Hotline // January 29, 2025
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
- U.S. News Ranks VCSU Among Best Online Programs
- ‘Reticulations’ to premiere at VCSU Art Gallery
- VCSU Speech places at competition; Hornung Qualifies for AFA Nationals
- VCSU seeking employers for Career & Internship Expo
- Digital Accessibility Plan presentation on Jan. 30
- Meet Ashlyn Diemert
- Viking sports update
- What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
U.S. News Ranks VCSU Among Best Online Programs
VCSU online master’s and bachelor’s programs recognized by U.S. News & World Report
Valley City State University (VCSU) has been ranked among the 2025 Best Online Master’s in Education Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
U.S. News also ranked VCSU in its 2025 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. VCSU is one of only two North Dakota schools to receive rankings in both online categories. U.S. News annually evaluates schools based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, services and technologies.
“These rankings again validate that VCSU is one of the best schools in our region for academic quality, support and student success,” President Alan LaFave said. “Regardless of the course delivery mode they choose, our students are getting a great education to fit their individual situation.”
About 25 percent of VCSU’s enrolled students are classified as online students. That includes the master’s degree programs in education, which are affordable online options for working teachers to further their education and career.
VCSU’s online master’s in education was ranked 150th in the nation by U.S. News and ranked 2nd among North Dakota institutions. VCSU ranked 28th in the “Services and Technologies” category, which reflects an institution’s ability to deliver strong support structures for online students that are commensurate with campus-based programs.
“Everyone at VCSU works to help our students succeed, whether they are on campus or online,” said Larry Brooks, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Rankings like this reinforce the quality of the educational experience we offer for online students.”
VCSU finished 230th in the online bachelor’s ranking and is one of just three North Dakota schools listed in that category. VCSU’s online bachelor’s programs ranked 2nd among the North Dakota institutions.
In its 13th year, the U.S. News Best Online Programs is designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education. This year’s edition evaluates more than 1,600 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs using metrics specific to online learning. The rankings only include degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.
To schedule an interview about the rankings or for more information please contact Mark Potts by emailing mark.m.potts@vcsu.edu or calling (701) 845-7228.
"Reticulations" to premiere at VCSU Art Gallery
The Valley City State University Art Gallery at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts is set to host the premiere of Reticulations by Eric Lemmon, a bold new composition for live electronics, no-input mixing, and a unique percussive set-up incorporating colored glass shards, stonework, and metal plates. The one-night-only event will take place on Feb. 9, at 7 p.m., and features the experimental percussion duo low pass.
Reticulations is a groundbreaking collaboration between sound artist Eric Lemmon and low pass, a duo comprised of VCSU faculty member Taylor Long and Minneapolis-based percussionist Rob Cosgrove. The piece is the result of a long-standing collaboration with the duo, where the artist worked closely with low pass to develop and refine this intricate, improvisational work. The work integrates the artist’s extensive background in digital signal processing and live electronics with experimental material fabrication.
Reticulations emphasizes unpredictability and organic feedback loops in a highly improvisational format. Using custom analog electronics and physical materials, the artist introduces a performative landscape where the slightest variation in material and microphone position, frequency response, or amplifier-supplied sound intensity produces entirely new sonic textures.
Reticulations promises an experience that challenges traditional boundaries of sound art and experimental music, contributing an innovative, hybrid approach to the field of electronic and material-based music.
This project received support from the Bridges Arts Council and North Dakota Council on the Arts.
Event Details:
What: Reticulations by Eric Lemmon, featuring low pass (Rob Cosgrove and Taylor Long)
Where: VCSU Art Gallery, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts
When: Sunday, February 9, 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Artist Info:
Eric Lemmon
Website: https://ericlemmon.net
Instagram: @ericcomposer
Facebook: @ericlemmon
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/eclemmon
low pass
Website: https://l0wpass.com
Instagram: @low___pass
VCSU Speech places at competition; Hornung Qualifies for AFA Nationals

The Speech Team at Valley City State University (VCSU) competed and placed at the recent Valley Forensics League (VFL) tournament in Marshall, Minn. on Saturday, Jan. 25.
Grady Hornung, Tara Dahl and Alliana Freund competed in three events; Dramatic Interpretation, Impromptu Speaking and Dramatic Duo.
Hornung placed 2nd in Dramatic Interpretation. This placement also qualified him for the national American Forensics Association tournament in April. Dramatic Interpretation is a speech based on a cutting from a play or plays of literary merit. The event focuses on the development of a character and a manuscript is required.
Dahl placed 2nd in Impromptu Speaking. This event focuses on topics derived from quotations. Speakers have seven minutes to prepare and deliver a speech about a particular topic.
For more information about VCSU Speech contact coach Tammy Jo Taft at tammyjo.taft@vcsu.edu.
VCSU seeking employers for Career & Internship Expo
Valley City State University is seeking employers for its annual Career & Internship Expo on Tuesday, February 25.
Students attending the expo will be looking for internships, summer jobs, part-time positions, and full-time opportunities. This is an excellent way for employers to meet soon-to-be graduates and make connections with underclassmen.
“This event is one of the best ways we can connect our student population with the business community in Valley City and North Dakota,” said Janna Kohler, Director for Career Services. “We love to bring opportunities like this to campus for our students to see what great career offerings are in our region.”
Employers interested in attending the fair can contact Kohler at janna.kohler@vcsu.edu or 701-845-7534.
