Hotline // November 12, 2025

VCSU’s LaFave named President at Northern State University

Valley City State University President Alan LaFave has accepted the same position at his alma mater, Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D.

Northern State University and LaFave announced the hiring on Monday, November 10.

“Although I am extremely excited to be going back to my alma mater, it is a bittersweet moment to realize I am leaving VCSU,” LaFave said in a message to VCSU’s campus. “The last seven years have been a rewarding experience, not necessarily for the milestones we have accomplished, but for the relationships I have built with faculty, staff, and students.”

LaFave’s last official day at VCSU is Dec. 31. He begins his job at Northern State on Jan. 5, 2026.

LaFave was selected to serve at VCSU’s president on Sept. 27, 2018, and formally began his service on Dec. 17, 2018. During LaFave’s seven years leading VCSU, the university has seen consistent record-breaking enrollment and major campus improvements. Fall headcount has grown 18% under LaFave’s leadership, reaching a Fall enrollment record of 1827 students this year.

The campus has also undergone major transformations. The $32 million Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts opened in 2022, and the University’s first-ever capital campaign was launched in 2021. The Capital Campaign has raised money for scholarships and campus projects, including the complete renovation of McCarthy Hall, which reopened this fall. The campaign has also funded construction of the Tharaldson Family Athletic Center, an expansion to VCSU’s athletic facilities that began this fall and will be completed in 2026.

LaFave earned his undergraduate degree in music education from Northern State University and worked nearly 30 years there, finishing as provost and vice president for academic affairs before accepting the presidency at VCSU in 2018.

“We are deeply grateful for Dr. LaFave’s seven years of leadership and service to VCSU, a period marked by record-breaking enrollment and significant campus improvements,” said Mark Potts, director for public relations at VCSU. “We wish him the best in his new position leading his alma mater. Meanwhile, our campus remains focused on our mission and the exciting opportunities ahead for VCSU.”

NDUS Commissioner Brent Sanford Statement:

On behalf of the North Dakota University System, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Alan LaFave for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service as president of Valley City State University (VCSU). During his 7 years of service, LaFave has exemplified the values of academic excellence, community engagement, and student-centered innovation. His commitment to advancing VCSU’s mission has left a lasting impact on the university and the broader educational landscape of North Dakota.

I offer my sincere congratulations as he begins a new chapter as president of his alma mater at Northern State University. Northern State is gaining a visionary leader whose integrity, experience, and passion for higher education will undoubtedly serve their campus and community well. We wish him continued success and look forward to the positive contributions he will make in his new role.

Thank you, Dr. LaFave, for your years of service and leadership in North Dakota. You will always be part of the VCSU and NDUS family.

Viking Day of Giving on November 13

Valley City State University will inspire generosity and community pride on Thursday, November 13, during its annual Viking Day of Giving.

The Viking Day of Giving is a one-day event when alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends of VCSU come together to support student scholarships. 100% of every gift goes directly to student scholarships, and donors may designate their gift to the scholarship program or area of their choice.

“The promise of a scholarship is life-changing for VCSU students and their families,” said Cory Anderson, Executive Director for University Advancement. “When someone gives—at any level—their generosity removes barriers, opens doors, and changes futures. This day is about rowing together to help the next generation of Vikings succeed.”

Launched in 2020, the Viking Day of Giving began as a simple idea: create a day when the Viking community unites to do good. Five years later, this tradition continues to grow, inspiring donors to invest in student success not only on this day, but throughout the year.

VCSU has set a $50,000 fundraising goal for the 2025 Viking Day of Giving, but the primary focus is on increasing the number of donors who participate. Whether someone gives $5 or $5,000, every gift counts—and collective impact creates transformational change. Give something – Change Everything!

Individuals, alumni groups, teams, departments, and friends of VCSU are invited to set up challenge or matching gifts to inspire others and multiply the impact. These challenges can be based on dollars, participation, or friendly competition between groups—making it even more exciting to give and get involved.

DONATE ONLINE

Those interested in joining the “Row With Us” movement during the Viking Day of Giving can visit https://www.vcsualumni.org/viking-day-of-giving/home.html to give and help spread the word.

Viking Sports Update

FOOTBALL
The Viking football team needed a touchdown late in the game to pull out a 13-7 win at Montana State-Northern. Late score lifts Vikings over Montana State-Northern. This week, the Vikings head to Butte, Montana, for the regular season finale against #5 Montana Tech

VOLLEYBALL
Valley City State wrapped up the regular season with a split of last weekend’s conference matches. It was Senior Weekend, and the Vikings lost to Bellevue then beat Dakota State. Volleyball falls to #7 Bellevue 3-1 Volleyball closes the season with a 5 set win over (RV) Dakota State. Macy Fridgen was named Attacker of the Week for her efforts over the weekend. This week, the Vikings head to Helena, Montana for the Frontier Conference tournament. VCSU is the seventh seed and will play second seed Bellevue University.

WOMEN’S BAKETBALL
The Viking women stayed unbeaten with a win at home over Minnesota-Morris. Women’s Basketball bests Minnesota Morris 77-42. The women looked to stay unbeaten this week when they host Bemidji State at the Bubble on Friday.

MEN’S BASKETBALL
The Viking men opened the season with three wins last week. Viking Men go to overtime, beat Minnesota-Morris in opener. The Vikings then hit the road for a pair of wins. Vikings improve to 2-0 with win over Mount Marty, Vikings hold off Doane for third win of the season. JR Cison was named Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts in his first three games as a Viking. Cison earns first Offensive Player of the Week. The Vikings are back in South Dakota for a game with Dakota Wesleyan on Wednesday.

CROSS COUNTRY
The Cross Country team wrapped its season with a good showing at the Frontier Conference Championships in Billings, Montana. Barrera takes third at the Frontier Conference Championships.

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

October 28 – November 28
VCSU Art Gallery Presents: Uncensored: The Art of Politics, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Gallery
Gallery Hours: M-F 8 a.m – 5 p.m.

November 16
3 p.m. FMAYS Annual Concert, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts

November 24
Barnes County Music Festival, 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/