Hotline // March 11, 2026

President’s Column: Student-Focused and Learning-Centered Begins with People

By Allen Burgad, Interim President

During my short time serving as Interim President at Valley City State University, I have had the opportunity to spend time and learn from many members of our campus community. Through those conversations, I quickly connected with the importance of our core values, which include:

• • Student-Focused: Placing students at the center of all decisions
  • Innovative: Trying new things to create the future
  • Learning-Centered: Developing a culture of lifelong learning
  • Collaborative: Working together to advance the university’s mission
  • Engaged: Actively participating in the work of the university

I began reflecting more deeply on our first value, student-focused, and how we elevate this value through our daily actions as an institution. It quickly became clear during my many meetings and conversations with faculty and staff that student focus is not simply a statement at VCSU. It is a deeply embedded value that guides the work we do every day.

Our society is constantly changing. Many would argue that these changes are driven by technology and innovation. Yet throughout these changes, one constant remains: the importance of people and relationships in helping organizations reach their mission and goals.

Recently, I reflected on a message from Simon Sinek’s book “Leaders Eat Last.” Sinek emphasizes that successful organizations do more than focus on results. They create working and learning environments where people feel valued, trusted, and supported. When organizations place people at the center, collaboration grows, innovation flourishes, and individuals invest more deeply in the mission.

Our commitment to being student-focused and learning-centered begins with people. It begins with the faculty and staff who serve students each day, the alumni who carry forward the values of this institution, and the legacy of individuals who have shaped the culture of Valley City State University. Our faculty mentor students not only academically but also guide them as they grow socially. Our staff provide support that helps students navigate challenges and pursue opportunities. These relationships matter. They are often the difference between a student simply attending college and truly belonging to a community.

The strength of VCSU has always been rooted in these relationships. For more than a century, generations of faculty and staff have invested in students, helping build the culture that defines the university today. Many of those individuals are no longer on campus, yet their influence continues to shape our students’ experiences and the work we do each day. Conversations with VCSU alumni consistently highlight the mentors who encouraged them and helped shape the paths they pursued after leaving campus.

The future of VCSU will continue to be built by the people who believe in its mission, including our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners. By continuing to invest in one another, we ensure that Valley City State University remains a place where students learn, grow, and prepare to make a difference in the world.

At its heart, being student-focused and learning-centered begins with people, and that has long been VCSU’s strength. When I reflect on my own time as a student and the individuals who helped shape my journey, I am reminded of something simple but powerful. It was not always what they said, but that they took the time to say it.

VCSU and Bismarck State College Launch Collaborative Teaching Degree

Photo: VCSU interim president Allen Burgad, right, and BSC interim president Dan Leingang shake hands on Tuesday.

BISMARCK, N.D. – Bismarck State College (BSC) and Valley City State University (VCSU) outlined a new academic partnership designed to strengthen North Dakota’s teacher workforce pipeline by creating a teaching degree pathway at BSC for students pursuing careers in elementary and secondary education.

The four-year collaborative program allows students to complete coursework through both institutions while remaining at BSC. Students will simultaneously earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in Foundations of Teaching from BSC and a Bachelor of Science in Education from VCSU, making them eligible for initial teacher licensure upon completion of program requirements.

Representatives from both institutions spoke about the agreement during a joint announcement on Tuesday, March 10, at Bismarck State College.

“What makes this partnership especially meaningful is that it expands access to high-quality teacher preparation while keeping students connected to their home communities,” said Dr. Dan Leingang, interim president at BSC. “Through the North Dakota University System’s collaborative student process, students will benefit from the strengths and resources of both institutions while remaining supported here at BSC.”

The four-year degree plan has students enrolling in 9+ credits at BSC and 3+ credits through VCSU each semester. Students will continue to access BSC services such as advising, tutoring, financial aid and other campus resources while completing coursework at both institutions.

Dr. Allen Burgad, interim president at VCSU, said the partnership is the result of a shared mission to prepare future educators.

“This partnership reflects the shared commitment of our institutions to prepare high-quality teachers for our schools and communities,” Burgad said. “We are excited to create a strong career pathway for students who have a passion for working with children while helping address the growing need for educators.”

VCSU annually awards the most undergraduate teaching degrees in North Dakota and has more than 1500 alumni currently working as teachers or administrators in the state. VCSU is ranked the #1 Best College for Teacher Education in North Dakota by college research site Niche.com.

