Hotline // November 4, 2026
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
- State Board Appoints Allen Burgad as Permanent President of VCSU
- VCSU Employees Invited to Participate in Row’Vember
- Kappa Delta Pi Initiates Eight New Members
- Hokanson Receives ‘Difference Maker’ Award
- School of Education Faculty Attend Next Education Workforce Site Visits
- Viking Sports Update
- What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
State Board Appoints Allen Burgad as Permanent President of VCSU
Photo: Dr. Allen Burgad, center, leads VCSU’s Spring 2026 Commencement Exercises
Dr. Burgad Has Served As Interim President Since December
VALLEY CITY, N.D. – The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has appointed Dr. Allen Burgad as the next president of Valley City State University.
Burgad has been serving as Interim President since December 2025. The State Board removed the interim label and made the appointment permanent at its October 29 meeting, following discussion in executive session.
A 1989 graduate of VCSU, Burgad becomes the 16th president in university history and is the first alumni to hold the position in VCSU’s 136-year history. He succeeds Dr. Alan LaFave, who presided over the university from 2018-2025.
“I am honored and privileged to serve this great institution and the state of North Dakota,” said Burgad. “Our remarkable students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community truly make this a special place. Thank you to the State Board of Higher Education, Commissioner Brent Sanford and the System Office for trusting me with this important role. I’m ready to continue working with our campus community, VCSU alumni, and partners across the region to move the university forward.”
Prior to serving as Interim President, Burgad had been VCSU’s Dean of the School of Education since June 2021 and has more than 35 years of experience in education. Previously, he served as an administrator in multiple North Dakota schools and immediately prior to joining VCSU, he was the assistant superintendent for eight years at West Fargo, one of the largest school districts in the state of North Dakota.
Burgad graduated from VCSU in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. He is also a member of the 1988 Hall of Fame football team. He earned a Master of Education in school administration from University of Mary in 1993. In 2008, Burgad completed a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from University of North Dakota.
Burgad is married to Lee Ann, also a 1989 VCSU graduate, and together they have three adult children who are also VCSU alumni.
News Release from North Dakota University System
BISMARCK, N.D. – The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) has appointed Dr. Allen Burgad as president of Valley City State University (VCSU) and Dr. Lisa Karch as president of North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), following their service as interim presidents at their respective institutions.
The appointments reflect the board’s confidence in the leadership, vision and accomplishments both presidents have demonstrated while guiding their institutions through periods of transition, SBHE Chair Kevin Black said.
“Dr. Burgad and Dr. Karch have each proven themselves to be exceptional leaders who understand their institutions, their communities and the role our colleges and universities play in developing North Dakota’s workforce and future leaders,” said Black. “Through their leadership, both institutions have maintained strong momentum, advanced strategic priorities and strengthened relationships with students, faculty, staff and community partners. The board is confident they are the right leaders to guide VCSU and NDSCS into the future.”
Valley City State University
Dr. Allen Burgad has served as VCSU’s interim president since December 2025 after previously serving as dean of the university’s School of Education. A VCSU alumnus, Burgad brings more than three decades of experience in education, including leadership roles as superintendent, assistant superintendent and dean. During his interim presidency, VCSU achieved record enrollment growth, record student retention and record degree completion while leading development of the university’s strategic plan, Forward Together 2026-2030.
He also expanded workforce partnerships, strengthened shared governance efforts and advanced initiatives focused on student success, educator preparation and artificial intelligence readiness.
North Dakota State College of Science
Dr. Lisa Karch has served as interim president of NDSCS since July 2026. Prior to that appointment, she held multiple executive leadership roles at NDSCS, including executive vice president of academic affairs and vice president for instructional affairs. She also served in faculty and administrative leadership positions at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Under Karch’s leadership, NDSCS has continued to strengthen workforce partnerships and advance strategic collaborations throughout the region.
During her previous tenure at NDSCS, she helped reverse a six-year enrollment decline, launched more than 55 new academic programs and certificates, secured a 10-year accreditation reaffirmation from the Higher Learning Commission, and helped establish the Career Innovation Center in Fargo.
The appointments are effective immediately.
