Hotline // June 3, 2026

VCSU Announces 3 McCready Scholars

Valley City State University has selected three incoming freshman students to receive the prestigious McCready Scholarship for the 2026-27 school year.

The McCready Scholarship is the highest scholarship available at VCSU and covers full funding for tuition, fees and books for the student’s first four years at Valley City State University.

Noah Hamilton-Dixon, Rhyan Jenson and Isabella Schlick have all been selected to receive VCSU’s top scholarship award starting this fall.

Noah Hamilton-Dixon attends Bigfork High School and is a resident of Bigfork, Montana. He is the son of Stephanie Fetveit and Trevor Hamilton-Dixon and will major in applied kinesiology. He will be running in both men’s cross country and track.

Rhyan Jenson attends Trinity High School and is a resident of Dickinson, N.D. She is the daughter of Bruce and Eliza Jenson and plans to major in music education.

Isabella Schlick attends Mahnomen High School in Mahnomen, Minn. She is the daughter of Gary and Rose Schlick and will major in English Education. She also plans to play in concert band and on the women’s golf team.

About the McCready Scholarship

In 2004, Dr. Richard and Ardis (Severson) McCready established the McCready Scholars Endowment at Valley City State University. Each McCready scholar receives full funding for tuition, fees, and books. The scholarship is re-awarded annually for a maximum of four years of support to those who maintain a 3.5 grade point average and make yearly progress toward their degree.

“The McCreadys believed in lifelong learning and therefore set up an endowment to support students at VCSU. They started with a scholarship in honor of a former faculty member and in 2004 set up their own scholarship endowment. This is our largest renewal scholarship to date,” said Kim Svenningsen Hesch, assistant director for university advancement.

Dr. Richard McCready ‘49, served many years as a professor of quantitative systems at Arizona State University. In 1982, the VCSU Alumni Association presented McCready with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Ardis (Severson) McCready ‘47, served many years as a legal secretary and public school teacher.

Mircsov awarded art residency with North Dakota State Parks

Angela Mircsov, associate professor for art, was awarded an art residency in 2025 with the North Dakota State Parks. She will be at Fort Ransom State Park from June 2-8. During her residency, she will lead a presentation and workshop on June 6. Follow the Fort Ransom Facebook page for the exact time of the presentations. Mircsov will be focusing on creating landscapes and a painting to be donated to Fort Ransom State Park. This art residency program is a project supported in part by a grant from North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Graduate Spotlight: Becca Bohrer ‘26

Rebecca ‘Becca’ Bohrer balanced the role of teammate, student, entrepreneur, and mother during her time at VCSU. Now preparing to enter the workforce, Bohrer hopes her story will not only inspire future students, but her children and family as well.

Hometown: Stanley, N.D.
Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Physical & Health Education, Minor in Business and Coaching Certification

What are you involved in on campus?
I was a thrower for the VCSU track and field team. I was also involved as a Viking Voyage and New Student Orientation prior to my senior year, helping incoming students get connected and feel at home on campus. I was also a part of Viking Catholic. Being involved in these areas has allowed me to build strong relationships, grow as a leader, and stay connected to both the campus community and my faith throughout my time at VCSU.

What inspired you to major in physical education?
Going into my senior year of high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation. A few of my teachers actually held a little “intervention meeting” and encouraged me to look into teaching. I decided to give PE/Health a try because I’ve always had a passion for movement, taking care of your whole being, learning new things, and being in community. That first year was honestly a trial run, but by halfway through my first semester, I knew this was my path. I love getting to be a part of shaping future generations and helping students find activities they enjoy and can continue for a lifetime. I want to be that supportive teacher and coach who helps students grow and feel successful.

