Minot State University announced a total of 544 students were named to the President’s List, 302 students were named to the Vice President for Academic Affairs’ Honor Roll for Spring 2020, and 17 students earned a spot on the Engagement Honor Roll for Spring 2020.

Students who earned a term grade point average of 3.8 or higher while enrolled for 12 or more credits during the 2020 spring semester were named to the list. The honor will show on the student’s transcript for the semester it was earned.

“Congratulations to the students who have earned the highest academic level of achievement at Minot State University — the President’s List. Each of these students are to be commended for achieving academic excellence during the Spring 2020 semester and for their effort in earning this significant recognition. It is especially admirable given this spring’s unusual set of circumstances requiring the semester be completed online due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minot State President Dr. Steven Shirley said.

Students who earned a term grade point average of 3.5-3.79 while enrolled for 12 or more credits during the 2020 spring semester were named to the VPAA list. The honor will show on the student’s transcript for the semester it was earned.

The Engagement Honor Roll is an opportunity for Minot State University undergraduate students to receive recognition for the engagement activities they participate in while a student at MSU, through inclusion of this distinction on their transcripts. Students must complete a minimum of 50 hours, verified by supervisors, in any combination of engagement activities in order to be recognized during any given term.

MINOT STATE SPRING 2020 PRESIDENT’S LIST

MINOT STATE SPRING 2020 VPAA & ENGAGEMENT HONOR ROLL

For the first time in its 24-year history, Posters on the Hill wasn’t held on Capitol Hill.

Instead, the event, an annual undergraduate poster session hosted by the Council on Undergraduate Research, was held online on April 21.

“While I wholeheartedly understand why it had to be displaced, I was initially quite upset that the event could not take place as expected since I’d been looking forward to it,” said Alexandria Hamm, Minot State biology major and Posters on the Hill participant. “When it was announced that the format moved to a digital meeting, I was glad that it was at least still happening. The transition was a bit rough since my research advisor, Dr. Bobylev (Minot State chemistry professor Mikhail Bobylev), had only experienced the in-person format, but it worked out in the end. I’m thankful we were still able to share our research.”

Hamm was able to share her poster, An Improved Method of Synthesis of a Key Precursor for Multitarget Drugs Against Alzheimer’s Disease, converse with funding organizations that made the research possible, and take the time to look at everyone else’s work during the virtual event.

Named by U.S. News and World Reports as one of 50 Best Careers, Minot State University’s Education Specialist in School Psychology offers a rigorous three-year program emphasizing hands-on experience.

“We are looking for graduate students who desire to be involved in a profession that improves the academic and behavioral health of students in North Dakota,” said Tamara Waters-Wheeler, MSU school psychology director. 

Minot State has reestablished admitting students into the program after ceasing admissions due to the departure of the program’s primary faculty member in the Summer 2018 semester. The program will accept new students until July 31.

The program provides students with the theoretical and practical skills to be an effective school psychologist. The curriculum stresses assessment skills, intervention techniques, and consultative strategies through numerous practicum opportunities.

“Our goal is to address the shortage of school psychologists in North Dakota with a cost-effective and flexible graduate program,” added Paul Markel, Minot State addiction studies, psychology, and social work chair.

Two Minot State choir students participated in a collaborative music video to support essential workers.

Destiny Smestad, freshman elementary education major, and Sage Garrett, a sophomore interdisciplinary studies major, both sang for the cover of Queen’s “We Are the Champions.”

Director of Choral Activities Emerson Eads mentioned the project to his students while they were attending virtual choir classes.

“I was invited by Cindy Oxberry, a director friend of mine from Washington National Opera,” Eads said. “I told the choir about it and offered it as an extra aside if they wished to participate.” We did invite Ms. Oxberry to direct and opera production of Il Barbiere di Siviglia in the Fall of 2018 with Western Plains Opera Company here on the campus of Minot University.

Both Smestad and Garrett have some experience in music. Smestad has been singing since fourth grade, and Garret has been playing the piano for over 10 years.  He started singing when he joined the MSU choir.

They both knew the video would be part of a bigger movement than they have experienced before.

