Minot State University is pleased to announce clay target as its newest club sport, starting this fall.

Minot State competed in the USA College Clay Target League for a chance to earn a spot in the 2023 College Clay Target League National Championship presented by SCHEELS.

“We are excited to give students an opportunity to participate in the USA College Clay Target League,” said Paul Brekke, MSU Wellness Center director and advisor for the Minot State Clay Target team. “We have a great group of students competing in this year’s league and hope to build on that for the future.”

The USA College Clay Target League was incorporated in 2012 as a non-profit organization geared towards duplicating the Minnesota High School Clay Target League. Minot State becomes one of 10 colleges and universities offering club clay target in North Dakota. In 2022, 350 athletes from 26 teams competed in the league at a national level and approximately 96 high schools competed in the sport this past spring in North Dakota.

“Clay Target is one of the fastest growing sports across the country and has a solid base of high school students participating in North Dakota,” Brekke said. “This will give those students an opportunity to continue to compete at the college level.”

All tournaments in the USA College Clay Target League happen virtually at local clubs. Minot State has partnered with the Minot Gun Club as its host site. This allows all league teams to participate in pre-determined multiple-day time periods and coaches at each institution submit scores.

Any college student is eligible to participate if he/she:

• Possesses League-Approved Firearm Safety Certification, AND
• Meets all school curricular activity eligibility requirements, AND
• If the team has room to accommodate the student-athlete.

Minot State College Clay Targets team began with their first-ever shoot in September. Competing for Minot State this fall is Ryan Delichte, Lane Evanson, Mason Lemer, Eason Martin, Dakota McGee, Becca Nord, and Gage Olson.

Minot State University’s Spring 2024 semester registration is now open for all currently enrolled MSU students.

Minot State and SCHEELS have partnered again this year to give away gift cards throughout the week of Oct. 30-Nov. 3 for current Minot State degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students.

“It has been a great partnership with SCHEELS over the past three years and we are very happy to partner with them again to reward current MSU students,” said Laurie Geller, vice president for academic affairs. “It’s important for students to meet with their advisors as soon as possible and get registered as early as possible as we expect over 1,000 students registering in the first week. Early registration will help ensure our current students get the classes they need in the formats they want.”

Minot State’s priority registration runs until Nov. 3, but students can register for classes up until the start of the Spring 2024 semester, with classes subject to availability.

MSU students should consult their academic advisor by appointment and check with the MSU registrar’s office — in person at Administration Building Room 161, by EMAIL, or by phone at 701-858-3345 — for any holds on their account as part of their planning for their Spring 2024 schedule.

New freshmen and transfer students must complete virtual new student orientation before enrolling and should check their email for information on how to sign up.

Classes are scheduled to begin on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024 after 4 p.m.

Minot State University Professor of Business Information Technology Chad Fenner was recently appointed to be the chair of the Dakota Digital Academy/TechND Workforce Advisory Committee.

Fenner’s service on the committee will help connect the changing technological needs of the workforce to the programs students need for their future careers.

“In this capacity, Chad will be in a unique position to forge digital and cyber educational needs with current and future workforce needs. These areas of expertise and knowledge will be imperative as he leads a group that is engaged on innovative solutions and creative ideas,” said Mark Hagerott, chancellor of the North Dakota University System.

The Dakota Digital Academy (DDA) is a North Dakota University System initiative that collaboratively leverages digital-cyber oriented education, training, and knowledge across all 11 institutions of the NDUS. The Technology Council of North Dakota (TechND) represents software developers, telecommunications companies, internet providers and content developers, system integrators, educational institutions, state agencies, and manufacturers across North Dakota.

“The mission of TechND and the DDA are closely aligned,” said Terry Effertz, executive director of TechND. “The committee combines the strengths of education and workforce needs.”

TechND was founded in 2000 by North Dakota business, government, and education leaders to promote the use, growth, and development of technology in the state. With the rapid emergence of things like artificial intelligence and the metaverse, this committee has the ability to impact change in the digital realm and to provide focus on what areas of study are need for the future of higher education.

The Northwest Arts Center, located on Minot State University’s campus, presents “Artist + Muse,” woodcuts by Charles Beck from the Timothy Murphy Collection.

The exhibition, organized by the Rourke Art Gallery + Museum in Moorhead, Minnesota, will be on view in the Walter Piehl Gallery through Nov. 25 as it tours through the North Dakota Art Gallery Association.

