Hotline // September 2, 2026

President's Column: Welcome Back!

By Dr. Allen Burgad, VCSU Interim President

Fall is a fantastic season! Growing up in a farm family, I saw fall as a celebration of hard work for a plentiful harvest. It was also the start of something new. A new school year, new friends, new opportunities to get involved, and new opportunities to learn.

With the start of the new school year at Valley City State University, I would echo the excitement of starting something new for our students, faculty and staff, campus community, and the great community of Valley City.

This year also marks the beginning of our new five-year strategic plan at VCSU. Our strategic plan has two important areas of focus: campus experiences and learning experiences.

Campus experiences embrace opportunities for our students to engage, belong, and get involved during their time at VCSU. We want students to connect with others, explore their interests, and develop leadership skills.

Learning experiences focus on providing rigorous and relevant opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Our goal is to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to be successful in their future careers and communities.

We are also grateful to our many regional business and industry leaders who participate alongside our university faculty and administrative teams through our Business and Industry Advisory Council. The council has two primary goals: 1) identifying the essential knowledge and skills our students need to prepare for the future workforce and 2) expanding internship opportunities that provide students relevant, real-life work experience. This partnership will help guide our coursework and programs while also connecting our students to workforce opportunities throughout our region.

As we begin the year, I can think of no better way to officially launch the 2026-27 school year than Summer Vikes on Central on Thursday, September 10. Summer Vikes brings our students, faculty and staff, local businesses, and community together. It is a great example of what makes VCSU and Valley City special and provides our new and returning students a chance to get to know the community they will call home during their time at VCSU.

A special thank you to the Summer Nights on Central team and all our local businesses and organizations that help make this event possible. We appreciate your partnership and, especially, the warm welcome you provide our students. I hope you will join us downtown September 10 as we officially kick off another great year at VCSU.

Go Vikings!

VCSU and North Dakota Institutions Announce Collaborative Expansion of Women’s Flag Football

4 Universities Adding Women’s Flag Football Programs

NORTH DAKOTA — Valley City State University is one of four North Dakota institutions working together to expand opportunities for women student-athletes through the development of women’s flag football programs and a new regional competitive partnership.

Valley City State University (VCSU), Bismarck State College (BSC), Dickinson State University (DSU), and Mayville State University (MSU), all members of the Frontier Conference, are collaborating to establish a strong foundation for collegiate women’s flag football in North Dakota.

Mayville State will begin varsity competition during the 2026–27 academic year. BSC, DSU, and VCSU plan to introduce women’s flag football through intramural competition beginning in spring 2027, giving students an opportunity to participate while the institutions prepare for varsity competition during the 2027–28 academic year.

Beginning in 2027–28, the four North Dakota institutions plan to compete against one another while also competing against institutions in neighboring states. This collaboration creates an initial regional schedule while establishing a platform for the sport to grow throughout the Frontier Conference.

Women’s Flag Football Growing Nationwide

Women’s flag football is growing significantly nationally. The NAIA has approved women’s flag football as its 30th championship sport beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, with the inaugural NAIA Women’s Flag Football National Championship scheduled for spring 2027. The NAIA has been a national leader in developing collegiate women’s flag football through its longstanding partnership with the National Football League (NFL).

As the North Dakota institutions develop their programs, they also plan to explore opportunities to partner with an NFL organization to support the launch and growth of women’s flag football in the state. A potential partnership could provide additional visibility, resources, programming and opportunities to introduce the sport to young women throughout North Dakota.

This regional momentum aligns with the Conference’s commitment to student-athlete expansion.

Frontier Conference Commissioner indicates the collaboration represents an important opportunity for the conference and its student-athletes.

“The growth of women’s flag football represents an exciting opportunity for our student-athletes and our institutions,” said Frontier Conference Commissioner Scott Crawford. “I commend these four institutions for their collaborative work in building a strong foundation for the sport in North Dakota. Starting with these four programs gives us an opportunity to establish meaningful competition in our region, and we are hopeful that additional Frontier Conference institutions will join them as the sport continues to grow.”

The four institutions hope their collaboration will serve as a foundation for the continued expansion of women’s flag football within the Frontier Conference. Since the NAIA requires a minimum of six varsity programs for a conference to receive an automatic berth into the national postseason tournament, growing the sport beyond the initial four programs is a key priority. Additional conference programs in Montana, Nebraska, and South Dakota would strengthen both conference and regional competition, ultimately providing a direct pathway to national championship opportunities.

