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Hotline

Hotline 9.27.21

Sep 27, 2021

Hotline bi-weekly newsletter

This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:

The VCSU Hotline online newsletter is published weekly during the school year. The deadline to submit articles (photos encouraged) is 3 p.m. Friday. Please submit articles to jerilyn.beckman@vcsu.edu.


President's Column: Welcome to new staff on campus

In addition to the new faculty, I introduced previously, we also have two dozen new staff members.  Although they’re not typically in the classroom, these individuals often have much direct contact with students and contribute greatly to making a VCSU education what it is for our students and their families.

Joining the staff at VCSU are the following 17 individuals who assume a variety of roles, from coaching to Enrollment Services to Facilities and more.

Dr. Allen Burgad

Allen Burgad – dean, school of education

Erin Edinger

Erin Edinger – interim director for residence life

Rebecca Gourde

Rebecca Gourde – library associate

Michaela Hamilton

Michaela Hamilton – human resources/payroll specialist

Tammy Jo A. Taft

Tammy Jo A. Taft – director for marketing and
communication

Alec Brown

Alec Brown – graduate assistant football

Danielle Kobata

Danielle Kobata – assistant athletic trainer

Alex Kretzschmar

Alex Kretzschmar – interim assistant football coach

Dalvin Simmons

Dalvin Simmons – graduate assistant football coach

Charles Bowen

Charles Bowen – heat plant operator

Wayne Kuntz

Wayne Kuntz – maintenance/plumber

Michael Baughman

Michael Baughman – heat plant operator

Andrew Schwab

Andrew Schwab – heat plant operator

Dennis Moore

Dennis Moore – building services

Lynn Wilson

Lynn Wilson – building services

Paul Thilmony

Paul Thilmony – building services

It should be noted that Allen, Erin and Paul are all VCSU alumni.

Other staff members recognized formally at Welcome Week include the following seven individuals who joined us during the last academic year. They also participated in our group orientation sessions this August. This group includes:

Rachel Bopp

Rachel Bopp – administrative and assessment assistant

Samuel Carroll

Samuel Carroll – student records specialist

Sheldon Greywater

Sheldon Greywater – admissions counselor

Taylor Henningsgard

Taylor Henningsgard – interim assistant women’s basketball coach

Cory Ley

Cory Ley – building services

Russell Marker

Russell Marker – building services

Daniel Ryan

Daniel Ryan – building services

Note that Cory also graduated from VCSU.

That’s 24 people in new staff roles here at VCSU. Each of them plays a key part in providing our students with the coaching, services and facilities needed to succeed here in Valley City, and we are proud to have them on the VCSU team.

Go Vikings!

VCSU Homecoming this week

VCSU Home Sweet Homecoming 2021 logo

The VCSU Alumni Association invites you to join alumni and friends of VCSU for many of the activities planned for homecoming this week. Check out the full schedule of events for alumni and students at VCSU.edu/homecoming.

Valley City State University Enrollment Grows for 9th Consecutive Year

Students on the lawn at Valley City State University
Students, faculty, and staff attended Fall Convocation at Valley City State University

Headcount has increased 24% in the past decade

Graduate studies experience growth

Valley City State University (VCSU) enrolled 1,686 students this fall, registering the most students in the school’s history in a fall semester. Fall enrollment has grown for nine consecutive years.

The 1,686 count of students includes a record-breaking 163 students in graduate studies. Graduate program enrollment increased by 20% this year.

“The continued growth of our student body is a testament to the quality of the educational experience we provide,” VCSU President Dr. Alan LaFave said. “Our faculty and staff strive to offer the best possible experience. That dedication shows as more individuals choose to become a part of our Viking family.”

“We place student success at the heart of our mission and that, combined with our Forward Together capital campaign and rankings as a U.S. News Best College, continue to propel us forward,” LaFave said.

“Students and their families continue to trust VCSU with their future. Their choice makes it clear that a degree from VCSU carries strong credentials,” LaFave said. “Our success is the result of years of support from our community, state and alumni.”

“We are particularly pleased with the strong growth in our graduate studies. This area aligns with our strategic focus to provide programs supporting teachers in North Dakota,” LaFave said. “We have developed multiple programs including the Rural School Partner Benefit Program and Master of Arts in Teaching to match our educational opportunities with the needs of our state’s workforce.”

A photo of President Alan LaFave speaking at convocation
President Alan LaFave addresses the students, faculty and staff of VCSU

“We are seeing increased interest in our Graduate Studies programs, and we are continuously developing courses and curriculum to meet the needs of our future students,” Dr. James Boe, Dean of Graduate Studies, said.

For more information about the fall 2021 headcount, Graduate Studies or to arrange an interview, contact Tammy Jo Anderson Taft by emailing TammyJo.Taft@vcsu.edu, or calling 701-845-7227.

Out of the Darkness walk Oct. 3

out of the darkness logo

VCSU is a proud sponsor of the Valley City Out of the Darkness Walk, an event that raises awareness and funds for suicide prevention. This year’s walk will take place on Sunday, Oct. 3 from 3–4 p.m. on the track at Lokken Stadium. The event provides an opportunity to remember those we’ve lost to suicide, honor those who personally struggle, and provide support to those who come to the walk looking for community and healing. We’d love to see a large campus community presence this year! You can register at www.afsp.org/valleycity or create a fundraising page if you’re interested. Please contact Katie Woehl, event co-chair, with any questions.

Global Exploration Club raising funds for Costa Rica trip

flamingo on lawn

In addition to the flamingo fundraiser, the Global Exploration Club will host the following events this fall to raise funds for their spring break trip to Costa Rica.

