Oct. 1, 2018

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Minot State University reported its Fall 2018 freshman class was the largest in seven years, with 397 new students. This year’s freshman class is the fourth consecutive increase representing an overall freshmen growth rate of 16 percent since Fall 2014.

The freshman class also included the largest number of students from Ward County since Fall 2011 and largest class from North Dakota since Fall 2013.

Minot State’s total headcount of 3,189 students was reported for the official fall enrollment. The full-time equivalency of students at MSU was up 0.6 percent compared to 2017 while the overall headcount was down 0.8 percent compared to last year. The overall graduate student enrollment also increased by 5.4 percent over last fall with a total graduate headcount of 274.

“There are several positive trends in this fall’s enrollment figures, including the continued growth in our freshman class. Minot State offers a tremendous educational opportunity combining outstanding academic quality, a wide variety of degree options, and a great value, and we are pleased more and more new students are trusting MSU to further their education,” said Minot State University President Steven Shirley. “While our overall enrollment remains mostly stable compared to last year, there are certainly some positive signs as we build for the future.”

Minot State University instructor Troy Roness was named the North Dakota Society for Health and Physical Educators (NDSHAPE) College and University Physical Education Teacher of the Year, the organization announced.

NDSHAPE was established in 1928 to encourage and provide professional development and support for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (HPERD) professionals. The group is made up of public and private school teachers, collegiate professors, and health professionals that believe in the importance of active living. The award was voted on by Roness’s peers.

Roness holds a Bachelor of Science Education in Health and Physical Education and earned his master’s in education and cognitive science from Minot State. He also holds a master’s degree in counseling and student affairs from Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

The Minot State University Alumni Association honored four individuals with the Golden Award and one with the Young Alumni Achievement Award at the 51st Anniversary Dinner.

Jay Altringer (‘75), Don Hummel (‘75), Howard Klug (‘80), and Chuck Kramer (‘76) were chosen for the Golden Award, while Tawnya Bernsdorf (‘04/‘08) received the Young Alumni Achievement Award.

The highest award bestowed by the Minot State University Alumni Association, the Golden Award selections are based on outstanding service to the university or alumni association and distinguished leadership in the recipient’s career or community. The Young Alumni Achievement Award recipient is between the ages of 21 and 39.

Minot State University graduates Kathryn Lenertz and Jason Steele were named 2018 Administrator of the Year and Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the North Dakota Society for Health and Physical Educators (NDSHAPE). Lenertz and Steele received their awards at the organization’s state conference Sept. 24 in Bismarck.

Lenertz graduated from Minot High School and received degrees in both business education and physical education at Minot State University in 1996. She also holds a master’s degree in elementary and secondary administration from North Dakota State University.

Steele teaches K-5 elementary physical education at Perkett Elementary in Minot, coaches junior varsity baseball for Minot High School, and was an assistant girls’ varsity hockey coach for 11 years prior to retiring from the position in 2018.

He graduated from Minot State University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education.

Minot State University students, faculty, and alumni will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Norway for an exclusive Group Choir Tour in May 2019.

The opportunities to work with individuals from Skien, Minot’s Norwegian sister city, began as the city of Minot hosted the 41st Norsk Høstfest at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds.

Minot State’s choir and music faculty helped open the festival by singing the national anthems of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Canada, and the United States. Minot State officials and students met with Rolf Haugen, a representative from Skien, to discuss the program itinerary and learn about the partnerships between Minot State, the city of Minot, and the Telemark County region in Norway.

The city of Minot and Skien began informal partnerships between the two cities in the 1980s. The first sister city agreement was signed in 1993 and those long-standing ties were renewed in 2017. With the formal agreement, cultural exchanges between the two regions have moved forward in culture, music, and the arts.

The Norway Choir Tour’s itinerary has been tailored specifically for the Minot State choir. Most of the activities have been coordinated and sponsored by partner organizations in Telemark County, including the University College of Southeast Norway (one of MSU's partner schools since 2007), the Skien city council, and the Telemark County council. Of particular interest, the MSU music students have been graciously invited by Skien city council to participate in the official Syttende Mai (Norwegian Constitution Day) city celebrations on May 17.

There will be a fundraiser for the Minot State choir students traveling to Norway on Friday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall. The Norway Fundraising Fall Concert is titled We Remember You “In Memoriam: Our Veterans & The WWI Armistice of 1918,” by the Minot State University Choir under the direction of Eads, featuring works by composers Joseph Gregorio, Jake Runestad, Eric Whitacre, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Dan Forrest, Stephen Paulus, and Emerson Eads.

