

In 2022, 235 generous donors raised $18,524. Those dollars help VCSU students through scholarship support in addition to hosting alumni gatherings, award programs, Homecoming activities, and publish the alumni newsletter The Bulletin.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, supporters can donate $10 or more at givingheartsday.org by choosing the VCSU Foundation. The donation will be matched up to $5,000.

Donations can also be dropped off anytime between now and 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 9, at the VCSU Foundation Office. Checks delivered before Feb. 9, must be dated Feb. 9 and reference Giving Hearts Day in the memo section in order for the donation to be counted for the match. The matching gift is provided by Ludvigson, Braun & Co. — Matt Pedersen.

In 2022, $26.6M was donated to Giving Hearts Day charities through scheduled donations. Scheduling a donation is easy. To schedule a donation, simply:

1. Find the VCSU Foundation donation page at app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/383
2. Choose the donation amount.
3. Make sure “Pay on Giving Hearts Day, February 9th, 2023” is checked in cart.

For more information about how to support VCSU during Giving Hearts Day contact the Advancement Office. 

Kay Johnson receives ‘Staff Member of the Quarter’

Kay Johnson, building services, was recently awarded the “Staff Member of the Quarter”.

Her nomination read, “Kay has consistently done extra to keep our facility (Graichen Gym) looking and working great. She is prompt in response and action. Her work helps make Graichen gym a place that our students and student athletes want to be at. The building houses three teams and roughly 90 student athletes, coaches and trainers so its appearance is crucial to the experience of many. Kay does this job with a positive attitude and great care.”

Congratulations, Kay!

Planetarium show this Saturday

VCSU’s Planetarium presents Let’s Look Up on Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. The planetarium is located in the Rhoades Science Center Room 309. The show is free and open to the public.

Valley City State University is home to the only planetarium in North Dakota. Our state-of-the-art Rhoades Science Center houses a Spitz 512 planetarium with a 24-foot domed ceiling and 50 reclining seats.

Each semester, VCSU students produce a new show to be used in the Planetarium. Our shows range from basic astronomy to exploring how Lewis and Clark used the night sky to aid in their exploration of North America.

Our planetarium is primarily used to educate area school and community groups but is also used for some classes at VCSU, like Astronomy and Earth Science. With no charge for shows, it’s easy to make the trip to our beautiful campus and have a one-of-a-kind celestial experience.

For more information about the VCSU Planetarium contact Wes Anderson, 701-845-0966.

Russi performs at SnoJam Comedy Festival

Jenni Lou Russi, associate professor of communication arts, was recently accepted to the annual SnoJam Comedy Festival in Sioux Falls, S.D. where she was featured in two showcases and attended professional workshops in podcasting and electronic press kits.

Meet Tasha Piehl-Thomas

Tasha Piehl-Thomas, ‘18, a business process integration management graduate, was encouraged by her professor to apply for an internship at Doosan Digital Innovation America (DDIA) during her undergrad. After she found the courage to apply, that opportunity led her down a road she is still traveling.

Hometown:
Marion, N.D.

When did you graduate and what was your major at VCSU?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Process Integration Management with a Minor in Business Software Applications then went on to obtain my Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Mary.

Tell us about yourself.
While I was pursuing my undergrad degree at VCSU, I was offered an opportunity through one of my Computer Science professors at the time to apply to an internship. As nervous as I was to interview (and let’s be honest, taking the next step in your life or career can always be nerve racking), I found the courage to apply. I received an acceptance offer and so, in January of 2017, I decided to move to Fargo to pursue my internship, while also still making the trip back to Valley City to complete my in-person classes.

Where you do you live and work currently?
After moving to Fargo, I met my now-husband, Eric, and we reside in downtown Fargo with our golden retriever named Leo. In our free time, we like to go to the lake in Park Rapids, MN or catch up with friends and family. Other times, I enjoy cozying up on the couch and reading a good book or listening to my favorite podcasts.

Where you do you live and work currently?
I currently live in Fargo N.D. and work for Doosan Digital Innovation America (DDIA). DDIA is owned by the same parent company as Doosan Bobcat, which is the larger Doosan company, and our primary function is to provide IT services and solutions to the various Doosan affiliates. This is the same company I accepted my internship with and have worked there for a little over 6 years now.

What led you to VCSU?
Growing up on a farm in small town North Dakota, I valued community and connection. Our farm was only 40 minutes from Valley City, so I already felt comfortable having been there many times before. My first visit on campus I remember meeting with various staff and advisors, and I could feel their encouragement as we sat down to look at what classes and extracurriculars were offered. The benefit of going to a smaller college, I knew I would get that one-on-one relationship with the faculty, and it really showed as time went on. I am grateful for choosing VCSU because I met some of the best people that made such a positive impact on my life.

