Aug. 31, 2016

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Briley Crissler, Minot State University student, is one of two recipients awarded a $5,000 Bakken U Scholarship.

The North Dakota University System and the NDUS Foundation announced the awards Aug. 30. The North Dakota Petroleum Council and the Hess Corporation donated funding for the scholarships.

Crissler, a Belcourt native, majors in business management after working in the oil industry. He thanked NDPC, the NDUS Foundation and Hess Corporation for supporting a generous scholarship.

“North Dakota is at the forefront of America’s energy revolution, and it is very encouraging to see the university system taking steps to provide programs and resources that promote students in the energy industry,” Crissler said. “The Bakken U Scholarship will substantially reduce the cost of my education and provide motivation as I work toward earning my degree.”

Faculty, staff and students helped freshmen move into the residence halls on Move-in Day. Accompanied by a picnic, Residence Life and the Housing Office sponsored the event to welcome students and their families to campus.

MSU President Steven Shirley, pictured on the left, leads by example by helping the students. MSU staff Paul Brekke and Devin McCall also assist students.

The North Dakota Humanities Council joins Minot State University to present a new PBS documentary film, “Command and Control,” based on award-winning author Eric Schlosser’s book, “Command and Control: Nuclear Weapons, the Damascus Accident and the Illusion of Safety.” The film will be shown Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. in Aleshire Theater as a part of the Northwest Art Center lecture series.

The lecture series continues Sept. 12 with “Discovering the Age of Discovery: MSU Students in Spain and Portugal." Andrea Donovan, assistant professor of art and humanities, and MSU students will share their summer experiences in Spain and Portugal.

Futurepalooza, an annual signature event, showcases professionals and post-secondary schools and highlights career and educational opportunities for high school and Minot State University students. MSU will host Futurepalooza Sept. 13. Students, parents and community members are invited to the free presentations and informational booths, 9 a.m.-noon.

“One of the state’s most unique college fairs, Futurepalooza starts with a keynote address to fire up students about their futures,” said Carissa Botton, admissions counselor. “Dan Conn, teacher education assistant professor and our keynote this year, will tackle challenges that students face with automation, globalization and never-ending technological advancements. He will advise how to prepare for those challenges by shapeshifting into the future.”

Minot State University President Steven Shirley will lead discussion about “State Budget Implications to MSU” Tuesday (Sept. 6) in a Democracy Café at Broadway Bean and Bagel from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.

Western Plains Opera Company presents "Rigoletto," an opera in three acts by Giuseppi Verdi, in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall. Performances are Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 11 at 3 p.m.

During Homecoming Week, Minot State University hosts the Community Block Party Sept. 13, 5-7 p.m., in front of the Dome on 11th Avenue. The Block Party, which is free and open to the public, promises family fun and entertainment for all ages. There will be free food (while it lasts), bounce houses and assorted kids’ activities, door prizes and music by the MSU Marching Band.

Homecoming coronation is set for 6:30 p.m. Following the Block Party, the MSU Soccer Team hosts the University of Mary at 7 p.m. at Herb Parker Stadium. In case of inclement weather, all Community Block Party activities will move inside the Dome.

In its 10th year, NOTSTOCK continues to provide unique opportunities for guests to participate in the arts. Sept. 21-24, Minot State University’s annual live, signature arts festival, NOTSTOCK 2016, celebrates four days of printmaking, poetry, music, ceramics, theatre, film, foreign language and broadcasting. It also features three special art exhibits. All events, which are free and open to the public, take place on MSU’s campus.

“NOTSTOCK looks like an energetic bohemian arts event, but it is layered with education, exposure and opportunity for all ages,” said Bill Harbort, art professor and NOTSTOCK co-organizer. For a complete list of times and events, visit www.msunotstock.org. All events and performances are free and open to the public.

The start of fall Minot State University classes shows positive enrollment trends. While first-day enrollment is 3,300, a slight decrease of 1 percent, several areas are trending upward.

The total number of new students, including freshmen, transfers and new graduate students, is currently 791, up 10 percent over last year’s first-day figures. Included in these new student numbers is the largest number of new transfer students in a decade. Additionally, following three years of decline, the number of new freshmen increased for the second straight year. Preliminary reports also show a significant increase in the number of Native American students attending MSU, as well as an increase in the number of students taking MSU classes at the Minot Air Force Base.

“Although overall enrollment is still down slightly following a few challenging years since 2011,” said Steven Shirley, Minot State president, “We are definitely trending in the right direction with these very positive increases in new students, especially freshmen and transfers, choosing to continue their education at Minot State University.”

 MSU enrollment numbers may change, as official enrollment numbers are not reported to the North Dakota University System until after the fourth full week of classes. 

The North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities, a Center of Excellence at Minot State University, has been awarded a contract from the N.D. Department of Health, Suicide Prevention Division to provide four safeTALK suicide prevention trainings throughout the region. SafeTALK is a half-day alertness training that prepares anyone over the age of 15, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper.

“Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives,” said Christine Brigden, project coordinator. “Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive. SafeTALK-trained helpers can recognize these ‘invitations’ and take action by connecting the individuals with life-saving intervention resources, such as caregivers trained in applied suicide intervention skills training.”

