President’s Column: Greetings from Valley City State University

By Dr. Allen Burgad, Interim President

As I begin my role as Interim President of Valley City State University, I would like to introduce myself to the Valley City community and thank you for the warm welcome I have already received.

I was born and raised in Strasburg, North Dakota, and I am a proud 1989 graduate of VCSU’s teacher education program. For my wife, Lee, and I, Valley City State University has always been more than a campus—it has been home. We were grateful for the education and community we experienced as students, and that gratitude deepened as our three children, Eric, Aaron, and Ashlee, each earned their degrees from VCSU. During their time here, it was the people—faculty, staff, and community members—who supported them as they grew into confident adults and launched their professional lives. That sense of care and connection is one of VCSU’s greatest strengths.

I was saddened when President Alan LaFave shared that he had accepted the presidency at his alma mater Northern State University. His leadership brought tremendous growth, innovation, and strong community partnerships to VCSU. We are deeply thankful for his service and commitment to our students, faculty, staff, and this community. He will be missed, and his impact will continue to shape the university.

After more than 30 years in North Dakota education—serving as a teacher, principal and superintendent—I returned to campus in 2021 as Dean of the School of Education and Graduate Studies with a renewed appreciation for the mission of this institution. From my first day back, I was struck by the dedication of our people and the powerful role VCSU plays in supporting families and preparing students for meaningful careers. The culture of care, pride, and collaboration here, along with President LaFave’s mentorship, inspired me to step forward and serve in this interim role.

In the weeks following my appointment, my first priority has been listening and learning. I have begun meeting with departments across campus to better understand their accomplishments, their priorities, and the important work they do every day. Just as important, these conversations focus on how I can best support their efforts during this transition. Those discussions will continue as we begin the spring 2026 semester.

I am working alongside our administrative cabinet to thoughtfully identify priorities for the coming months and to keep our focus on advancing VCSU’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. Throughout my career, I have learned that strong institutions grow through trust, collaboration, and relationships. I look forward to being present on campus and in the community—listening, learning, and building connections with the many people who care deeply about our students and the future of VCSU.

As we begin the spring 2026 semester, I am filled with optimism. Valley City State University is a vibrant institution that has served generations of families and continues to prepare students to pursue their dreams and contribute to their communities. It is a university we can all be proud to call home, and I am honored to serve it during this important time.

Sincerely,
Dr. Allen Burgad
VCSU Interim President