The initiative also comes at an important time for the sport nationally. Women’s flag football continues to expand at the high school and collegiate levels and will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Looking Ahead

For the participating institutions, the spring 2027 intramural season will provide an opportunity to generate student interest, introduce the sport on each campus and begin building momentum toward varsity competition. Mayville State’s varsity program will provide an important early foundation as the four institutions work collaboratively on scheduling, program development and regional competition.

The institutions view the initiative as more than adding another athletic program. Women’s flag football provides another opportunity to recruit and retain students, strengthen campus engagement and create a new pathway for women to continue competing while earning a college degree.

“This collaboration is about creating opportunities for young women across North Dakota,” the participating institutions said in a joint statement. “By working together, we can build these programs thoughtfully, establish meaningful competition and provide another pathway for students to pursue both their academic and athletic goals. We are excited about the opportunity to grow women’s flag football in North Dakota and help build its future throughout the Frontier Conference.”

Additional information about the spring 2027 intramural programs, varsity competition, coaching, recruiting, scheduling, and potential partnerships will be announced as institutions finalize plans.

VCSU’s new Tharaldson Family Athletic Center, which includes 80 yards of indoor turf, will be an important asset for Women’s Flag Football, allowing the program to practice throughout the unpredictable spring weather in North Dakota.

VCSU Receives Rankings and Accolades

Valley City State University has been recognized among the 2026 America’s Best Colleges for Women rankings published this summer by Newsweek. It is one of several recent accolades VCSU has received from various groups.

Newsweek America’s Best Colleges for Women

America’s Best Colleges for Women is a comprehensive ranking from Newsweek that evaluates U.S. colleges across four critical categories – leadership, pay and policies, safety and opportunity – and draws on federally reported data.

VCSU tied for the top ranking among North Dakota schools, including receiving a perfect 100 score in the “Safety” category.

Money’s Best Colleges in America

VCSU has been recognized as one of Money’s Best Colleges in America 2026. Money’s analysis showcases the country’s top colleges based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, student debt, alumni salaries and more.

Money.com gives each school a star rating (1 through 5) based on 25 different metrics related to quality of education, affordability, and outcomes. VCSU was ranked a 4-star school by Money.com and is one of just three schools in North Dakota to receive Money’s Best Colleges in America accolade.

VCSU Awards from Research.com

VCSU has also received several awards from Research.com, including having its business, psychology, and elementary education programs ranked among the top programs in North Dakota and the nation. VCSU achieved rankings in the following categories:

• 2027 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Degree Programs in North Dakota
• 2027 Best Online Business Degree Programs Ranking in North Dakota
• 2027 Best Business Degree Programs Ranking in North Dakota
• 2027 Best Psychology Degree Programs Ranking in North Dakota
• 2027 Best Online Bachelor’s in Education Degree Programs Ranking in the USA

VCSU Alumni Association Announces 2026 Homecoming Honorees

Photo, from left: Wes Anderson, Dave Bass and Curtis Olson will be recognized with awards from the VCSU Foundation and Alumni Office.

More than a dozen alumni and friends of Valley City State University will be recognized with awards during the VCSU Alumni Association’s 2026 Homecoming celebration, scheduled for September 18-19.

The VCSU Foundation and Alumni Office annually recognizes alumni with awards at the Alumni Honors Breakfast and the Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

The Alumni Honors Breakfast will be held on Saturday, September 19, at 8:30 a.m. in the VCSU Student Center. The event provides an opportunity for the Alumni Association to recognize outstanding alumni and friends of the university through its Certificate of Merit, Alumni Service, and Distinguished Alumni awards.

Tickets are $10 per person and may be reserved by contacting the VCSU Foundation and Alumni Office at 701-845-7203 or by emailing kim.hesch@vcsu.edu.

Distinguished Alumni Awards

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed by the VCSU Alumni Association. The award recognizes alumni who have achieved prominence in their chosen profession, earned national or international recognition, and are regarded as leaders in their field.

The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are:

• Dave Bass ’77, Valley City, N.D.
• The late Curtis W. Olson ’62, Ivins, Utah

Alumni Service Award

The Alumni Service Award recognizes alumni or friends of the university who have achieved outstanding success in their careers while making significant contributions to VCSU through service, advocacy, volunteerism, financial support, or other efforts that strengthen the institution.

This year’s recipient is Wesley Anderson of Valley City.

Certificate of Merit Awards

Eight alumni will receive the Certificate of Merit Award, which recognizes alumni for professional accomplishments, service, leadership, or other noteworthy achievements.