Beck, born in 1923, was a celebrated printmaker and painter who lived and worked in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead in the 1940s where he studied art under Cyrus Running. Beck continued his education at the University of Iowa where he received his Master of Fine Arts degree in 1950 and then returned to Fergus Falls where he worked as a sign painter. In 1953, Beck enrolled at the University of Minnesota where he studied under Cameron Booth, Walter Quirt, and Malcolm Myers. It was here that Beck was first introduced to woodcut prints. Beck joined the faculty at Fergus Falls Community College — now Minnesota State Community and Technical College or M State — in 1960 where he taught for 27 years.

Throughout his life, Beck’s primary subject was the landscape and nature of Otter Tail County and western Minnesota. Instead of an exact representation, he worked to create an interpretation of his own experiences and vision in an honest, modernist style.

The collection of works in the exhibition was assembled by poet Timothy Murphy. An admirer and friend of Beck, he derived both enjoyment and inspiration from his friend’s artwork. Murphy’s poem “Snowgeese” references and gives direct attribution to Beck’s iconic landscape of the same name.

Several of Murphy’s poems are displayed alongside Beck’s prints in the exhibition. Reproduced images of Beck’s woodcuts are also featured in most of Murphy’s published collections of poetry.

“The collection features a wonderful cross-section of Beck’s work from 1966 to 2000,” says Greg Vettel, Northwest Arts Center director. “While primarily featuring the landscape of rural western Minnesota, the prints depict imagery that we would find familiar and relatable in a beautiful, yet simple style. The exhibition’s theme of the ability of artists to inspire others also resonates powerfully.”

The Timothy Murphy Collection includes 24 Beck woodcuts on semi-permanent loan to The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum.

While at the Northwest Arts Center, the exhibition will be available for viewing Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 1-5 p.m. It is closed holidays. The Walter Piehl Gallery is located on the lower level of the Gordon B. Olson Library at Minot State University, with its own entrance on the south side of the library. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Minot State University, in conjunction with Minot Public Schools and Audubon Great Plains, will begin to bring the former Erik Ramstad Middle School site back to life with an exciting urban prairie restoration.

The site will be named Plum River Native Prairie, which serves to honor both the ecological and Indigenous perspectives for the project, and will provide a variety of environmental, educational, economic, aesthetic, and social benefits. Plans were in place to begin tilling in the fall, but Mother Nature intervened and tilling will now start as early as possible in the spring.

“We are very excited to get under way on a project that will provide a unique space for people to interact with a native prairie ecosystem in an urban setting,” said Chad Williamson, MSU assistant professor of wildlife ecology. “This ecological restoration project will not only increase native biodiversity and rare species but promote social well-being and experiential education opportunities for the greater Minot community.”

Although the area currently resembles a mowed field with a few overgrown parking lots, residents may notice heavy equipment arriving on the site within the next few weeks as ground tilling kicks off the first phase. Gooseneck Implement has graciously agreed to provide the equipment that will be used to break up the current vegetation and soils at no cost to the project.

“We are thrilled and filled with anticipation as we prepare to literally break ground on the Plum River Native Prairie project,” said Dan Conn, MSU associate professor and chair, teacher education and kinesiology. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gooseneck Implement for their incredible generosity in lending both their equipment and expertise to this endeavor. With this support, we are now embarking on the exciting journey of transforming 14 acres of land into a living and informative learning space for individuals of all ages throughout the Minot community and beyond.”

Next spring and summer, the site will be treated with herbicides and additional tilling to prepare for seeding next fall. Site plans include maintaining the existing walking track, sidewalks, and parking areas for local residents and visitors. Residents should expect the project to take several years before the site begins to resemble a native prairie with specific areas designated for mixed-grass and wildflower species. When mature, the site will provide habitat for a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that may not currently be found in the city.

The Minot Symphony Orchestra, with the support of the Northwest North Dakota Community Foundation and the John and Elaine Andrist Family Trust, is proud to announce its first ever outreach tour to Northwest North Dakota.

The organization will be represented by the SubZero Winds, a woodwind quintet composed of five members of the Minot Symphony Orchestra: Elizabeth Demme, adjunct professor in performing arts, flute; Tim Baumann, oboe; Charlie Young, associate professor of performing arts, clarinet; Sheri Lien, bassoon; and Deanna Carpenter, adjunct professor in performing arts, French horn.  The quintet will provide four school engagement events to K-12 students in NW North Dakota as well as a featured concert at Concordia Lutheran Church in Crosby on Tuesday evening, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.  All events are free and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Performances will include a variety of musical styles, including original works for the woodwind quintets, famous works arranged for the ensemble, and works by living composers. School outreach events will be 30 minutes in length and the evening concert will be around 60 minutes in length.

