Hotline // August 27, 2025
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
- VCSU Ranked #1 Best Small College in ND
- Blunck receives ‘Difference Maker’ award
- Alumni Spotlight: Benjamin Whitmore
- Viking Sports Update
- What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
VCSU Ranked #1 Best Small College in ND
Valley City State University is ranked the #1 Best Small College in North Dakota by Niche.
Niche, a nationally respected college search tool for prospective students and their families, compiles annual college report cards and rankings. Niche’s 2026 rankings were released this week and are based on a thorough analysis of data and actual reviews from students.
Along with being named the #1 Best Small College in North Dakota, Niche also ranks VCSU as the #1 Safest College Campus in North Dakota and the #1 Best School for Education in the state.
“Niche rankings use real data and reviews from actual students – the people who know us best,” said VCSU President Alan LaFave. “We strive to prioritize student success and quality across our institution. These rankings are validation of the quality experiences we provide our students year in and year out.”
Overall, Niche ranks VCSU as #3 in the Best Colleges in North Dakota.
Nationally, VCSU ranks among the top 1% of the Safest College Campuses in America and the top 4% of the Best Colleges for Education in America. VCSU is also recognized for its online programs, coming in as #28 for the Best Online Colleges in America.
Blunck receives ‘Difference Maker’ award
Bridget Blunck, assistant director for institutional effectiveness, received the “Difference Maker” award for August.
Her nomination read, “The Financial Aid and Registrar offices would like to nominate Bridget Blunck as the August Difference Maker. She works in the Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Department. Bridget has been a huge help pulling data, making sure everything was entered correctly for FVT/GE reporting, working in several different systems to complete this. When asked, she also provides student information that requires specific criteria in a timely manner. Bridget is a positive colleague and is always willing to help out when asked. She is a Difference Maker!”
Alumni Spotlight: Benjamin Whitmore
Benjamin Whitmore, a two-time graduate of Valley City State University, was recently named Post-Secondary Professional of the Year by the North Dakota Association for Technical Education. The award, presented in early August in Bismarck, N.D., celebrates Whitmore’s outstanding contributions to career and technical education (CTE), recognizing his innovation, leadership, and dedication to culinary arts.
Currently serving as Associate Professor of Culinary Arts and Chair of the Culinary Program at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), Whitmore’s career is a powerful example of lifelong learning and passion for the culinary arts.
His journey began at Des Moines Area Community College in 2003 where he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary/Chef Training. From there, he launched BLG Concessions, LLC in Iowa where he served as owner and operator until 2022, gaining invaluable industry experience. Before closing the book on his business, Whitmore joined the Culinary Arts Program at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in 2019 as a faculty member, sharing his entrepreneurial endeavors and hands-on expertise with students working towards similar goals. That same year, he began pursuing a bachelor’s of science degree in Career and Technical Education at Valley City State University (VCSU). He graduated in 2021 and immediately started his masters in Education, also at VCSU. He completed that degree in one short year while also teaching full-time. But his commitment to education doesn’t stop there. Whitmore is currently in the process of earning his doctorate in Education at the University of North Dakota (UND), all while teaching and managing the culinary program at NDSCS.
In addition to his formal education, Whitmore has received several industry related certifications from the National Restaurant Association as well as the American Culinary Federation. He holds certificates in ServSafe and ServSafe Instructor as well as a Certified Executive Chef and AFC Certified Executive Chef. These credentials reflect his dedication to staying current in his field and ensuring his students receive top-tier training.
At NDSCS, Whitmore continues to introduce innovative, experiential learning opportunities. His students regularly showcase their culinary talents through community and school dinners and their work has been featured at the Career and Technical Education showcase in the Great Hall for the North Dakota Legislature.
The Post-Secondary Professional of the Year award Whitmore recently received recognizes the finest career and technical professionals at the postsecondary level who have instructed and educated students involved in career and technical education pathways, demonstrated innovation in the classroom, and exhibited dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities. Whitmore’s achievements exemplify these qualities, making him a standout leader in both education and the culinary industry.
Viking Sports Update
Football
The 2025 college football season is off and running around the country. Valley City State University will open its season on the road against Dickinson State on Thursday, August 28th. The Vikings come into the season with depth at many positions and many All-Conference players are returning. On offense, Jake Deutsch returns to lead a talented receiving corps. Deutsch caught 30 passes last season for 385 yards and two touchdowns. Laggarius Marshell is the leading rusher back for the Vikings. He had 393 yards rushing yards on 76 carries and four touchdowns in 2024. At quarterback, the Vikings will have Joey Cave starting on Thursday. The NCAA Division Two transfer was an All-Conference quarterback at New Mexico Highlands University in 2024. The dual threat quarterback threw for 1,252 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He added 482 rushing yards and another seven scores.
https://vcsuvikings.com/news/2025/8/27/football-vikings-open-season-at-dickinson-state.aspx
Volleyball
Valley City State capped off stretch of a five match in three days in Sioux City, Iowa with a four-set win over Missouri Valley College in the Siouxland Invitational. The Vikings won 25-20, 25-14, 21-25, 25-22. Valley City State went 1-2 at the Siouxland Invitational and are 2-3 overall.
https://vcsuvikings.com/news/2025/8/23/volleyball-seniors-lead-vikings-over-missouri-valley.aspx
Golf
Viking women’s and men’s golf is set to start their season hosting the Viking Fall Invite Sept. 28-29 in Bismarck, N.D. at Praire West Golf Club and Tom O’Leary Golf Club. Viking golf features a women’s team returning three seniors in Sarah Monilaws, Sydney Carlson, and Winter Oldrock along with freshman Sadie Neustel. The men’s team has a balance of talented return in Wyatt Meish, Owen Haase, Zach St. Aubin, and Howard Neustel, along with freshmen Nick Meisch, John Renaud, and Tony Piccalo.
What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...
August 18 – October 23
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Do You Feel What I Feel art exhibit, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Gallery
August 27
VCSU Marketplace, McFarland Lawn
September 11
VCSU Convocation
Summer Vikes on Central
September 21
1-3 p.m. Clean the Sheyenne, required registration at Chautauqua Park
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/