What have you done since graduating and what are you up to now?
After graduating from VCSU, I went on to get my Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Mary. I am still working at DDIA and enjoying the new and innovative projects I get to be a part of. I am traveling to Seoul, South Korea in the upcoming weeks and look forward to meeting the colleagues I have virtually worked with for some time.

What skills are important to have in your line of business?
The best skills to have are the ones that apply to multiple areas of your life. Be a good listener. Communicate early and often (there are no silly questions!). Remain open to other people’s thoughts and ideas (there’s more to the world than your own front door).

How did VCSU help you grow as a person and/or in your career?
Where to start… I don’t think (actually – I know) I wouldn’t be the person I am today without giving my hats off to VCSU. I think back to my years on campus and how close knit a lot of us were. We all came from different backgrounds and walks of life, and yet, we conquered the world together at VCSU. I think that goes to show what kind of community the college has.

What do you wish that you knew in college that you know now?
What you are doing now, in this moment, matters. Take pride in your day-to-day activities and work. Whether that be accomplishing a project that you may have been dreading for a long time or vacuuming a hallway at the student center. You never know who may be watching to recognize your hard work. A job well done has never not paid off.

Any advice for current students?
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. What I mean by that is this: the very thing you are nervous about or scared to do, know that it is only by going through that situation is what will help you grow. Believe in yourself, and you will achieve great things.

Colorography exhibit coming to VCSU Art Gallery Jan. 17

Colorography, an exhibit by visiting artist, Quiwen Li, will be featured in the VCSU Center for the Arts Gallery Jan. 17 – March 3. An artist talk will take place on Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. with a reception following from 3-4 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the talk and reception will move to Feb. 16.

In Li’s artist statement she says, “As a designer, I understand the need for legibility, but I am more concerned with communicating something more visceral, expressive, and imaginative. My design is strongly influenced by my international background. As a Chinese woman living in the US, I am in an in-between position, which also brings a distinctive perspective for my thinking, being, and making. In my design process, multiple ideas coexisted simultaneously and I like exploring lots of solutions and lots of answers. Graphic design is a problem solving process.”

She adds, “Being a graphic designer doesn’t limit me to two-dimensional print work. I strive to maintain a playful approach to unfamiliar software and techniques in order to find different forms of visual expression.

Viking Sports Update

Women’s Basketball
Jan. 20: VCSU 75, Presentation 57
Jan. 21: Mayville 91, VCSU 54
The VCSU women’s basketball team split a pair of conference games, including a 75-57 victory over Presentation. The Vikings are now 11-9 overall and 4-3 in conference play.

Men’s Basketball
Jan. 20: VCSU 84, Presentation 72
Jan. 21: Mayville 84, VCSU 72
Viking men’s basketball split its two games this weekend, including an 84-72 win over Presentation. VCSU’s men are now 10-11 overall and 3-4 in conference play.

Track & Field
Valley City State University track and field athletes won two event titles and had nine Top 3 finishes on Saturday at the Cobber Indoor Open. Taylor Sargent won the women’s 60 meter hurdles with a time of 9.31 seconds as she bested a field of 12 runners. Misa Miyashiro won the women’s 600 meters with her time of 1:57.50.

Read more: https://www.vcsuvikings.com/article/4610

Upcoming Events
Jan. 27: WBB/MBB vs. Mayville State, 5:30/7:30 p.m.
Jan. 28: Track & Field at UND Indoor and Multi (Grand Forks, N.D.)
Jan. 28: WBB/MBB vs. Presentation, 3/5 p.m.

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

Find out what’s happening in the community on the Valley City Community Calendar: https://www.valleycitycalendar.com/

Find out what’s happening at the VCSU Center for the Arts: https://www.vcsu.edu/center-for-the-arts/fine-arts-calendar/

February 9
Giving Hearts Day

Community Club meetings

• Valley City Community Band – every Thursday, VCSU Center for the Arts Room 171
• Kiwanis – Wednesdays at noon, Valley City Town & Country Club
• Optimist Club – Thursdays at 7:00 a.m., Vicky’s Viking Room
• Rotary Club – Tuesdays at noon, VCSU
• Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals – 2nd Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., Our Saviors Lutheran Church
• Barnes County Wildlife Federation – 2nd Wednesday of the month
• Grief Journeys for Adults Support Group – meet virtually, call Hospice at 701-845-1781 to take part