“I was hesitant at first whether or not to participate, but then I realized that this something that is going to make history,” said Smestad. “After seeing the finished product, I was really glad I participated because I can say I was a part of that!”

“I felt I wanted to be part of something that unites everyone in such times when physical distancing is required,” Garrett added.

Many people sent in their individual music tracks from all over the world. Smestad sang from Minot and Garrett from his home in Japan.

Watch the covid-19 support video on YOUTUBE.

When Minot State transitioned to remote learning midway through the Spring 2020 semester, education students had to change the way they delivered their lessons.

Now those lessons are available online at www.MinotStateU.edu/teu/virtual-lessons.shtml.

“The lessons were designed by our teacher candidates who are nearing the end of their program to become elementary teachers,” Kathy Hintz, Minot State teacher education and kinesiology professor, said. “Teacher candidates start in the University classroom and then, later in the semester, typically go out into area schools to teach. Unfortunately, none of the students in our spring methods classes were able to do that so we are sharing the lessons that they designed.”

The lessons, which were created for students in grades K-6, include science, social studies, reading, writing, math, art, and health.

“Many lessons are designed to have kids watch a presentation or video to learn some new ideas and get instruction and then complete an activity,” Hintz said.

The lessons are available until mid-August and are free for anyone to use.

Minot State University Enrollment Services encourages prospective students to schedule virtual admission appointments to help meet all student needs to enroll for the Fall 2020 semester.

Enrollment Services virtual admissions appointments is an online service providing personal meetings with an admissions counselor in a web-based format. A Minot State representative will help prospective students and families with all aspects of admissions, including questions regarding the application process, campus life, MSU’s automatic 4-year award for incoming freshmen, and student resources.

“Our virtual admissions appointments allow a personalized experience for prospective students to ask the questions about what they want to study, campus life, and more,” said Katie Tyler, Minot State director of enrollment services. “Our admission counselors are ready to talk to students about how Minot State fits into their future today!”

Students who are unable to travel to campus or prefer to work in a virtual environment will have the same opportunities to explore all that Minot State has to offer. The virtual sessions are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Central Time) and can be scheduled at MinotState.askadmissions.net/Portal/EI/Search.

The Minot State University Development Foundation announced Wednesday that 1990 graduate Steve Lipp has joined the Foundation as a development officer.

Lipp, a Minot native, worked for the past six years for Bishop Ryan Catholic School as the Director of Mission Advancement and Foundation. Prior to working with Bishop Ryan, he practiced chiropractic in Minot for over 20 years.

“Having passion for the mission of Minot State and its importance for its students, the alumni, as well as the city of Minot is one reason why I accepted the position,” said Lipp. “Just as it was nice coming back to my first alma mater in Bishop Ryan, coming back to my second alma mater in Minot State is very exciting, and I am looking forward to working with the great development team that is in place at Minot State. They have been doing some great things!”

Lipp earned his bachelor’s degree from Minot State in human biology in 1990. He concluded a stellar career as a student-athlete earning NAIA All-American honors in 1989 and 1990 and was inducted into the Minot State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. He earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in 1994 and received a graduate certificate in philanthropy from the University of Mary in 2018.

Lipp is married to fellow 1990 Minot State grad Trini (Lach) Lipp and the couple have three adult children, Madelyn (Lipp) Dinkel, Max, and Murphy, and two grandchildren.

Minot State recently honored 19 students with the Student Leadership & Engagement Award, previously recognized as the Who’s Who Among Students in American University and Colleges. 

Earning the 2019-20 distinction is Alyssa Baerlocher, Bismarck; Audrey Barker, Minot; Jessica Bingham, Max; Lynn Braaten, Minot; Emily Brendsel, Maxbass; Nathan Demme, Minot; Eleni Garbrandt, Minot; Alyson Heisler, Velva; Haley Hildenbrand, Parker, Colorado; Kaitlyn Hill, Bowman; Nabeeha Latif, Minot; Maya Moltzen, Jamestown; Cassidy Nelson, Devils Lake; Jenae Orluck, Beach; Emily Schmidt, Mandan; Kimberly Shappell, Minot; Lane Torgerson, Colstrip, Montana; Hannah Werchau, Minot; and Jordan Will, Minot.

