Dalton Davis:
Hello! My name is Dalton Davis, and I am a senior majoring in Professional Communications
with a Minor in Leadership. During my time at Minot State, I have been actively involved in Cru
Ministries, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the campus news show Inside Out. I’ve also
worked with athletics broadcasting for all sports on campus, served as a manager for the Minot
State Baseball team, and am currently coaching JV football at Minot North High School.
Being involved in so many different areas has shown me the importance of strong leadership.
After taking my first class, Leadership 101, I knew I wanted to declare it as a minor. Through this
program, I have not only learned what it takes to be a good leader but have also discovered
more about myself. I’ve identified strengths I didn’t realize I had, as well as areas where I can
improve. More importantly, I’ve gained the tools and steps to make those improvements. This
self-discovery process has been invaluable, helping me grow into the leader I am becoming
today.
Brek Thompson:
My name is Brek Thompson and I’m a Corporate Fitness and Wellness Management major here at Minot State. I’ve lived in Minot my whole life, so it was an easy decision to stay here for college. During my first year here, I got involved with the Leadership Center as a part of my first-year experience classes by taking Leadership 101. At first, I thought it was just a requirement as a first year, but what I didn't know was that LEAD 101 would send me down an amazing path.
Thanks to LEAD 101 I ended up continuing to take leadership courses and even ended up adding the leadership minor. The courses offered by our leadership program have helped me develop as an individual dramatically. They taught me all my different strengths and showed me how to work through my weaknesses by collaborating with others who are strong where I’m not. This has helped me work towards becoming the best version of myself and has helped me develop strong friendships with other leadership scholars. If I were asked to go back in time and choose whether to enroll in leadership or not, I would choose to enroll every single time.
Auna Vermette:
Hi! My name is Auna Vermette, I am a sophomore here at Minot State University, majoring
in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I am originally from Ontario, Canada, but
decided to come to Minot for its program. In my first year here I was honored to receive the
Larson Leadership Scholarship, which meant that along with living on the
leadership floor, it was also mandatory to take the Leadership 101 class. At first I viewed the
class as an obligation, but as I stepped outside my comfort zone, built new connections, and
discovered the real meaning behind leadership, I knew that leadership class wouldn't be my
last.
Originally I had never thought it would be possible for someone like me to be a leader, but
through the valuable lessons I learned, I now understand that anyone has the ability to be a
leader. Due to those lessons, I have found that I have truly grown as a person and have a
newfound confidence. Through this amazing experience, I have and will continue to take
leadership classes to further my knowledge and skills in this area. If I could give other
students one piece of advice, it would be to take this program, as without my experiences, I
wouldn't have grown into the person I am today.
Kyle Sandy:
Hey! My name is Kyle Sandy, and I’m a junior at Minot State University majoring in Physical Education with a minor in Business Management and a concentration in Leadership Studies. On campus, I stay actively involved working for the Wellness Center, Beaver Boosters, and as an Orientation Leader. I’m also very involved in the Minot State Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club and have taken on a leadership position as a collegiate state officer. Off campus, I spend most of my time officiating high-school football and basketball games for the Minot area schools.
Coming to Minot State as a freshman, the first area I got involved with was the Leadership Center, and I haven’t looked back! Being selected for the Larson Leadership Scholars program gave me the chance to take the LEAD 101 course, where I developed foundational leadership skills and built connections with peers who have since become some of my closest friends. My involvement in leadership has opened countless opportunities, both on campus and beyond, and has helped me grow into the leader I am today while pushing me towards the leader I strive to become. I am truly grateful for these experiences and encourage every student to take advantage of the incredible opportunities Minot State offers.
Nate Larsen:
"Howdy! My name is Nate Larsen, and I am in my second year at Minot State. I am majoring in Criminal Justice while minoring in Leadership studies. I am also a baseball player and a tour guide on campus. I am from Houston, Texas, and since making the trek to Minot, I have been involved with the Looyenga Leadership Center. In sports, criminal justice, giving tours, and all other parts of life, leadership is vital. When I first got on campus, I thought that leadership was a shallow, easily defined trait. However, while going through the coursework, I have learned that leadership is far more detailed and complicated than it seems on the surface.
Taking classes with the Looyenga Leadership Center has not only helped me learn about what it means to be a leader, but also has helped me learn more about myself. LEAD 101 really gets you to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Understanding this allows you to craft a way of leading that works for you. The program is full of incredible information and people, and all of the classes allow you to explore and perfect your own style of leadership. From team-building games to workshops on leadership styles, it all goes towards your own unique experience. The Center fosters personal growth, and I could not imagine a better place to spend my time."
Blake Espino:
I’m Blake Espino, a fourth-year student at Minot State University, and my journey here has been all about growth and leadership. As a running back and long snapper on the Beaver football team, I have learned what it means to lead through action, discipline, and resilience. Being part of such a committed and driven team has taught me invaluable life lessons that go far beyond the field. The mindset we carry and the culture our coaches have built have shaped me mentally, physically, and as a leader who values teamwork and purpose.
My leadership extends beyond athletics, through my involvement in MSU Life and the Wellness Center. MSU Life has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, connect with others, and contribute to a campus culture that truly reflects the motto: “Be seen, be heard, BE YOU.” At the Wellness Center, I take pride in creating a positive, welcoming environment where students feel supported in their health and personal growth. Whether it’s encouraging someone during a workout or helping plan campus events, I’ve learned that leadership is about showing up, serving others, and helping build a stronger community.
