Hotline // July 5, 2023

VCSU Rated as One of the Best Colleges in America

Rating by Money.com determined through quality and affordability

Valley City State University (VCSU) has been rated as one of the Best Colleges in America for 2023 by Money.com.

VCSU was given four out of five stars and is one of four North Dakota schools included in the ratings. The overall ratings are determined by comparing acceptance rates, affordability, graduation rates, and employment after graduation. VCSU was one of 736 colleges in the United States listed.

“External ratings reinforce the approach we are taking to helping students achieve their goals. We are proud to be recognized by another entity for our quality and affordability,” VCSU President Alan LaFave said. “VCSU continues to invest in our students, take steps to help keep a college education affordable, and ensure students have access to one of the best educational experiences possible.”

VCSU has seen enrollment grow by 21% in the past decade, in part due to continued scholarship support for students. Scholarships are provided through the generous support of donors and the VCSU Foundation, providing almost $2 million in scholarships last year. According to Money.com, 92% of VCSU students with financial need receive grants.

“Supporting students and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to pursue an education is one of our most important missions,” Executive Director of the VCSU Foundation Cory Anderson said. “We are grateful to work with so many dedicated donors and alumni who are committed to helping the next generation of students succeed.”

For more information about scholarship support at VCSU, contact Cory Anderson via email at cory.anderson@vcsu.edu. To arrange an interview about VCSU or the Money.com ratings, please contact Tammy Jo Anderson Taft by emailing TammyJo.Taft@vcsu.edu, or calling 701-845-7227.

VCSU selects Coca-Cola Company as campus beverage vendor

Valley City State University (VCSU) has selected Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country (CCBCHC) as the new beverage vendor for the campus. The selection was made after a competitive bid process.

Coca-Cola will supply vending machines, beverage service stations in the cafeteria, athletic concession and support various student activities throughout the school year. The contract begins in the middle of July.

“We are excited to work with Coca-Cola to support the students and employees here at VCSU,” Dr. Erin Klingenberg, Vice President for Student Affairs, said. “Partnering with a company like Coca-Cola helps us provide the highest-quality experience for everyone on campus.”

“At CCBCHC we are excited to begin this new partnership with Valley City State University,” Marquel Berger, Business Development Manager for the Plains Division of Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country said. “We are looking forward to serving the faculty, students, staff and guests. We take pride in providing best in class service and brands and look forward to providing refreshments to everyone on campus.”

For more information about changes to vending services, please contact Dr. Erin Klingenberg via email at erin.klingenberg@vcsu.edu. To arrange an interview about VCSU, contact Tammy Jo Anderson Taft by emailing TammyJo.Taft@vcsu.edu, or calling 701-845-7227.

President's Column: State Board of Higher Education June meeting held on VCSU campus

We were excited to host the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) on our campus for their June 27, 2023 meeting. The SBHE is the policy-setting and advocacy body for the North Dakota University System and the governing body for North Dakota’s 11 publicly supported colleges and universities. The SBHE is made up of seven citizen members appointed to four-year terms by the governor and one student appointed by the governor to serve a one-year term. The Council of College Faculties select the board’s non-voting faculty advisor, and the North Dakota State Staff Senate selects the board’s non-voting staff advisor.

This is the first meeting held on campus since the fall 2018 semester, when the board appointed me as the 14th president of VCSU. It’s hard to believe that was nearly five years ago! The adage that time flies is certainly fitting in this case. During that time the campus has undergone many changes and improvements. Most notably, the completion of the Center for the Arts, where the meetings for the board were held. We were so pleased to host them on our beautiful campus.

Meetings of the SBHE include discussion of important policy. During this meeting, the board heard reports from the Chancellor, budget and finance committee, audit committee, research and governance committee, efficiency and opportunities ad hoc committee, and post-tenure ad hoc committee. The board also heard reports from the North Dakota Student Association, Council of College Faculties and Staff Senate.

I wish to extend sincere thanks to our facilities personnel and staff for assistance in the preparation of campus and facilities for this meeting. Special thanks to Dr. Jamie Wirth, Department Chair, Mathematics, and Director of the Great Plains STEM Education Center for an outstanding report and update on the Math Pathways initiative – aligning math curriculum with appropriate coursework for various disciplines and IN-STEM. Both initiatives have statewide implications, and his report was outstanding and appreciated by the SBHE.

This meeting was the final meeting for board member Nick Hacker, Bismarck. We thank member Hacker for his outstanding support of higher education during his time as a board member and as past Board Chair. Mr. Hacker served the North Dakota State Senate from 2004-2008 in District 42. His leadership, vision, and ability to communicate were superb and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Additionally, this meeting was the final meeting in which Dr. Casey Ryan, Grand Forks, served as Board Chair. He also serves as Co-Chair of the Research and Governance committee. We are grateful he will be continuing as a board member and wish to thank him for his leadership and direction provided in his important role as Chair. Vice Chair Tim Mihalick, Minot, has been elected as the next chair for the SBHE and Dr. John Warford, Bismarck will assume the role as Vice Chair.

