Hotline // August 2, 2023

President's Column – New faces, new roles, continued commitment to excellence

Greetings from VCSU!

As we enter the first week of August, planning efforts for resuming fall classes and activities are in full swing! We look forward to welcoming our returning students back to campus, as well as a large group of new students. Athletic teams are already returning to campus and will be beginning formal practice sessions soon. It’s an exciting time, to be sure.

You may recall a press release from VCSU athletics in late June that described some of the new faces and roles in our athletic department. It’s a good thing to be able to welcome successful alumni back to VCSU in the role of staff, faculty, or coaching. One of those people that we’ve welcomed back this summer is Steve Olson. Steve has joined our institution as the new Director for Athletic Development and Game Management with responsibilities for the development and implementation of fundraising initiatives and revenue opportunities to support VCSU’s athletic programs. He will work closely with the VCSU Foundation and Alumni and the Department of Athletics. This is a critically important time for our university and athletic program. We have had a very successful summer with the capital campaign and realize the need for improved facilities is paramount to our future success.

A 1988 graduate of VCSU, Steve brings a wealth of experience to this new position, including more than 30 years of working

with college athletics. Steve’s hire helps solidify our athletic department administrative structure by advancing Anna Bratsch to associate athletic director and removing the “interim” tag from Dennis McCulloch as athletic director. Good teams need individuals who bring different strengths to the table and that is precisely what has transpired this summer.

We also are very pleased to welcome the following new coaches to our university; Michelle Meiklejohn, head volleyball; Jayden Wilson, assistant volleyball; Alec DeMaria, head baseball; Vance Christianson, assistant softball; and Ethan Postler, assistant football. We are excited to have them join our Viking family and look forward to supporting them and their teams in the years ahead. Please join me in welcoming these new coaches to VCSU and the Valley City community!

I look forward to introducing our new faculty and staff in an upcoming article later this month. In the meantime, I hope you can find time to enjoy the remainder of the summer and connect with your friends and family.

Go Vikings!

VCSU hosts North Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference

The North Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NDCTM) recently held a two-day conference on July 18 & 19 at Valley City State University. With a theme of “Make Your Impact Exponential” the event aimed to empower elementary, secondary and post-secondary classroom teachers to transform mathematics education and drive exponential growth in their classrooms and communities.

Harmony Richman, assistant professor for education and president of NDCTM stated, “It is with great excitement that we gather at VCSU to celebrate the profound impact of mathematics education in our schools and communities. The last time we gathered face-to-face was in 2018 right here at VCSU! This conference serves as an opportunity to bring together passionate educators in mathematics education, united by a common goal: to enhance teaching and learning.”

The conference witnessed a turnout of 42 dedicated educators including representatives from elementary schools, high schools and post-secondary institutions across North Dakota. These passionate professionals came together to share insights, exchange best practices and explore innovative approaches to elevate the standard of mathematics education in the region.
The event featured a diverse array of 22 breakout sessions that covered a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from modern teaching methodologies to the integration of technology in mathematics instruction. Participants actively engaged in discussions and hands-on activities, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of collaborative learning and growth.

The highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by esteemed educator and researcher, Dr. Theresa Wills. Their presentation, titled “Ah-ha Moments – Where Did They Come From, Where Will They Go?” inspired attendees to reflect on the moments of revelation in their teaching careers and how to nurture these breakthroughs to benefit both teachers and students.

The banquet speaker, Dr. Bridget Brooks, delivered a compelling presentation titled “From Just Good Enough to PhD: The Impact of Educators Over a Lifespan.” Dr. Brooks shared her personal journey and highlighted the profound impact that educators can have on students’ lives, guiding them from their early years to their pursuit of higher education.

The ND Council of Teachers of Mathematics looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering excellence in mathematics education and inspiring educators to make a positive, exponential impact on their students’ lives.

Summer Vikes on Central set for September

Summer Vikes on Central, part of the Summer Nights on Central series, will take place September 7 on Central Avenue in Valley City.

Schedule of Events:

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

Saturday, August 5

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/