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Hotline

Hotline 6.21.21

Jun 21, 2021

Hotline bi-weekly newsletter

This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:

The VCSU Hotline online newsletter is published bi-weekly during the summer. The deadline to submit articles (photos encouraged) is 3 p.m. Friday. Please submit articles to jerilyn.beckman@vcsu.edu.


President's Column

Dr. Alan LaFave, VCSU President

Greetings from Valley City State University,

Summer is a time for project completion, welcoming new employees to campus, and recognizing folks for achievements and honors.

I am happy to report that we’ve selected a new Dean for our School of Education to continue our legacy of inspiring teachers for North Dakota and beyond. Dr. Allen Burgad, a former VCSU student-athlete and alumnus, assumed his role in early June after previously serving as assistant superintendent for West Fargo Public Schools. We are lucky to have his expertise and happy that he has returned to VCSU.

Dr. Burgad will inherit a top-ranked elementary education program, according to rankings released by Study.com. VCSU leads the list of the Best Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Degree Programs compiled at Study.com. The rankings list 50 schools nationwide, including several universities in the Midwest. I would like to thank Dr. James Boe for his exemplary leadership as Interim Dean during an unconventional year – his service to VCSU doesn’t go unnoticed.

At last count, we have 1,438 alumni serving as licensed teachers, administrators, and education professionals at 336 schools and education units in 157 North Dakota communities. The impact our teachers have is astounding. We are proud of our rich history of educating teachers.

Also deserving of recognition is VCSU’s Dave Bass, assistant professor in the School of Education and Graduate Studies, who was recently named the 2021 North Star Athletic Association Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) of the Year.

Bass has served as VCSU’s FAR for more than 20 years, acting as a liaison between the athletic department and the institution as well as handling eligibility and academic questions. He was inducted into the VCSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017 for his many years of service to VCSU as a coach and FAR. Bass is also the NSAA eligibility chair and the FAR liaison to the NSAA Board of Directors.

Our talented and dedicated faculty are part of what makes VCSU what it is – a student-centered, exceptional university. We are happy to welcome Dr. Burgad as the new leader for our school of education and recognize Mr. Dave Bass for his student-focused and legacy of leadership at VCSU.

Go Vikings!

Get to know Dr. Casey Williams

Dr. Casey Williams talking to student

From the swamps and bayous of Louisiana to the desert streams of West Texas and mountain rivers of Idaho, Casey Williams, professor of science, has studied across the continent. He teaches field ecology, conservation biology and his favorite, biostatistics. “The best part of my job is interacting and working with students,” he said. “I really appreciate good discussions in which students use critical thinking while arguing their informed opinions.”Read more about Dr. Casey Williams

Mirscov attends FATE Infrastructure Conference

portrait of Angela Mircsov

Angela Mircsov, assistant professor of art, attended Foundation Art Theory and Education (FATE) Infrastructure Conference on April 15-17. This was an online conference where Art Educators from around the country met to discuss how they have changed approaches in teaching studio art online due to COVID. Mircsov is aiming to bring the information she has learned back to the art department to share with her colleagues.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

COVID-19 vaccine information coronavirus update

Everyone 16 years of age and older is now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. VCSU health officials encourage everyone to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic.

City-County Health District is hosting many vaccine clinics offering all brands of the COVID-19 vaccines. Register for your COVID Vaccine today! If the scheduled dates and times of vaccine clinics do not work for you, call CCHD at 701-845-8518 to schedule an appointment.

Not sure if you want to vaccinate? Click on these links for more information:

Be a Viking Hero – Vaccinate!

Coronavirus Update

Stay informed about campus coronavirus information with the following resources. Click each link to learn more.

Vikings sports update

Sports update Viking Athletics

Bass named NSAA FAR of the Year athletics photo
Dave Bass, assistant professor in the VCSU School of Education and Graduate Studies, has been named the 2021 North Star Athletic Association Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) of the Year, the conference announced June 7.

Read more: http://www.vcsuvikings.com/article/4086

Smith and Hamre named Honorable Mention All-American
Valley City State University seniors Emily Smith and Jorun Hamre have been named Honorable Mention All-American by the NAIA national office.

Smith earned the honor after a stellar season as a pitcher for the VCSU softball team. Hamre was named baseball All-American after setting the single-season school record with 18 home runs this season.

VCSU Football adds to coaching staff

VCSU football head coach Dennis McCulloch announced that Alex Kretzschmar has been hired as a full-time offensive assistant coach, and Alec Brown has joined the staff as a new graduate assistant. Kretzschmar previously coached at Dakota State University.
Read more: http://www.vcsuvikings.com/article/4090

Former graduate assistant PJ Peterson, a VCSU alumnus, has accepted a position as a teacher and the head football coach at Lake Park Audubon in Minnesota.

What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City

What's happening on campus - in town

Monday, June 21
Summer Solstice

Tuesday, June 22

  • 5 p.m. VCBC Public Library activity Outdoor Team Party, Library front Lawn

Wednesday, June 23

  • 10 a.m. VCBC Public Library story hour in the park with the Wonder Weavers
  • 6:30 p.m. Kids Club Event with games snacks, and Bible story, Granger Hill Park and Plecity Mobile Home playground, for more info call 845-1649
  • 7:15 p.m. Music in the City Park featuring Kroshus & Krew

Thursday, June 24

  • 11 a.m. VCBC Public Library craft animal hand puppets, Library Front Lawn
  • 5 p.m. VC Eagles Auxiliary hamburger night, VC Eagles Club
  • 6 p.m. VCBC Public Library making potato chips, Library

Saturday, June 26

  • 1 p.m. VCBC Public Library SVFA animal dos and don’ts seminar, Pioneer Park
  • 5:30 p.m. Jamestown Speedway Thrills & Spills night

Tuesday, June 29

  • 5 p.m. VCBC Public Library ping pong cannon, Library Parking Lot

Wednesday, June 30

  • 10 a.m. VCBC Public Library story hour with Reada Reedy, Pioneer Park
  • 6:30 p.m. Kids Club Event with games snacks, and Bible story, Granger Hill Park and Plecity Mobile Home playground, for more info call 845-1649
  • 7:15 p.m. Music in the City Park featuring Kathie Brekke & the 42nd Street Jazz Band

Thursday, July 1

  • 11 a.m. VCBC Public Library Fox Craft Needlepoint Take n’ Make, Library Front Lawn

Saturday, July 3

  • Sanborn Fire Department Independence Day Celebration with 10 a.m. parade and kids races to follow, 12 noon Veterans Park Memorial Dedication, and fireworks at dusk
  • Ashtabula Fireworks Association fireworks show at dusk, Ashtabula Crossing 

Sunday, July 4
America’s Independence Day 

Monday, July 5
VCSU Office Closed

Go to https://www.valleycitynd.org/calendar.php to see more events happening in and around Valley City.