For more information on the trip or find out ways to help Minot State Choir fund the event, contact either Libby Claerbout (libby.claerbout@minotstateu.edu) or Eads (emerson.eads@minotstateu.edu).

NOTSTOCK continues to color the campus in creativity and collaboration.

In its 12th year, Minot State University’s annual live signature arts festival includes artists from across the United States who share their work and talents with the community. Whether its poetry, theatre, drawing, pottery, digital art, film, or printmaking, come participate in the arts Oct. 4-6 on the Minot State University campus.

Artists Ben Chlapek of Chicago and Dave Kloc of Los Angeles are illustrators and printers who make posters for bands, comedians, movies and TV shows, collectors, and more. Robin Reynolds, North Dakota potter and owner of Dakotah Clayworks, is this year’s PotStock guest artist. WordStock welcomes Anders Carlson-Wee from Minneapolis. Carlson-Wee is a nationally touring poet, performer, and teaching artist. Take the stage with Minot State alum Chris Stroschein. Kal Asmundson: Autobiography, a traveling exhibit on loan from the North Dakota Museum of Art, draws directly from a painful dark family history. Asmundson, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, created 17 powerful pieces of work for this exhibition. NOTSTOCK closes with a reception at 62 Doors Gallery & Studios Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Wild Hands and Friends will provide music. A special exhibit of the artwork of NOTSTOCK guest artists, Chlapek and Kloc, will be on display. For a complete list of times and events, visit msunotstock.blogspot.com. All NOTSTOCK events and performances are free and open to the public.

Minot State University will again celebrate its liberal arts heritage with its Two-Minute Lecture Series for the 2018-19 academic year. The Two-Minute Lecture takes place at the Beaver Creek Café starting at 12:30 p.m. on select dates during the year.

The series for the fall semester will be on the first and last Wednesday of each month, with an exception for the Oct. 11 (Thursday) date. Audience members need not buy a lunch at the Beaver Creek Café to watch the lecture. Lectures will also be recorded and posted on the college of arts and sciences website.

The following is the time and date schedule, the topic, and the featured Minot State faculty member.

Thursday, Oct. 11: Patti Kurtz (English), “Writing Advice You Can Ignore.”

Wednesday, Oct. 24: Jynette Larshus (Political Science), “The Millennial impact and the Changing Face of the Electorate.”

Wednesday, Nov. 14: Dianna Anderson (Music), “Music and Wellness.”

For more information on the Two-Minute Lecture Series, contact Kibler by phone at 701-858-3876 or Robert.kibler@ndus.edu.

Minot State University Veteran Services will be offering a Connect model suicide training opportunity for social services on Friday, Oct. 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This six-hour training is tailored for staff working in health and social service agencies, including behavioral health aides. A unique, community-based model, Connect increases the competence of social service providers in recognizing individuals at risk and connecting them to help. This training includes national best practice protocols, interactive case scenarios, discussion exercises, PowerPoint, and printed materials. CEU’s may be available if requested prior to the training. There is no charge for this program, but space is limited and RSVPs are required.  See this WEBSITE. For more information or to RSVP, please contact: Andy Heitkamp at 701-858-4002 or andy.heitkamp@minotstateu.edu.

NOTSTOCK Guest Artists: Dave Kloc and Ben Chlapek
Minot State University’s Northwest Arts Center presents work by NOTSTOCK guest artists Dave Kloc and Ben Chlapek. This special poster exhibit runs Oct. 3-12. Too good to miss! Nine days only!

Americas 2018: All Media featured at Northwest Arts Center
“Americas 2018: All Media” represents contemporary artists from across the United States as well as entrants this year from Canada, Greece, and Russia. The juror was Scott Parsons, Sioux Falls, S.D. Parsons selected works for the exhibit and designated awards from a field of 195 submitted images.

Troy Roness, an instructor in teacher education and kinesiology, has published a book called, “Unbroken: Journaled Reflections of Recovery,” through the publisher Moguly Media. It is available in hardcopy on AMAZON and on Kindle.

Submissions Due: Oct. 25, 2018
University Communications, Administration, second floor
Email: michael.linnell@minotstateu.edu
Voice: 858-3298 - Fax: 858-4481

Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.