Miya Smalls

Lori Nehlsen Grad

Graduate School Student Message

Lori Nehlsen's journey through education and research is a narrative of dedication, intellectual curiosity, and leadership, marking her steadfast commitment to education. Her experiences have honed her leadership skills and contributed significantly to the academic community.

In January 2024, Lori achieved a significant milestone by successfully defending her thesis on the preparedness of elementary teachers in the U.S. and Canada to teach science, completing her Master of Education degree at Minot State University only two short years after completing her Bachelor of Science in Education with a Major in Elementary Education in December 2021. These achievements and her acceptance into the Doctorate in Education program at the University of Northern Colorado, beginning in August 2024, speak volumes about her academic prowess and unwavering pursuit of knowledge.

Working alongside Dr. Daniel Conn from Minot State University and Dr. Franklin Allaire from the University of Houston, Lori conducted a study assessing elementary grade teachers' competencies in teaching science. This endeavor employed the CP2R analytic tool, highlighting Lori's ability to bridge theoretical frameworks with empirical research. Her dedication to this project was evident as she presented her findings at the American Association for Teaching and Curriculum (AATC) conferences in Chicago, IL in 2022 and Louisville, KY in 2023. Furthermore, at the Association for Science Teacher Education in New Orleans, Lori's research explored the efficacy of science teaching through the Sci-TES analytical tool, cementing her reputation as a rising scholar.

Lori's academic journey was punctuated by presenting three insightful papers at the AATC Conference in Louisville. There, she showcased her passion for education and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and eloquently. Her role in introducing the keynote speaker, Dr. Adrienne Dixson of the University of Kentucky, further demonstrated her professionalism and poise, earning her widespread respect and admiration from her peers.

Beyond her scholarly endeavors, Lori has steadfastly committed to integrating diverse knowledge and perspectives into STEM education. Her involvement in the CIRCLES Alliance Grant exemplifies this, leading to her presentation of significant findings at the North Dakota Indian Education Summit in Bismarck in July 2023. In her advocacy for the Plum River Native Prairie project here in Minot, Lori demonstrated her dedication to inclusivity and cultural representation within educational contexts. Aside from research and academia, Lori is a full-time sixth-grade physical science teacher at Erik Ramstad Middle School and a mother of four. Her dedication to nurturing young minds and her ability to juggle rigorous academic pursuits with success highlights her passion for education and her contribution to the educational community.

Lori Nehlsen's story involves intellectual rigor, community service, and leadership. She inspires those around her and contributes significantly to the field of education. Her journey reflects a commitment to advancing educational practices and fostering an inclusive learning environment, making her a distinguished member of the academic community.

Olivia Reiser Undergrad

Undergraduate Student Message

Olivia Reiser is the daughter of Bob and Nancy Reiser.

Olivia graduated in 2020 from North Star High School in Cando and began her college career at Lake Region State College (LRSC). She graduated from LRSC after one year with a fitness trainer technician (FTT) degree and an Associate of Science degree. At LRSC, Olivia became an ACSM certified personal trainer. To continue her aspiration of exercise science, she decided to follow in the footsteps of 10 family members by choosing Minot State University.

While at Minot State, Olivia has worked as a hydration specialist for the football team for the last three years. She has also assisted the athletic trainers for the baseball team, women's soccer team, basketball teams, and wrestling teams. She has spent countless hours in the training room doing laundry, performing various duties around the training room, and helping with the rehabilitation of athletes. She was instrumental in reviving the Kin Krew Club at MSU and served as the club president since March 2022. The club provides students with networking, professional development, and educational opportunities. Through the club, Olivia was able to obtain IASTM Hawkgrips training. She was fortunate to have an opportunity to study abroad in the Dominican Republic with Dr. Eckmann. While there, she instructed fitness classes for tourists as well as the people of the island. On campus, Olivia has also been involved with intramural activities such as bowling and volleyball.

During her last two years, she has been a personal trainer and group exercise coach at Premier Movement. She enjoys helping individuals learn how different muscles function and teaching clients how to stay active. She volunteers at Prairie Grit with their gymnastics program and various other activities. Olivia also had the opportunity to work with Parkinson's patients at Trinity Hospital, assisting them in group exercise classes. She taught homeschool students under Dr. Kelsey Higginson's homeschool PE program at MSU which provides those families with physical education opportunities.

Olivia enjoys spending time with family and friends. She loves to spend time working out, playing pickleball, reading, and relaxing at the lake. Today Olivia is graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Rehabilitation and a Bachelor of Science in Education with a Major in Physical Education. She hopes to have a teaching job starting in the fall.

Brenda Foster

Alumni Speaker

Brenda Foster is the chairman, president, and CEO of First Western Bank & Trust, headquartered in Minot with branches and offices in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. She is a graduate of Minot State University with an associate degree in legal secretarial studies as well as a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a concentration in banking and finance.

Brenda has been employed with First Western Bank & Trust since 1981.

Brenda has served the community and state on a number of boards and committees. She currently serves as a member of the MSU Board of Regents, a board member of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve, a state banking board member, an advisory board member for Bank of North Dakota, and is a current member of the Federal Delegate board for the Independent Community Banks of America as well as a Director at Large.

Brenda and her husband, Wayne, have a daughter, Danielle, and a son, Dustin, who are both MSU graduates.

Tim Mihalick

State Board of Higher Education Speaker

Tim Mihalick, chair of State Board of Higher Education, was appointed to fill the remainder of an open term vacated by a previous member. Mihalick was also appointed to a four-year term (2023-2027).

Tim is a senior vice president at First Western Bank & Trust, responsible for business development and facilities. Prior to that, he was part of IRET and its affiliated companies for over 36 years before his retirement, serving as the president and CEO during his last eight years at IRET. Throughout the years, he has been involved in numerous civic organizations dedicated to Minot's betterment. He is a current member and past chair of the MSU Board of Regents and a past board member of Trinity Health and the Minot Family YMCA.

An Ohio native, Tim attended Minot State University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1981. During his college career, he played football for four years and participated in track for two. He was inducted into the MSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and received the MSU Alumni Golden Award in 2014.

Tim and his wife, Laura, have been married for over 40 years and are both committed to civic engagement. Laura, who also attended MSU, is a past member of the Minot Public School Board. The Mihalicks have two adult children living in Minot.