Currently, 28 BSC students who initially planned to transfer to another college to complete their teaching degree have already enrolled in the new collaborative program and will remain at BSC to finish their bachelor’s degrees through the partnership with VCSU.

By expanding access to teacher preparation in central North Dakota, the partnership aims to grow the state’s educator pipeline and prepare more teachers to serve schools and communities across the region.

###

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 Bismarck State College

Bismarck State College is North Dakota’s Polytechnic Institution, offering high-quality, affordable education with more than 100 career pathways, including two-year associate degrees, four-year bachelor’s degrees, and short-term program certificates. Dedicated to student success since 1939, BSC prepares students for high-demand careers through comprehensive advising, flexible in-person and online course options, industry-driven curriculum, and continuing education opportunities. Learn more at www.bismarckstate.edu. BSC is an equal opportunity institution.

Photo: VCSU interim president Allen Burgad delivers remarks Tuesday, March 10, during at event in Bismarck.

Hanna Wieland’s Senior Capstone Art Exhibit Opens March 16

Valley City State University senior Hanna Wieland’s capstone exhibit, Becoming, will be on display in the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Gallery from March 16–27.

Becoming showcases Wieland’s digital design work, including branding, logo design, and creative pieces inspired by personal experiences. The show will focus on Wieland’s growth as a designer throughout her time at Valley City State University and highlights a collection of her favorite projects. Part of the exhibit explores her branding and logo design process, featuring early concepts, sketches, and development work alongside final outcomes. Becoming reflects the evolution of her creative voice and represents the artist she has become during her time at VCSU.

Wieland will discuss her work during an artist talk on Thursday, March 26, at 3 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Choir Room with a reception to follow until 5:30 pm. The talk will be live-streamed and available afterward on the Valley City State University art department’s YouTube page for those unable to attend. The virtual tour and all artwork images can also be found on Wieland’s website: https://hannamwieland1.wixsite.com/hanna-wieland-design

A Digital Design student at Valley City State University, Wieland would like to thank the professors who supported her throughout her time at VCSU, and especially Ekow Ephrim for his guidance and dedication to her growth as a designer. After graduation, Wieland plans to explore professional opportunities in graphic design, marketing, or communications and continue developing her creative practice.

Wieland grew up on a farm around Dazey, North Dakota, and is pursuing degrees in digital design and communications with a concentrate in digital media and a minor in marketing. Her interest in design developed through creative projects and her appreciation for how visual communication can be used to share ideas and connect with others.

Photo: Wieland designed and helped paint this colorful mural in downtown Valley City.

Experience the Vibrant Sounds of Brazil in Special Lecture Recital at VCSU

Photo: Dr. Thiago Ferreira will present a dynamic lecture recital on Tuesday, March 17, at VCSU.

The VCSU Department of Music invites audiences to experience a dynamic lecture recital on Tuesday, March 17, celebrating the music of acclaimed Brazilian composer Marlos Nobre (1939-2024).

This special event highlights Nobre’s IV Northeastern Cycle, Op. 43, a powerful piano work inspired by the rich folkloric traditions of Northeastern Brazil. This lecture recital will be presented by Dr. Thiago Ferreira, a Brazilian pianist and piano faculty at Challey School of Music at North Dakota State University.

The dynamic lecture recital begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, inside the VCSU Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts. The event is free and open to the public.

Blending live performance with engaging commentary, the lecture recital offers audiences a deeper understanding of how folklore continues to shape contemporary classical music. This event not only showcases the vibrancy of Brazilian piano repertoire but also invites listeners to experience the cultural stories and traditions that inspire it.

Drawing on energetic genres such as frevo, maracatu, and caboclinhos, Nobre transforms Brazil’s cultural heritage into a compelling virtuosic concert experience. Rather than simply quoting folk melodies, he captures their rhythmic drive, percussive textures, and expressive intensity, bringing the spirit of Brazilian street celebrations to the concert stage.

Join us for an evening of rhythm, color, and cultural discovery.

VCSU and UND Sign Memorandum of Agreement Expanding Engineering Pathways

Photo, from left: Dr. Jamie Wirth, VCSU Math Department Chair; Mr. Larry Brooks, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Allen Burgad, Interim President, after Burgad signed the MOA with University of North Dakota.

Valley City State University and the University of North Dakota have signed a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) creating expanded and flexible pathways for students pursuing engineering careers.

The agreement allows VCSU students to take engineering courses online through UND’s College of Engineering & Mines while completing face‑to‑face coursework at VCSU. Students will enroll at VCSU as mathematics majors and may follow multiple plan‑of‑study options aligned with their academic and personal goals.

