Rick Hedberg became the vice president for advancement at Minot State University in June 2016. In this role, Hedberg serves as the executive director for the MSU Development Foundation and is responsible for alumni services, annual giving, donor relations, the Minot State Board of Regents, major gifts, social networking, design and print services, university communications, and is the lead fundraiser for the University.
During his time as vice president for advancement, Minot State has enjoyed record levels of giving, including raising $11.163 million in 2020, a high mark for the Development Foundation. In his first five years as head of the department, Minot State has eclipsed $3 million in total funds raised each year. Minot State’s endowed scholarships and programs grew to a record 392 in 2020, and faculty and staff giving is at all all-time high. The MSU Development Foundation’s total assets have nearly doubled to $49.472 million since 2015.
Hedberg has been actively involved in major Minot State facility renovations and projects including the Northwest Arts Center in the lower level of the Gordon B. Olson Library, the Dean Frantsvog Academic Center in the Minot State Dome, the air supported dome at Herb Parker Stadium, and the MSU Dome seating project. Hedberg also oversaw the purchase of Beaver Ridge, a multi-use residential-commercial building near campus, and is currently involved in the first phase of construction of renovations to MSU Summer Theatre.
The University also began a comprehensive, multi-year $40 million capital campaign on July 1, 2019.
Prior to his current role, Hedberg managed the department of athletics, including the University’s move from NAIA status to NCAA Division II. He also spearheaded major renovations to Herb Parker Stadium and Swain Hall. Hedberg, who played men’s basketball for the Beavers, is a member of the MSU Hall of Fame, being inducted in 1997.
Hedberg graduated from Parshall High School in 1984. He graduated from Minot State in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in physical education and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of North Dakota in 1998. Hedberg spent seven years as a math teacher and boys basketball coach at Williston High School. He then became an assistant athletic director at UND from 1999 to 2001, prior to being hired as Minot State University’s athletic director in June 2001.
Hedberg and his wife, Andrea (Limke), have two children, Mason and Maddie. Andrea is a 1992 MSU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, while Mason is a redshirt freshman on the Minot State men’s basketball team. Hedberg is a member of the Bishop Ryan Catholic Schools Board of Regents. He served as a City of Minot alderman, and is a member of a member of the Minot Sertoma Club, Minot Y’s Men’s Club, and St. John the Apostle Catholic Church.