College Choice, a leading authority in college and university rankings and resources, recently ranked Minot State University’s College of Business as the sixth most affordable undergraduate business school in the country.

“Minot State’s College of Business is a top-notch, accredited program and provides a solid business education at an affordable price,” said Jacek Mrozik, College of Business dean. “Because of our quality and affordability, our graduates efficiently enter the business world with good starting salaries.”

The ranking was based on collected data including: individual school programs, academic reputation, student retention, special accreditation by business associations, gainful employment statistics and tuition gathered from each school and various business school accreditations. 

Once again, Apple fully sponsored the collection and recycling of Minot State University’s electronic waste. This year, 20 pallets with an estimated weight of 13,000 pounds were shipped out Aug. 19, heading for Sims Recycling Solutions in West Chicago, Ill. The e-waste consisted of unusable, university-owned electronic and computer equipment, previously deemed scrap and beyond repair.

Information Technology Central and Office of Facilities Management staff collected the e-waste from campus offices and departments. Minot State remains eco-friendly while disposing of scrap items at no cost. Certification of destruction and recycling of the materials will be provided when the process is complete. For questions, contact George Withus, information technology director of computer support services, at George.Withus@minotstateu.edu.

Minot State University welcomes new employees, Tawnya Bernsdorf, Maria Buchholz, Nathan Hopkins, Benjamin Lishner, Danielle Reinisch, Kay Rodgers, Sayeed Sajal, Kimberly Tiedman and Carlos Vieira.

Bernsdorf, instructor of business administration, returns to MSU, where she was the inaugural director of alumni relations and annual giving until 2011. Previously, she worked at the North Dakota Port Services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management and a master’s degree in management from Minot State. Currently, she is a Sertoma member and sits on the MSU Athletic Advisory Council and the boards of Souris Valley United Way and the MSU Men’s Hockey Team.

Buchholz, assistant professor of criminal justice, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology and a master’s degree in criminal justice from North Dakota State University. Currently, she is working on her dissertation to complete a doctorate from NDSU. The Washburn native will be married this spring and plans to honeymoon in Jamaica. She is excited to be a Beaver!

Hopkins, assistant professor of geology, previously taught at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa. He received a bachelor’s degree in geological sciences from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and a doctorate in earth and environmental science from Lehigh University.

Lishner, assistant professor of theatre arts, previously taught and earned a Master of Fine Arts at California State University, Long Beach. He received a bachelor’s degree from Goucher College, Baltimore. He and his wife, Margaret, have a dog, Gorki.

Reinisch, instructor of nursing, comes to MSU from Trinity Health. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from MSU and a Master of Nursing Education from the University of Mary. She married Nick in April 2016.

Rodgers, instructor of nursing, was previously employed at Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, Minn. She received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Bemidji State University and a master’s degree in nursing and education from the University of Phoenix. She and her husband, Delmar, are busy empty nesters with three grown children, nine grandchildren and two dogs.

Sajal, assistant professor, mathematics and computer science, previously taught at NDSU. He holds a master’s degree from NDSU and is currently pursuing a doctorate from there.

Tiedman, instructor of nursing, was previously employed by Trinity Health. The Minot native holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Medcenter One College of Nursing and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix. She and her husband, Doug, have three daughters and two dogs. The family enjoys playing sports, exercising, gardening and attending local high school, university and community events.

Aug. 18-Sept. 24 — NOTSTOCK artists, printmakers Dan McCarthy of Boston and Neal Williams of Eugene, Ore., display stunning detailed screen prints of nature and other subject matter, as well as posters for bands and movies, Library Gallery.

Aug. 22-Sept. 30 — Americas 2016: All Media features traditional and experimental works of any medium and is juried by Kim Fink, UND, professor of art and printmaking, Hartnett Gallery.

A public reception for the NOTSTOCK artists will be Sept. 22 in the Library Gallery from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The Office of Public Information proudly shares the many accomplishments of faculty and staff with the campus community in every issue.

Chuck Barney, director of the Severson Entrepreneurship Academy, attended the Yale Executive CEO Summit June 7-8 in New York City.

Dan Conn, assistant professor of teacher education, had a research article, “What are we doing to kids here?” included in Curriculum and Teaching Dialogue, volume 18, numbers 1 and 2, pp. 25-41.  

Guy Hanley, assistant professor of science and curator of collections, co-authored a revisionary paper on South American Ladybird beetles titled South American Coccinellidae (Coleoptera), Part XVII: Systematic revision of the genera Cyrea Gordon and Canepari and Tiphysa Mulsant (Hyperaspidinae: Brachiacanthini).” The paper describes 76 new species and provides identification keys and illustrations for 121 total species. It was published June 24 in the international entomological systematics journal Insecta Mundi.

Mary Mercer, North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities assistant director for program management, recently presented “Unplugging Power Struggles” at the 21st Annual NAQ Conference in Louisville, Ky.

Submissions Due: noon Sept. 7, 2016
University Communications, Administration, second floor
Email: michael.linnell@minotstateu.edu
Voice: 858-3298 - Fax: 858-4481

Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.