“The Board appreciates the commitment both leaders have shown to students and their institutions,” Black said. “Their experience, collaborative leadership styles and dedication to educational excellence position VCSU and NDSCS for continued success in serving North Dakota.”
About Valley City State University
Valley City State University, a member of the North Dakota University System, is a student-focused institution committed to academic excellence and innovation. Founded in 1890 and located in Valley City, North Dakota, VCSU offers more than 65 undergraduate programs and graduate degrees. Known for its nationally recognized teacher education program and small class sizes, VCSU prepares students for success through hands-on experiences and strong faculty support. Learn more at www.vcsu.edu.
About North Dakota State College of Science
North Dakota State College of Science, a member of the North Dakota University System, is a comprehensive two-year college focused on career and technical education, academic transfer programs, and workforce development. Founded in 1903 and headquartered in Wahpeton, North Dakota, NDSCS offers more than 100 academic options across its campuses and online. Through hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and student-centered support, NDSCS prepares graduates for successful careers and continued education while serving the workforce needs of North Dakota and the region. Learn more at www.ndscs.edu.
About NDUS
The North Dakota University System is a unified system of higher education governed by the State Board of Higher Education. Organized in 1990, the system includes two research universities, four regional universities and five community colleges. The mission of the State Board of Higher Education and the commissioner of the North Dakota University System is to unleash the potential of higher education in the state to enhance the quality of life, and the social and economic vitality of all served by its public colleges and universities.
VCSU Employees Invited to Participate in Row'Vember
Valley City State University faculty and staff play an important role in the success of our students every day. November marks Row’Vember, Valley City State University’s annual month of giving. The campaign encourages the entire Viking community to come together in support of the students, programs, and opportunities that make VCSU special.
This year’s theme, “Everyone Rows. Every Gift Matters,” highlights the collective impact of philanthropy across campus. Gifts of all sizes support scholarships, academic programs, athletics, and student opportunities that help Vikings succeed.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to join fellow Vikings in making a gift to the area of VCSU that means the most to them.
To learn more or make a gift –
Visit the Row’Vember giving page at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/row/
Fill out the Foundation Donation From on One Stop https://onestop.vcsu.edu/support/catalog/items/146
Stop by the VCSU Foundation office to fill out a payroll deduction form
Kappa Delta Pi Initiates Eight New Members
Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) welcomed 8 new VCSU initiates into the Zeta Sigma chapter at the Historic 1916 Buffalo High School on Oct. 27. Jonah Wolla ‘20, secondary principal at Hope-Page Public School, was the speaker and reminded the group what it means to be a VCSU Difference Maker.
Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) is an international honor society in education, founded in 1911 to build excellence in education and promote fellowship among those dedicated to teaching. Offering opportunities for leadership, camaraderie, academic development, and professional resources, KDP supports and advances educators throughout their teaching careers. Consistently growing for over a century, KDP’s membership exceeds 1.2 million. The Zeta Sigma chapter of KDP at VCSU was founded in 1950 through 2002 and was reinstated in 2015.
Hokanson Receives ‘Difference Maker’ Award
TJ Hokanson, head baseball coach, recently received the Difference Maker award for October. He was nominated by Library and Student Academic Services staff.
His nomination read, “TJ Hokanson has been very invested in working with Student Academic Services this year. He has been communicative, wanting to learn and utilize our expertise and services to support his baseball players. He encourages academic success and growth in his athletes, seeking out campus resources, and holistically helping them to mature into good people. We are seeing a positive shift in those student athletes’ connection to support services, and we believe this collaboration will directly result in increased retention.”
Congratulations, TJ!
School of Education Faculty Attend Next Education Workforce Site Visits
VCSU School of Education faculty Katy Ries, Heather Peschel, Jaime Pollert and Angie Zerface attended the Next Education Workforce “Models in Action” site visits in Arizona on Oct. 27–28, 2026. School visits and conversations with educators and students highlighted how team-based teaching supports shared responsibilities, collaboration and student learning. The experience provided practical ideas for strengthening VCSU’s teacher preparation program and helping preservice teachers build the communication, collaboration and flexibility needed to work effectively on teaching teams.