How has your experience as a student athlete and a parent shaped your perspective on teaching and coaching?
Being both a student-athlete and a parent has shaped my perspective in so many ways. It has taught me discipline, time management, empathy, and patience. As an athlete, I’ve learned how to work hard, be part of a team, and push through challenges. As a parent, I’ve gained a deeper level of understanding and compassion. My daughter has been at every track meet since she was born, and my teammates have truly become like family to her. Hearing her cheer for me from the sidelines is something I’ll never take for granted. These experiences have shown me how important it is to create supportive, encouraging environments where students feel valued both in the classroom and in athletics.

How did you balance your academics, athletics, parenting, and running your own business?
Balancing everything hasn’t always been easy, but it has taught me a lot about time management and priorities. I rely heavily on routines, planning ahead, and reminding myself to be fully present in whatever role I’m in at that moment. Some days required more focus on academics, while others shifted toward family, athletics, or my business. I started working with a health and wellness company my freshman year, which has allowed me to build a flexible income in the cracks of my day as long as I have my phone and wifi. It’s not always perfect, and the days can be long, but staying organized and keeping my goals in mind helps me continue moving forward.

How has becoming a mother changed your goals or perspective on success?
Becoming a mother completely redefined success for me. It’s no longer just about personal achievement, but about creating a life that my kids can be proud of and inspired by. I want to model hard work, perseverance, and balance, while also showing that it’s possible to pursue your goals without sacrificing your values. It has also given me a deeper sense of gratitude and perspective. I’ve learned to take things day by day and truly appreciate the unique life I get to live.

What motivates you to keep moving forward even on the toughest days?
My biggest motivation is my daughter and the example I want to set for her and my future kids. Keeping my goals in mind of both the life I want to build for my family and the impact I hope to have as a teacher and coach keeps me going each day. On the toughest days, I remind myself that everyone has battles and that growth doesn’t come from ease or complacency. I want my story to show others, especially my kids and siblings, that you can dream big and pursue multiple passions. You don’t have to be just one thing.

Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of everything you’ve accomplished?
One of my proudest moments happened recently when I received a phone call offering me a teaching job after an interview. In that moment, everything really hit me with how far I’ve come, how much I’ve taken on, and how much resilience it took to get there. Balancing being a student, athlete, mother, and business owner wasn’t always easy, but that moment reminded me that all the hard work was worth it and that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

What are your goals now that you’ve graduated – both professionally and personally?
I will be teaching K–5 physical education and have the opportunity to be involved in coaching girls’ basketball, track and field, and a summer strength program. My goal is to create a lasting, positive impact on my students through movement and wellness. Personally, I want to continue growing our family which begins with our wedding just after graduation in May. I plan to continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle and building a life rooted in balance, faith, and purpose.

What advice do you have for students wanting to major in physical education?
My advice is to stay passionate about movement and people. This field is about so much more than sports, it’s about teaching confidence, health, and habits that students can carry with them for life. Be open to learning, stay patient with yourself, and take every opportunity to get hands-on experience. Most importantly, build relationships. The connections you make with your students, peers, professors, cooperating teachers, and school staff make all the difference. Those relationships are what make this career so fun, meaningful, and rewarding.

Viking Sports Update

THE VIKING SCRAMBLE 

The Viking Golf Scramble will tee-off on Friday June 19 at the Valley City Town and Country Club. The Viking Golf Scramble is an annual tournament that raises money for the VCSU Viking Booster Club and student-athlete scholarships. The tournament is a 4-person scramble, with two groups per hole (8-somes). The event includes a lunch on the course. Every hole will feature a contest including a Hole-In-One prize.  

Two Flights will be available at registration.

Register your team today at vcsuvikings.com. 

CAMPS
It will be a busy week of camps at Valley City State. Tuesday, the Volleyball team camp wrapped up after three days. Thursday, the Women’s basketball team will be hosting a Varsity and JV Team camp. Friday and Saturday, Football will be hosting a 9-Man team camp. Next week will be just as busy with a position camp for grades 5-12 Monday-Wednesday. The 11-Man team camp for Football Tuesday through Thursday. 

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

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