Through this partnership, students can complete all general education requirements, mathematics courses, and required science coursework at VCSU, while taking specialized engineering courses from UND. The agreement ensures seamless transfer of coursework between the two institutions.

“This agreement expands access to high‑quality engineering pathways while preserving the supportive learning environment VCSU is known for,” said Dr. Jamie Wirth, chair of the VCSU Department of Mathematics. “Students gain flexibility and strong preparation without having to leave VCSU before they are ready.”

Students may pursue an Associate of Arts degree in applied mathematics for pre‑engineering before transferring to UND, or students may choose to remain at VCSU for up to four years to complete a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a pre‑engineering focus. The four‑year option is particularly beneficial for student‑athletes who wish to continue competing for the Vikings while preparing for engineering careers.

“This partnership highlights the power of collaboration within the North Dakota University System,” said Larry Brooks, VCSU Vice President for Academic Affairs. “By aligning curricula and transfer processes, we are creating meaningful, student‑centered pathways into high‑demand fields.”

Under the agreement, students may prepare for UND engineering programs including aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, geological, mechanical, and petroleum engineering.

“NDUS institutions have a shared commitment to access, collaboration, and workforce development,” said Dr. Allen Burgad, VCSU Interim President. “This agreement demonstrates how we can work together to better serve students and the state.”

The agreement took effect January 1, 2026.

Students in VCSU’s math program enjoy small class sizes and personal connections with their professors.

Donate to the 31st Annual Scholarship Auction: "Stars, Stripes and Scholarships"

This year’s auction theme, “Stars, Stripes & Scholarships,” brings a patriotic celebration to the Valley City Eagles Club on Friday, April 17. Auction items are currently being solicited for the event. Anyone wishing to donate an item can contact the VCSU Foundation office. As the event approaches, a list of silent and live auction items will be made available on the VCSU Foundation website at vcsualumni.org; click on the “Auction” banner.

Auction tickets are on sale now for $70 each, which includes admission, two drink tickets and a buffet dinner. Purchase tickets online or by contacting the VCSU Foundation office at 701-845-7203.

For more information regarding the VCSU Scholarship Auction, to purchase tickets or to donate an item, call the VCSU Foundation Office at 701-845-7203 or visit the VCSU Auction website.

Viking Sports Update

BASEBALL
The Viking baseball team had a good week in Florida, winning three of the four games for the week. The week started with a tough 13-11 loss to Waldorf in a game that the Vikings out hit the Warriors. Then came a three-game winning streak, starting with a 9-2 win over Dordt. Then a 15-14 marathon win over Aquinas College, capped off by a 8-4 win over Cornerstone University. The Vikings continue the Florida trip with games Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. They are currently 4-3 on the trip.

SOFTBALL
The Viking softball team started its trip in Tucson, Arizona with the #18 Northwestern College Red Raiders, a team they just played two weeks prior in Iowa. The Red Raiders again got the best of the Vikings with a 12-4 win. Then Embrey-Riddle Aeronautical University downed the Vikings. The Vikings would split the two games on day 2 with a 15-4 win over Viterbo and a 3-2 loss to Dakota Wesleyan. VCSU defeated William Penn 7-2 before falling to Benedictine 12-11 on the third day of the trip. The Vikings are 2-4 in Arizona with games left on Wednesday and Thursday.

MEN’S BASKETBALL
As the Frontier Conference wrapped up its post season tournament, the Champions of Character were announced and Sam Kobbervig was the recipient from VCSU for Men’s basketball while Aubrey Prunty was the Women’s basketball honoree.

TRACK AND FIELD
The Men’s and Women’s track and field teams are in their final week of preparation of the Outdoor season which is scheduled to start next weekend at the Marauder Outdoor Open in Bismarck at the University of Mary.

GOLF
The Viking Men’s and Women’s golf teams are beginning their practices for the Spring season. They look to have a couple of tuneup tournaments before the Frontier Conference Championships in Arizona at the end of April.

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

March 14
5 p.m. Guest Classical Guitarist: Kenneth Bender, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts

March 16 – 27
Becoming, art show by Hanna Wieland, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts

March 17
7 p.m. Lecture recital by Dr. Thiago Ferreira, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts

March 19
7:30 p.m. Guest Artist: Matt Sargent with Dr. Taylor Long, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts

March 21
2 p.m. Elijah Leik Senior 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/