This year’s recipients are:

• Ashleigh (Crockett) Blikre ’07, Rugby, N.D.
• Lori (Kessler) Demester ’95, New Rockford, N.D.
• Amy (Paulson) Dougherty ’92/’96, Donnelly, Minn.
• Sarah (Pedersen) Lerud ’00, Valley City, N.D.
• Clayton Mannie ’06/M.Ed. ’16, Valley City, N.D.
• Kimiko (Mandt) Milligan ’07, Fargo, N.D.
• Kadie (Anderson) Walls ’19/M.Ed. ’23, Linton, N.D.
• Manix Zepeda ’97, West Fargo, N.D.

Homecoming Events

The public is invited to attend the Alumni Honors Breakfast and join VCSU in celebrating the achievements and contributions of its distinguished alumni and friends.

The Alumni Association is sponsoring a variety of events throughout the 2026 Homecoming weekend. For a complete schedule and additional information, visit vcsualumni.org or contact the VCSU Foundation and Alumni Office at 701-845-7203.

Athletics Hall of Fame

Valley City State University will honor five individuals and one team with induction into the VCSU Athletic Hall of Fame during Homecoming weekend. The Hall of Fame ceremony will be held Friday, September 18, at the Valley City Eagles Club as part of homecoming weekend. For tickets and information, contact the VCSU Foundation and Alumni Office at 701-845-7203.

The 2026 Hall of Fame class includes former student-athletes, coaches, and teams whose accomplishments helped shape the proud tradition of Viking Athletics. Inductees into the VCSU Athletic Hall of Fame include:

• Al Olson ’84
• Andrew Warcken ’99
• Brandon Bata ’07
• Sekani Milligen ’13
• 2012–13 VCSU Men’s Basketball Team

Greg Stemen ’88 will also be inducted into the Osmon Icon Coaches Hall of Fame in recognition of his coaching accomplishments following graduation from Valley City State University.

VCSU Music Hosting "Clarinet Day" on Sept. 23

The Valley City State University Music Department is hosting Clarinet Day at VCSU on Wednesday, Sept. 23, welcoming area high school students for a free day of clarinet activities.

The all-day event is designed to bring high school clarinet students to campus for demonstrations and lessons, masterclasses, a performance as part of the Clarinet Choir, and a recital by renowned clarinetist Christopher Mothersole.

The event is free for high school students to attend. To register, simply contact VCSU assistant professor Jeremy Wohletz at Jeremy.wohletz@vcsu.edu.

Clarinet Day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will also include an evening concert by Mothersole at 7 p.m.

A native of Austin, Texas, Christopher Mothersole is Instructor of Clarinet & Chamber Music at the University of West Georgia. Praised for his “pure, yet colorful tone and amazing technical facility”, Christopher’s work places him at the forefront of clarinet performance with guitar effect pedals. He has presented on this topic for the International Clarinet Association (ICA) on multiple occasions, demonstrating the enhanced sound capabilities of using live effects and working together with composers to create new music for what has been nicknamed “EFX Clarinet”.

Kaur's publication recognized by Strategy and Leadership Journal

Amardeep Kaur, Ph.D., assistant professor for business, was selected as “Pick of the Week” by Dr. David Sapong, Editor-in-Chief of the Strategy and Leadership Journal, on Jan. 6, 2026. Her publication, “Bridging the leadership divide: a longitudinal analysis of gender disparities in senior U.S. workforce roles” can be found at https://www.emerald.com/sl/article-abstract/

Viking Sports Update

FOOTBALL
Valley City State opened the 2026 season on the road at Southwest Minnesota State. The Vikings dropped a 10-7 decision to the Mustangs. Read more at vcsuvikings.com. Thursday, the Vikings host Dickinson State in the 8th Annual Ag Bowl Presented by First Community Credit Union. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. at Dacotah Bank Field/Lokken Stadium. 

VOLLEYBALL
The VCSU volleyball team were in Bellevue, Neb. for the Bruin Classic. The Vikings came away with two wins in the three matches. Read more at vcsuvikings.com. This weekend, Wednesday night the Vikings open the Frontier Conference schedule at Mayville State. This weekend, VCSU will host Montana Western Friday and Montana Tech Saturday at Graichen Gym. First serve on Friday is at 6 p.m., Saturday’s first serve is at 1 p.m. 

KOCKA
Kadie Kocka was named the Frontier Conference Attacker of the Week. Read more about her big weekend at vcsuvikings.com. 

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

September 10
VCSU Convocation
Summer Vikes on Central

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/