The expo will be held February 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the VCSU Memorial Student Union. Registration is open for employers until January 31 or until maximum capacity is reached.
VCSU students have been proven to be career ready. Over the last two years, 99 percent of VCSU graduates responding to a career survey said they were already employed or choosing to continue their education after graduation.
Valley City State University students can major in more than 65 programs. Some of the larger programs on campus include elementary and secondary education, health science, business administration, fisheries and wildlife, and exercise science.
Digital Accessibility Plan presentation on Jan. 30
VCSU staff and faculty are encouraged to attend a presentation of the Digital Accessibility Plan on Jan. 30 at 3:30 p.m. in Rhoades 102. This plan, approved by the VCSU Cabinet, will include a discussion and tentative timelines for implementation.
Several groups on campus have made significant improvements in the accessibility of a few of the campus websites, as reflected in updated Silktide Ally scores. These changes highlight the commitment to creating a more inclusive and user-friendly online environment.
The following websites made remarkable progress between August 2024 and January 2025. Several now meet or exceed Silktide’s higher education industry standard score of 88:
- Library: Improved from 51 → 94
- Athletics: Increased from 66 → 77
- Catalog: Enhanced from 92 → 97
Blackboard Ally Scores have also shown steady improvement:
Fall 2024: Average 89% (Lowest: 16%)
Spring 2025: Average 93% (Lowest: 49%), nearing our goal of 95%.
The Accessibility Champion Group continues to grow, thanks to employees who have embraced the Viking Accessibility Quest and earned their Word Accessibility Champion Badge!
Congratulations to:
- Joe Tykwinski
- Jodi Yu
- Stephen Langved
- Hannah Beebe
- Tuya Dutton
What’s Next
VCSU is committed to continued progress and are taking the following steps:
- Updating outdated websites
- Removing old content that no longer serves users
- Distribution and presentations on a new Digital Accessibility Improvement Plan recently approved by VCSU Cabinet
- Distribution of a website accessibility dashboard
- Introduce manual testing to identify complex barriers
- Offering ongoing training to help staff and faculty enhance their accessibility knowledge and skills.
Meet Ashlyn Diemert
Being a multi-sport athlete most of her life, Ashlyn Diemert knew she wanted to continue her love for sports at the next level. With her passion burning, she is preparing to shape the minds of the next generation of athletes.
Hometown: West Fargo, N.D.
Year: Senior
Major: Sports Leadership
Activities on campus: Women’s basketball & softball
What made you choose to major in sports leadership?
Sports are something that I am very passionate about and I want them to be a part of my life for as long as they can. Being a student athlete has made me want to become a coach or even an athletic director one day, and sports leadership was the best direction for that.
What has been your favorite memory so far?
VCSU has brought me many memories from being on two different sports teams and going to different activities on campus. VCAB events like bingo, finals breakfast, or casino night have been some of my favorite things to attend with my friends. Being able to take trips and compete in Hawaii and the Gulf Shores for basketball and going to Alabama for softball have also created lots of memories along the way.
Favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spots on campus are the learning commons and the bubble. I spend a decent amount of my time in the learning commons working on homework and chatting with my teammates and classmates. I also spend most of my time at the bubble with practice, lift, and hanging out with teammates in the locker room.
Why VCSU?
I chose VCSU because I really enjoyed the campus, and it felt like somewhere I could see myself for the next 4 years. As soon as I walked on campus and completed my tour, I knew that this is where I was meant to be. On top of that, I was given the opportunity to play sports and that was something I wanted to do. I knew how much support I was going to get from everyone around me no matter who I was and what I decided to do on campus.
Any advice for those considering VCSU?
VCSU is where you will have endless support from everyone on campus and in the community. You never feel alone and have all the resources you need to succeed academically and athletically. It is a great place to feel welcomed and have a home away from home.
Viking sports update
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Valley City State defeated (RV) Mayville State 84-66 Friday with the help of a career-high 26 points from freshman Abby Aslesen. Aslesen also earned her first career NSAA Offensive Player of the Week recognition following her career night. VCSU is now 11-9 on the season and 3-5 in conference play.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
The VCSU men’s basketball team was defeated by Mayville State 65-48 Friday night on the road despite an 18-point performance by Lamar Grayson. VCSU is now 10-10 overall and 1-7 in the North Star.
TRACK & FIELD
VCSU Track and Field teams secured two first-place finishes and 28 Top 8 finishes Saturday at the Cobber Open in Moorhead, Minn. VCSU’s women produced one first place, two runner-up, and 10 top eight finishes while the Viking men earned one first place, one runner-up and 18 top eight finishes.
BASEBALL
Viking baseball is now set to open its season Thursday at Dakota Wesleyan University with the recent bout of nice weather. Thursday’s doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. with live video and stats available for both games.
Upcoming events:
Jan. 30: Baseball at Dakota Wesleyan (DH), 12 p.m. (Mitchell, S.D.)
Jan. 31: Basketball vs. Bellevue, 5:30/7:30 p.m. (The Bubble)
Feb. 1: Track and Field at UND Multi & Open, 11 a.m. (Grand Forks, N.D.)
Feb. 1: Basketball vs. Dakota State, 3/5 p.m. (The Bubble)
What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...
January 29
Emerging Leaders Conference, VCSU Campus
January 30
3:30 p.m. Digital Accessibility Plan presentation, Rhoades 102
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/