The Minot Symphony Orchestra is a unique blend of student, community, and professional musicians from the Minot area. The symphony is directed by Maestro Efraín Amaya, associate professor of performing arts at MSU.

On Nov. 8 at noon, Minot State University will host a virtual information and Q & A session with our colleagues from North Dakota State University. Dean Bresciani, School of Education; Laura Parson, assistant professor of educational and organizational leadership; Chris Ray, associate professor and head of the School of Education; and Nathan Wood, associate professor and program coordinator in educational and organizational leadership, will be available to give program overviews and answer questions. While this event is geared to individuals interested in student affairs and higher education administration careers, everyone who would like to hear more about student affairs practices should attend.

Four program opportunities will be discussed: graduate certificate in student affairs administration; master’s degree in educational leadership-higher education with an emphasis of your choice, such as student affairs; a Doctor of Education with a focus on organizational learning and leadership; or a doctorate in education with a focus on organizational learning and leadership or higher education administration. All programs meet in a HyFlex delivery model from 4:30-7 p.m. Classes are offered at 50% tuition discount through a partner NDUS institution. The certificate program consists of four classes focusing on student affairs issues and would give staff or faculty a better understanding of student affairs-related issues and best practices. More information is available below:

• Graduate certificate in student affairs administration
• Higher education program overview
• Doctoral degrees

Please consider coming to the session in the Westlie Room at noon on Nov. 8 or join via ZOOM, meeting ID 923 9432 5939. For more information, contact KEVIN HARMON.

The POWER/TRiO Center is planning an afternoon celebration in honor of National First-Generation Day. The event is open to all students, faculty, and staff. Join the POWER/TRiO staff in the POWER Center (located in the lower level of the Gordon B. Olson Library) on Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 1-4 p.m. to engage with fellow students, enjoy some treats, and engage more with this national celebration.

First Generation Day is annually recognized nationwide on Nov. 8 in honor of President Lyndon B. Johnson signing into action the Higher Education Act in 1965. This act helped develop federal funding for programs like TRiO to provide additional opportunities to students who would benefit from postsecondary access. While recognizing the amazing contributions of first-generation students, the First Generation College Celebration is also a call for action from university and government officials to continue systemic social change to break down barriers.

Enjoy a night of poetry reading with local poet Kimberly L. Becker and student poets from Minot State’s Poetry Writing Workshop on Thursday, November 9 at 7pm in the Northwest Arts Center. The author of five poetry collections, Becker is of mixed descent, including Cherokee. Her work appears widely in journals and anthologies, and she has received numerous grants and residencies, including a nomination for a Pushcart Prize. This Native American Cultural Celebration is sponsored by the Division of World Languages and Cultural Studies and the Minot State Diversity Council. It is free and open to the public. For more information, see attached POSTER.

Staff Senate is excited to welcome Josh Pikka, who has worked for the Minot Public Library since 2016, to present this professional development session to faculty and staff on the skill of asking questions. Pika's Master of Library and Information Science degree gives him a great background to help us unpack this topic! The session will be in the Westlie Room at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

This customer service focused session will help you learn what follow-up questions you should be asking, how to succinctly determine who someone has already talked or what they have already tried, how to ask the questions the customer may not know to ask, and how to explain complex processes by phone. If you have a question on these topics that you would like Josh to address, you can submit your question HERE. The event poster is ATTACHED.

For this Veterans Day, the Minot State Military Resource Center and the Department of Humanities are running a Veterans Day Poetry Contest. We are hoping for those in any way affiliated with the military — past or present, town or gown, staff, faculty, students everyone — to enter our contest and write a poem having as its theme the good, the bad, or the ugly of military life. As those of us who have been part of it know, it is a rich heritage — there is no more multi-cultural experience a person can have than in the military and there are light moments as well as dark ones. Help us celebrate this Veterans Day with a poem. Winners get cash prizes. See the QR code on attached FLIER for details. Poems due no later than Nov. 15. We will publish the winners and will share them with the world in every way we can. For more information contact Andy Heitkamp, Military Resource Center director, by EMAIL or Robert Kibler by EMAIL or phone at 701-720-2716. Let's make some poetry!

Join US over the noon hour, 12-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, Third Floor Atrium, Swain Hall. Bring your lunch, and we provide coffee and snacks.