As we continue to move our campus forward together with new facilities, campus updates and renovations, additional programs and workforce initiatives, we thank the SBHE for their support, advocacy, and leadership.

Technology education professional development held at VCSU 

The VCSU Technology Department welcomed 10 Technology and Engineering Educators to campus on June 20 for a Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunity sponsored by the North Dakota Technology and Engineering Educator’s Association (NDTEEA). On day one,  a three-person UND Aviation team provided insight into Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Drone technologies. Later in the presentation, all were provided the opportunity to practice flying drones in Graichen Gym. Each attendee left with free racing drones and new curriculum.

In other sessions on June 22, the department coordinated industry tours for educators to better understand program needs related to the private sector. Local Valley City industry tours included John Deere and Freedom Machine Group. Attendees also learned more about 3D Printing from LulzBot who came from Fargo to share knowledge and equipment options. A final visit included taking the NDTEEA group to the Valley City High School Technology Education Lab. To round out the on-campus experiences, there were many round table discussions and a presentation of the Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy (STEL). This event was coordinated by NDTEEA Members and VCSU faculty Clay Mannie and Jason Dockter.  NDCTE TEE State Supervisor Tracy Foss was also instrumental in supporting this opportunity. 

Girl Scouts receive awards

Several members of the VCSU community were recently honored at the Honoring Excellence Girl Scout Awards ceremony on June 10 at the Avalon Events Center in Fargo, N.D.

Jackie Owen, disability support services & learning center coordinator, received the District Leading the Way Award which recognizes a volunteer whose outstanding service is inspiring to those around them and is an example of an ideal Girl Scout volunteer.

Abigail Wangrud (daughter of Sarah Wangrud, academic & student affairs) received a silver award for her project, Restock the VCSU Resource Pantry So No College Student Goes Hungry. The Silver Award is the highest award that a Cadette Girl Scout can earn by identifying issues in the community, learning about the factors that contribute to them and carry out a plan to make positive and lasting change.

Kaydence Blunck (daughter of Will Blunck, network administrator, and Bridget Blunck, institutional data analyst) & Kaitlyn Wangrud (daughter of Sarah Wangrud, academic & student affairs) received a bronze award for their project Tennis Ball Libraries.

Viking Athletics announces several staffing changes

DEMARIA HIRED AS HEAD BASEBALL COACH
Valley City State University has hired Alec DeMaria as its next head baseball coach.

DeMaria worked the past four seasons as a pitching coach at Dakota State University (S.D.). and the University of Minnesota-Crookston. A native of Fresno, Calif., DeMaria played college baseball for four years as a pitcher at the University of Mary (N.D.) prior to starting his college coaching career.

Prior to accepting the VCSU job, DeMaria was the pitching coach for the past two seasons at Dakota State University where he helped the Trojans turn their program around and contend for a North Star Athletic Association conference title. DeMaria’s pitching staff at DSU set numerous school records and produced the conference’s Pitcher of the Year and three 1st Team All-Conference selections this past season.

STEVE OLSON JOINS ATHLETIC STAFF
The Valley City State University athletic department announced recently that Steve Olson has been hired as Interim Director for Athletic Development and Game Management.

A 1988 VCSU graduate, Olson will be responsible for the development and implementation of fundraising programs and revenue opportunities to support VCSU’s athletic programs. He will also oversee the management and coordination of game day operations and promotional activities at athletic events.

The hiring of Olson solidifies VCSU’s new leadership structure in athletics. After one year leading the department as interim, McCulloch has been named full-time athletic director and head football coach by VCSU president Alan LaFave. Assistant athletic director Anna Bratsch has been promoted to Associate Athletic Director. She will also continue to lead the athletic training staff as the Director for Sports Medicine.

With McCulloch remaining on as dual athletic director and football coach, the department was able to hire Olson to help lead athletic fundraising and game management.

VCSU SOFTBALL HIRES ASSISTANT COACH
Valley City State has named Vance Christianson as interim assistant coach of its softball program, head coach Matt Gable has announced.

Christianson comes to VCSU from Mayville State where he served two seasons as interim head coach and two seasons as assistant coach for the Comets. As interim head coach, Christianson coached four players to All-Conference honors and three players to the NSAA Gold Glove team.

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

Find out what’s happening in the community on the Valley City Community Calendar: https://www.valleycitycalendar.com/

Find out what’s happening at the VCSU Center for the Arts: https://www.vcsu.edu/center-for-the-arts/fine-arts-calendar/