Viking Sports Update
Volleyball
Valley City State volleyball closed its road schedule with two Frontier Conference matches, falling in three sets at Dickinson State on Oct. 29 and in four sets at Bismarck State on Oct. 30. The Vikings enter the final week of the regular season with an 8-19 overall record and a 6-14 conference mark. The trip also featured a career milestone for senior setter Gracie Schumacher, who reached 1,000 career assists during the match against Bismarck State. VCSU returns to W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse for its final two regular-season matches this weekend. The Vikings host Bellevue on Friday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. for Parents Day, followed by Dakota State on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. for Senior Day.
Men’s Basketball
Valley City State returned to the win column Tuesday with a 78-73 victory over Minnesota
Morris at W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, improving to 2-2 overall. Joel Nelson led four Vikings in double figures with 18 points and six rebounds. Jaelyn Johnson added 13 points and six rebounds, while Taylor Bryant-Frey and Maddox Griffin scored 12 points apiece. Logan Deal finished with nine points and 13 rebounds. Bryant-Frey knocked down a 3-pointer at the first-half buzzer to give VCSU a 38-36 halftime lead. Minnesota Morris continued to challenge the Vikings after the break and tied the game at 66 with 4:39 remaining. Jayger Meschke answered with a layup, and VCSU made key baskets and free throws down the stretch to secure the victory. The Vikings shot 48.5 percent from the field and held a 39-28 rebounding advantage. Earlier in the week, VCSU dropped two games at the Corn Palace, falling 84-81 to Hastings on Oct. 30 and 75-56 to Dakota Wesleyan on Oct. 31. Damian Pearson scored 23 points against Hastings, including 18 in the second half. Johnson added 17 points, Griffin contributed 12 points and seven rebounds, and Deal scored 11.
Women’s Basketball
Valley City State earned its first victory of the season in convincing fashion Tuesday, defeating Minnesota Morris 87-47 in its home opener at W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse. Olivia Backus led the Vikings with 17 points off the bench. Freshman Dacota Potratz added seven points and nine rebounds as VCSU used its depth to build a comfortable advantage. The Vikings held Minnesota Morris to seven second-quarter points and carried a 46-21 lead into halftime before completing the 40-point victory. The win followed two games at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D., where VCSU opened its season with a 112-69 loss to Concordia University on Oct. 30 before challenging No. 2 Dakota Wesleyan in a 73-65 loss on Oct. 31. Ellie Braaten highlighted Saturday’s matchup with eight 3-pointers and 29 points, helping the Vikings battle the nationally ranked Tigers throughout the contest.
Football
Valley City State football had a bye during the past week and now returns home to host Montana State-Northern on Saturday, Nov. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for noon at Lokken Stadium. Saturday’s game is a White Out, and fans are encouraged to wear white to support the Vikings.
Cross Country
Valley City State cross country is preparing for the Frontier Conference Championships on Friday, Nov. 6, at Amend Park in Billings, Mont. The championship meet follows the Vikings’ final regular-season competition at the Marauders Tune-Up in Bismarck.
Upcoming Events
Nov. 6: Cross Country at Frontier Conference Championships — Amend Park, Billings, Mont.
Nov. 6: Volleyball vs. Bellevue, 6 p.m. — Parents Day, W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.
Nov. 7: Football vs. Montana State-Northern, 12 p.m. — White Out, Lokken Stadium.
Nov. 7: Volleyball vs. Dakota State, 5 p.m. — Senior Day, W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.
Nov. 10: Women’s Basketball vs. Trinity Bible College, 5:30 p.m. — W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.
Nov. 10: Men’s Basketball vs. Trinity Bible College, 7:30 p.m. — W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.
Times are listed as in CT. Live video and statistics links are available at vcsuvikings.com.
What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...
October 26 – November 6
Mattilyn Nathan Senior Exhibit “Biophilia”, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Gallery
Read more at https://www.vcsu.edu/mattilyn-nathans-senior-exhibit-biophilia-opens-oct-26/
November 7
Viking Visit Day
November 14
3 p.m. Grady Hornung Recital, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts
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/