We are a world increasingly in conflict—which is a difficult achievement, given our history of conflict. But because of the inherent inclination towards violence and war characterizing the very same humanity that abhors it, rules and laws intent on regulating the horrific impact of war have developed over time. Today, International Humanitarian Law, the 1949 Geneva Conventions, and the Additional Protocols to the Convention govern conflicts across the globe—sort of. But what constitutes humanitarian law? We will briefly discuss how the laws of war developed, their current status, and what we all need to know about the definition and treatment of enemy combatants, civilians, and prisoners of war once International Humanitarian Law is declared active in a region.  The aim is to move into a discussion about the morality of war overall. Can there be such a thing as a good war?  

Panel includes:

• Robert Kibler, professor of humanities at Minot State, military veteran and former instructor of international humanitarian law 
• Andrew Schultz, lawyer, criminal and family law, Worthington and Schultz Law Firm, Minot 
• Raman Sachdev, assistant professor of philosophy, Minot State, specializations in early modern philosophy and skepticism

All are welcome. For more info contact Kibler by phone at 701-720-2716 or by EMAIL.

The Student Health Clinic and Counseling Center is pleased to announce an author visit. Kate Simonet was an NCAA DII athlete and wrote a memoir, "Out of the Darkness." She will be presenting on campus Monday, Nov. 27 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall. To receive a complimentary copy of her book, contact the Student Health Clinic.

Simonet is a mental health and suicide prevention advocate. She travels to schools and organizations, speaking to students about the importance of asking for help and breaking the stigma around mental health struggles. She is currently living a life she never thought possible when originally diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Now, it has become her goal to teach people that there is hope in not only managing a mental illness, but in living a successful and happy life regardless of your mental health status. "Out of the Darkness," a memoir, is her first book.

KMSU, Minot State’s radio & TV station, is pleased to announce its 25th annual Auction. The KMSU Auction is an annual live televised auction hosted by Minot State broadcasting students on the campus television station, KMSU Channel 19. This year’s KMSU Auction will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30. Pre-show starts at 5:30 p.m. and the auction starts at 6:30 p.m. on KMSU Channel 19 and streaming live on YouTube at KMSU Auction. There will be multiple items auctioned, ranging from numerous physical items to gift cards. All items for the auction are donated by local businesses in town. All viewers are welcome to call in and place bids on air during the allotted time. The number for bidding will be posted on the TV. KMSU invites all community members to support the Minot State Professional Communication Department and Domestic Violence by bidding live. For more information, see attached FLIER or for questions contact, Janna McKechnie by EMAIL or Great Godwin by EMAIL.

Northwest Arts Center
The gallery is located on the lower level of the Gordon B. Olson Library, with its own entrance on the south side of the library. The arts center is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 1-5 p.m., and by special arrangement. It is closed holidays.

• Artist + Muse: The Northwest Arts Center presents "Artist + Muse," woodcuts by Charles Beck from the Timothy Murphy Collection, on view in the Northwest Arts Center’s Walter Piehl Gallery through Nov. 25. The exhibition, organized by the Rourke Art Gallery & Museum, Moorehead, MN, is currently touring through the North Dakota Art Gallery Association.

Flat Tail Press
Flat Tail Press is an educational printmaking studio at Minot State University. The gallery is located in the landing space on second and third floor of the Minot State Student Center, west entrance. It is open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-12 a.m.

• Chris Mortenson: Tumulus: Moorhead-based artist brings his poignant series of photographs to the Flat Tail Press Gallery. The exhibition, titled "Tumulus," presents images of people and landscapes from Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range. Since its mining beginnings in the 19th century, the area has endured many boom-and-bust cycles, and Mortenson’s images hold a tension between the beautiful, altered landscape and the evidence of human struggle. Mortenson has shown his work nationally and internationally and is an associate professor of art at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Evan Borisinkoff, associate professor in the Department of Special Education, received an outbound award from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Borisinkoff traveled to Kampala Uganda on April 4 as part of the Professional Fellows Program on Civic Engagement implemented by the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston and Humanity and Inclusion. He assisted professional fellow Priscilla Kisakye Mugume, a lobbying and advocacy officer at the Uganda Society for Disabled Children, with implementing her project on increasing parent involvement in the participatory budgeting process to improve inclusive education efforts for children with disabilities. Read more about Evan’s outbound fellowship experience in this recently published BLOG.

Emerson Eads, professor of music, had his choral work "At the Dawn, I Seek Thee" premiered in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 28 by the Vocal Arts Ensemble of Ann Arbor and their director, Benjamin Cohen. It will be heard here in Minot for Northwest Festival’s concert on Saturday, Nov. 4 by the Concert Choir under the direction of the composer. More information available HERE along with recording.

Vicki Michels, chair and professor in addiction studies, organized and moderated the panel of four brave students who went on stage and talked about their recovery from drug and alcohol addiction during Recovery Reinvented at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall.

