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President's Desk

President’s Column: VCSU proud to play large role in local economy

Jan 8, 2025

Hundreds of VCSU students smile and walk to downtown Valley City for the annual Summer Vikes on Central event with the Valley City community.

By Dr. Alan LaFave

Greetings from VCSU and Happy New Year to all!

As we prepare for the upcoming legislative session, we know there are many items of importance that will be discussed and decided. The economic contribution of the North Dakota University System is reviewed and studied each biennium. The most recent study, released in 2023, provides data on the 2021 economic impacts of the 11 higher education institutions that make up the North Dakota University System. Today, I’d like to address the economic, cultural, and educational impact VCSU has in our community, state, and region.

The economic impact on the Valley City community is widespread and multifaceted. VCSU contributes to the local economy with direct spending, providing jobs, and attracting students and employees who purchase goods and services and in doing so support local businesses. Many of our students remain in North Dakota after graduation, creating a long-term impact through their contributions to the workforce. Some of the key economic contributions include:

  • Direct employment: VCSU is one of the largest employers in Valley City with 196 faculty and staff.
  • Student spending: The university attracts hundreds of students from outside the immediate Valley City area contributing to local businesses, restaurants, housing, and transportation.
  • Visitor impact: VCSU hosts events such as athletic competitions, conferences, and other community events that draw visitors to the region. The Barnes County basketball tournaments, summer athletic and STEM camps, the Medicine Wheel and Planetarium, guest speakers, concerts and performances, and other special events all bring visitors to Valley City who spend resources at hotels, restaurants, and other retail businesses.

According to the most recent study released in 2023, VCSU’s total economic impact from operations and student expenditures was $114 million. Our typical economic contribution is in the $85 – $95 million range, but the construction of the $32 million Center for the Arts in 2021 resulted in an increase of expenditures for that year.  Additionally, VCSU’s economic influence extends beyond Valley City to benefit the state of North Dakota as a whole. The university contributes to workforce development, research and innovation, and regional economic growth:

  • Workforce development: VCSU plays a significant role in producing graduates who go on to contribute to North Dakota’s economy. We offer a range of programs in education, business, science, technology, and the arts – all essential to the state’s workforce needs. In fact, more than 1,500 teachers in North Dakota alone are VCSU alumni. We awarded 134 teaching degrees to undergraduate students last year, which is the most among all NDUS institutions.
  • Research and innovation: Our research initiatives support industries such as education, technology, business, and agriculture. Collaborations between VCSU and businesses or government agencies contribute to economic growth and innovation.
  • Alumni impact: Many VCSU alumni work in North Dakota, and their careers and incomes generate state and local tax revenue. They also contribute to the state’s economy through their work in industries such as education, technology, healthcare, fisheries and wildlife, and government.

Beyond its direct economic contributions, VCSU is proud to play a role in the cultural and community development of Valley City and the broader region. The university’s engagement with local schools, businesses, and civic organizations helps foster community growth, social cohesion and access to higher education. We offer a wide range of cultural and educational programs including performances, athletic events, art exhibits and public lectures – all of which help enrich the community. We also collaborate with local businesses, government entities and nonprofits on projects such as economic development initiatives, STEM education programs and entrepreneurial support.

VCSU is a pillar of both local and state economies, helping to shape the future of North Dakota through education, innovation and community engagement. We are grateful to our community and state for the support of our mission, and pledge to continue our work of preparing the next generation of educated citizens and skilled workforce members for North Dakota.

Go Vikings!