Saturday, Oct. 16
8 a.m. 5K and Fun Run, Jefferson Loop
$10/Adult, $5 Children ages 12+

Monday, Oct. 18
5-7 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner, Eagles Club

Oct. 29-31
6 p.m. Haunted House, Allen Memorial Library
$5 entry

To participate in the flamingo fundraiser, please contact Dr. Kiersten Baughman, kiersten.baughman@vcsu.edu, indicating your support. If you agree to participate, a flock of approximately 10 flamingos will appear at some point in the future in your yard, with your options being to 1) pay $10 to have them removed, 2) pay $20 to send them to another specific location, or 3) pay $30 to send them to a specific address and ensure you do not receive them in your yard again. If you support this cause, 100% of proceeds fund the cost of the trip for our students. We plan to begin flocking yards as early as possible, and you can anticipate the flamingos staying for 1-3 days depending on coordinating efforts.

Baughman published in Teaching Psychology Online

Dr. Kiersten Baughman

Kiersten Baughman, associate professor of social science, wrote two chapters in the recently published, Teaching Psychology Online. The publication can be found here: https://teachpsych.org/ebooks/teachpsychonline

Baughman’s chapters are Cognition and Brain Science: Integrating Lab Science in the Online Curriculum and Intimate Partner Violence: Incorporating Health and Wellness in the Online Curriculum.

COVID-19 Campus Information

vaccination clinic on Wednesday, Sept. 29

VCSU is encouraging all members of campus to get vaccinated and every member of campus to make safe decisions in regard to wearing a mask, physical distancing and hand washing.

You are valued. Get vaccinated.

  • WHAT:  Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
  • WHEN: Wednesday, September 29th
  • WHERE: Skoal Room, Student Center
  • TIME: 10:15 am to 12:15 pm
  • Pre-Registration preferred & recommended: https://www.ndvax.org//appointment/en/reg/9169520921
  • Pre-registration link will be inactive on 9/24/2021
  • Didn’t get a chance to pre-register?  Walk-ins will be accepted, but please bring your insurance information
  • Getting your second COVID-19 dose: Bring your COVID-19 Vaccine Card!

See other locations where you can get a vaccine
Free vaccines are available in many locations. Find a location, choose the vaccine you prefer and get your free COVID vaccine. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to get their COVID vaccination.

Viking Sports Update

Football
Sept. 25: VCSU 28, Iowa Wesleyan University 14
The No. 20-ranked Valley City State football team remained undefeated with a 28-14 road victory Saturday at Iowa Wesleyan University. The Vikings improved to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in conference play. 

Volleyball
Sept. 24: VCSU 3, Waldorf University 1
Sept. 25: Viterbo University 3, VCSU 1
Sept. 26: Morningside 3, VCSU 0
Viking Volleyball improved its conference record to 2-1 after splitting a pair of conference matches this week. The Vikings defeated Waldorf in four sets, and lost to No. 3 Viterbo in four sets. VCSU is now 5-12 overall and 2-1 in the conference. 

Cross Country
Jasmine Barnes placed second and Jayden Wheeling was fifth as the Viking cross country teams competed Friday at the Shane Grever Invitational in Dickinson, N.D.
Complete results: http://www.vcsuvikings.com/article/4147

Baseball
Friday: VCSU 4, Dickinson State 3; VCSU 8, Dickinson 6
VCSU Baseball swept a home doubleheader against Dickinson State on Friday, 4-3 and 8-6. The Vikings are now 4-0 overall this season. 

Golf
Valley City State women’s golfer Hayley Shanks finished with medalist honors Monday, Sept. 20, after carding a career-best 162 (82-80) at the Spartan Invite.
Complete results: http://www.vcsuvikings.com/article/4141

Upcoming Events
Sept. 26-27: Golf at University of Mary Invitational (Bismarck, N.D.)
Sept. 29: Baseball at Dickinson State, 3 p.m. CT (Dickinson, N.D.)
Oct. 2: Football vs. Mayville State, 2 p.m. (Valley City)
Oct. 2: Volleyball at Bellevue University, 2 p.m. (Bellevue, Neb.)
Oct. 3: Softball vs. Bismarck State, 1 p.m. (Valley City, scrimmage)
Oct. 3: Volleyball at Dakota State, 2 p.m. (Madison, S.D.)
Oct. 3: Baseball at University of Jamestown, 2 p.m. (Jamestown, N.D.)

What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City

What's happening on campus - in town

Ongoing
Anika Hsiung Schneider art exhibition, Yellow Colander, White Walls, McCarthy 3rd Floor gallery

Monday, Sept. 27

  • 4 p.m. 39th Annual Bill Osmon Fun Run, Lokken Stadium
  • 4-6 p.m. Farmers Market, Rosebud parking lot

Tuesday, Sept. 28

  • Noon Rotary Club, VCSU

Wednesday, Sept. 29

  • Noon Kiwanis, Valley City Town & Country Club

Thursday, Sept. 30

  • 7 a.m. Optimist Club, Vicky’s Viking Room
  • 4-6 p.m. Farmers Market, Rosebud parking lot

Friday, Oct. 1

  • 2:30 p.m. Alumni Welcome Back Ice Cream Social, Student Center
  • 3 p.m. Alumni campus tours, Student Center
  • 5 p.m. Hall of Fame social, Valley City Eagles
  • 6 p.m. Hall of Fame Banquet & Ceremony, Valley City Eagles
  • 7:30 p.m. Ployhar Honor Band, Vangstad Auditorium

Sunday, Oct. 3

  • 2:30 p.m. Out of the Darkness community walk, Lokken Stadium

Monday, Oct. 4

  • 4-6 p.m. Farmers Market, Rosebud parking lot
  • 5-7 p.m. Domestic Violence Awareness Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser, Valley City Eagles (free will offering)

Go to https://www.valleycitycalendar.com/ to see more events happening in and around Valley City.