Chad Fenner, assistant professor in business information technology, was recently appointed to be the chair of the Dakota Digital Academy/TechND Workforce Advisory Committee. The Dakota Digital Academy (DDA) provides digital-cyber oriented education, training, and knowledge that is produced collaboratively across the 11 institutions of the North Dakota University System. The Technology Council of North Dakota (TechND) represents software developers, telecommunications companies, internet providers and content developers, system integrators, educational institutions, state agencies, and manufacturers across North Dakota. Working collaboratively, the DDA and TechND workforce advisory committee will forge digital and cyber educational needs to meet current and future workforce needs.

Dane Schaffer, associate professor in science education, presented "The Highs and Lows of the Weather - A Look into Nor-easters and The Winter Bomb Cyclone" at the National Conference of the National Science Teaching Association in Kansas City, Missouri. Schaffer was also an invited panelist at the session "Using NSTA in Lieu of a Textbook w/Preservice Teachers: Instructors' Stories," discussing using the NSTA Learning Center as a textbook in her science methods courses.

Jenni Anderson, administrative assistant in the Department of Criminal Justice, was October’s winner of the Staff Senate High Five Award. She is pictured HERE with Minot State President Steven Shirley and Staff Senate President Tiffany Pierson. Anderson has worked at Minot State for the past 10 years. She and husband, Nathan, have been married for 23 years and have three children, Kaydra, Cole, and Claire, along with two dogs, Dax and Layla. Outside of MSU, she enjoys going to the lake, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Amanda Duchsherer, who has served as the digital communication specialist in Minot State’s University Communications and Marketing departments, began as the office manager for MSU’s Advancement and MSU Development Foundation starting Nov. 1.

Heather Halverson, Enrollment Services assistant director, was honored as the 2023 Dakota  Association for College Admission Counseling (DACAC) Individual Rising Star recipient on Sept. 20 in Baltimore. A current member of the DACAC's professional development committee, Halverson helped plan the 2023 DACAC conference. She received the recognition due to being action-orientated and optimistic attitude and for being highly reliable. Her contributions to the DACAC affiliate and profession are highly valued.

Krista Lambrecht was been named Minot State’s vice president for administration and finance with a starting date of Monday, Dec. 4. Lambrecht comes to MSU from Williston State College where she is currently serving as the vice president of business services. She also has higher education and governmental experience in North Dakota having worked in the ND University System’s internal audit office and serving a number of years in the North Dakota Office of the State Auditor. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, both in accounting, from NDSU.

Steven Schultz was named the Minot State cross country coach after leading the program as interim head coach in the fall. He will continue as an assistant coach for distance runners for the Minot State track & field programs. Schultz joined the Minot State track and field program during the 2022-23 season as the throws coach for the Beavers and moved into the role of interim head coach for cross country when former Minot State head coach Sarah Fowler took the head coaching position at Seton Hill (Pa.) in August. 

Bonnie Trueblood, office manager for Minot State Advancement and the MSU Development Foundation, announced her retirement effective Oct. 31. A huge thank you to Bonnie for all the outstanding work she has done in both advancement and for the Development Foundation.

Carissa Bieri, Mary Carlson, Safia Amin, and Matthew Westereng were awarded the M. Bryce Fifield ACCESS Scholarship which assists students with disabilities finance their college experience and attend MSU. NDCPD’s Consumer Advisory Council Scholarship Committee screens applications and awards the scholarship.

Robert Hubbard, professor of theatre at Northwestern College,  a 1991 graduate of Minot State, and a MSU Academic Hall of Fame inductee, is the author of a recently published book titled “Scenes With My Son: Love and Grief in the Wake of Suicide.” The book is a poignant tribute to his son, Auggie, who took his life at the age of 19 after struggling with clinical depression for more than five years. Copies will be available for sale on AMAZON.

Cheryl Nilsen, professor emeritus, was recently awarded the 2022-2023 Service to the Profession Award by the Communication Speech and Theatre Association of North Dakota at its September conference in Mandan. The award was given in recognition for the work she does managing, scheduling, and adjudicating speech meets and adjudicating one-act play competitions.

EMPOWER grant awards: Congratulations to those who received an EMPOWER grant award and thank you to everyone who applied. During this round of funding, 21 proposals were submitted for a total of $291,604.96 in requests; seven (7) of them totaling $112,112.86 were funded for fiscal year 2024. The list of the awards is posted on the EMPOWER grant site. Funding for this grant program was made possible by the MSU Development Foundation through the EMPOWER capital campaign.