Students are selected based on their academic achievements, service to Minot State and the greater Minot community, participation and leadership in academic and extracurricular activities, and their potential for continued success.

The Great Plains Food Bank is partnering with USDA on their Farmers to Families Food Box Program (F2F). F2F is a new, short term USDA program in response to COVID-19, which helps farmers and suppliers get their food into the hands of families who need it. There are multiple events scheduled for the Minot State Dome North parking lot in July. Drive-thru distribution of this pre-boxed produce is scheduled for July 10 and 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 8 and July 22 are designated for food pantries and agencies to collect boxes.

The Minot State Beaver Boosters are hosting its 33rd annual golf scramble at the Vardon Golf Club on Monday, July 13.  Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.  Burgers and beverages will be served on the course with a dinner after the event.  If you are interested in the event, registration and payment can be done ONLINE.  The scramble will fill up fast, so make sure to register early and join us for a great time! For more information, please contact BROCK WEPPLER.

The Wellness Center will be open Monday- thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. For those students who are not taking classes this summer and want to use the Wellness Center, there will be no membership fees. All users must make an appointment in order to work out at the Wellness Center. Use this LINK to schedule your visit. There will be a limit of 10 people per hour at this time. For those employees who have memberships, we will be in touch with you to discuss options. We will not start payroll deductions back up until you, the member, has given us permission to withdraw funds again. See attached PDF for all Wellness Center guidelines for reopening. For questions please call the Wellness Center front desk at 701-858-4084 or email PAUL BREKKE.

The Minot State Dome is open for third floor walking. The Dome will continue to be closed on the weekends. 

• Operating hours will be from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. (cleaning hour will happen between 12-1 p.m.).
• The northeast entrance door on the third floor of the MSU Dome will be the only entrance and exit to the building for visitors.
• Benches and chairs have been removed, visitors will be asked to stay on the third floor and bring their own water bottles.
• Locker rooms, batting cages, the Dome floor, and the Air-Supported Dome will be off-line until further notice.

Flat Tail Press
The gallery is located in the landing space on second and third floor of the Minot State Student Center, west entrance. It is open while the Student Center is open.

• The Altered Landscape in Blue: Experience "The Altered Landscape in Blue"

Jean-Francois Mondon, professor, world languages and cultural studies, along with Joe Eska (Virginia Tech), gave a peer-reviewed presentation at the 39th East Coast Indo-European Conference (via Zoom) titled "Forced to Force? Preliminary remarks on the architecture of the left periphery of Early Irish and the absolute/conjunct morphological split."

Sayeed Sajal, assistant professor of math and computer science, has received the following distinctions:

• Collaborated with M. Bobylev (Minot State) and other researchers in North Dakota, awarded 2019 NSF EPSCoR RII Track 1 Proposal: ND-ACES (Co-PI/ SP): New Discoveries in the advanced interface of Computation, Engineering, and Science, period covered: Aug. 1, 2020-July 31, 2025, amount of $20,000,000.
• Awarded 2019 ND EPSCoR Collaborative Research as PI collaborated with Co-PI I. Jahan and T. B. Le for the project “Analysis and Simulation of Historical Flooding in Fargo, North Dakota, United States,” period covered: Oct. 15, 2019-May 15, 2020, amount of $10,000.
• Co-authored with Z. Kadry, "Simplifying User Interfaces for Data Science and Machine Learning Applications," presented at the 2020 SDSU Data Science Symposium, Feb. 10-11, 2020, Brookings South Dakota.
• Co-authored with Idim, "Collaborative Filtering in E-commerce Buisiness," presented at the 2020 SDSU Data Science Symposium, Feb. 10-11, 2020, Brookings South Dakota.
• Co-authored with Yang, "Predicting severity and Frequency of Automobile Accidents, and Identification of Accident Hotspots in the U.S.," presented at the 2020 SDSU Data Science Symposium, Feb. 10-11, 2020, Brookings, South Dakota.
• Co-authored with I. Jahan, and K. E. Nygard, "A survey on Cyber Security Threats and Challenges in Modern Society," presented in the 2019 Annual IEEE International Conference on Electro/Information Technology (eit2019), May 20-22, 2019, Brookings, South Dakota.
• Co-authored with Jahan, and K. E. Nygard, "Prediction Model Using Recurrent Neural Networks," presented in the 2019 Annual IEEE International Conference on Electro/Information Technology (eit2019), May 20-22, 2019, Brookings, South Dakota.
• Co-authored with E. Moat, S. Latif, and G. Y. Lazarou, "Large-Scale Planar Arrays with Orthogonal Elements for 5G Mobile Terminals," presented in the 2019 Annual IEEE International Conference on Electro/Information Technology (eit2019), May 20-22, 2019, Brookings, South Dakota.
• Co-authored with B. D. Braaten, "Implementation of Redundancy Techniques using 97% Carbon Content Graphene-based Conductors," presented in the 2019 Annual IEEE International Conference on Electro/Information Technology (eit2019), May 20-22, 2019, Brookings, South Dakota.
• Co-authored with B. D. Braaten, "On the Reliability of 97% Carbon Content Graphene-based Transmission Lines in Bending Applications and Comparison to Copper and Aluminum Conductors," presented in the 2019 Annual IEEE International Conference on Electro/Information Technology (eit2019), May 20-22, 2019, Brookings, South Dakota.
• Co-authored with I. Jahan, and K. E. Nygard, "Cyber-Physical System Security Treats: Challenges and Solutions," presented at the Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium (MICS 2019), April 5-6, 2019, Fargo.
• Co-authored with I. Jahan, and K. E. Nygard, "Mobile Applications Online Review and Rating Research: A Systematic Analysis and Heuristic-Systematic Model," presented at the Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium (MICS 2019), April 5-6, 2019, Fargo.
• Co-authored with Christopher Abbas, "Impact of Software Tools and Environment to the Development Process," presented at the Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium (MICS 2019), April 5-6, 2019, Fargo.
• Co-authored with E. High, " Need and Challenges of Edge Computing in Software Engineering for the Internet of Things (IoT)," presented at the Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium (MICS 2019), April 5-6, 2019, Fargo.
• Co-authored with H. Nwachukwu, "Software Project Management and its Related Factors," presented at the Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium (MICS 2019), April 5-6, 2019, Fargo.
• Co-authored with C. Idim, "System Issues in Software Development-Problems, Effects and Solutions," presented at the Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium (MICS 2019), April 5-6, 2019, Fargo.
• Co-authored with N. Adhikari, "Test-Driven Development (TDD)—Challenges and Potential Pitfalls," presented at the Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium (MICS 2019), April 5-6, 2019, Fargo.
• Co-authored with P. Ibeabuchi, "Software Project Management and Underlying Development Factors," presented at the Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium (MICS 2019), April 5-6, 2019, Fargo.

Holly Pedersen, chair, special education, was named as Minot State Board of Regents Achievement Award winner for 2019-2020 in the area of scholarship.

Jean-Francois Mondon, professor, world languages and cultural studies, was named as Minot State Board of Regents Achievement Award winner for 2019-2020 in the area of scholarship.

Lori Braasch, residence life and housing, was named as Minot State Board of Regents Achievement Award winner for 2019-2020.

Lindsey Benson, financial aid, was named as Minot State Board of Regents Achievement Award winner for 2019-2020.

Aaron Hughes, student activities, was named as Minot State Board of Regents Achievement Award winner for 2019-2020.

Melissa Fettig, director of student health and development, was named Minot State University Staff Senate's April High Five Award winner

Darren Olson, IT director for network services, was named Minot State University Staff Senate's May High Five Award winner.

Debra Haman has been selected as the next director of the Student Health and Counseling Center. Haman has worked in healthcare for 16 years. Most recently, she served as the unit manager at Rehab Care and the director of nursing at Minot Health & Rehab in Minot. Haman takes over for Melissa Fettig, who will be moving to a faculty position in the nursing department.

Kiara Jackson, Minot State social work senior in the dual degree program at NDSU, has been named the 2020 Student Leader of the Year by the NDSU Congress of Student Organizations.