Minot State University and the Minot State Severson Entrepreneurship Academy are proud to sponsor The Entrepreneurial Perspective: Emerging Technologies & AI on March 26 at the MSU Student Center Conference Center.

The panel discussion will focus on the entrepreneurial spirit of various emerging technologies including AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, agtech, sustainability, and venture capital. The event is free and open to the public, with lunch available for individuals who preregister at MSU’s Entrepreneurial Perspective WEBSITE.

The event has multiple sessions starting at 9:30 a.m. The morning keynote will be given by North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott, while the afternoon session features Shawn Riley of BisBlox.

Hagerott has been the Chancellor of the North Dakota University System since 2015. Prior to that, he was a deputy director and distinguished professor at the Naval Academy Center for Cyber Security Studies. Chancellor Hagerott’s research and writing are focused on the evolution of technology, education, and changes in technical career paths. He is an author of multiple articles and book chapters, with a recent emphasis on unmanned systems and cyber security. While serving in uniform, Hagerott held numerous leadership positions in the U.S. Navy, both aboard ships and in administrative positions in the Department of Defense. He is currently on the Secretary of the Navy Education Advisory Board.

Riley is a co-founder of BisBlox, a company helping entrepreneurs and mature businesses take their passion and turn that into products, revenue, teams, and successful businesses. Riley was the chief information officer and cabinet member for the State of North Dakota under Gov. Doug Burgum from April 2017 until December 2022. He has spent over 20 years in various executive leadership roles, including as an IT executive for the world-renowned Mayo Clinic Health System.

The Entrepreneurial Perspective: Emerging Technologies begins at 9:30 a.m. with registration and a continental breakfast. Minot State President Dr. Steven Shirley will welcome guests and introduce Chancellor Hagerott at 10 a.m. A lightning round speaker session with 20-minute talks is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., featuring Minot State graduates Arnie Strebe ’86, co-founder of BisBlox, and Dustin Miller ’04, owner of Pro IT.

Clint Severson, a 1973 alumnus of Minot State and retired CEO of Abaxis who started the Severson Entrepreneurship Academy with a historic gift to the University in 2016, will give opening remarks and will be part of a question-and-answer session with Conway during a box lunch from 12-1 p.m.

Minot State University is pleased to announce its official, fourth–week Spring 2024 enrollment of 2,566 students, an increase of approximately 1% over last spring. 

“We are pleased to see the overall enrollment growth at Minot State this spring,” said Minot State President Dr. Steven Shirley. “We have initiated a number of new scholarship programs, such as the Hometown Pride and Prairie Rose Scholarships and overhauled our four-year award with the new Academic Excellence Scholarship. We believe these new initiatives have helped to maintain affordability for students, and, along with our traditional strong array of academic programs, have helped ensure our enrollment increase this spring.” 

While spring isn’t typically a substantial semester for incoming freshmen, MSU enrolled its largest spring freshman class since 2018. Minot State also registered its second-largest dual credit class (219) in eight years, up 24 students from last spring, for a 12.3% increase. 

Minot State University’s Evan Borisinkoff and Leisa Harmon were two of 15 North Dakota University System (NDUS) faculty members recently awarded $1,000 scholarships through the Dakota Digital Academy (DDA) to attend and participate in conferences or professional development experiences involving artificial intelligence (AI).

Borisinkoff is an associate professor in special education and the program director for associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in disability human services. Harmon is an assistant professor in communication sciences and disorders and Minot State’s First-Year Experience director.

The scholarships were established to encourage professional learning and AI implementation in college classrooms.

To be eligible to receive the scholarships, faculty members had to submit the name of a conference or type of professional development event they would like to attend. They also had to explain how they would use that information to enhance classroom teaching.

Scholarship applicants represented a wide array of academic disciplines, including nursing, social and behavioral sciences, pharmacy, nutrition and dietetics, and agriculture, to name a few.

The Dakota Digital Academy assists students, businesses, industry, and government in North Dakota and across the upper Midwest by adapting and meeting the rapidly changing demands and opportunities for information technology and cyber sciences. Its mission is to provide access to digital-cyber oriented education, training, certificates, and knowledge produced by the collaborative North Dakota University System of 11 campuses, in partnership with select business and corporate partners.

Minot State University hosted First Western Bank & Trust fraud investigator Jacob Rued for a Fraud Awareness Seminar. Rued discussed best practices for personal fraud prevention and detection.

“Minot State was excited to partner with First Western Bank & Trust to bring this fraud prevention and detection seminar to the MSU Campus,” said KateLynn Albers, MSU assistant professor of accounting. “This was a highly valuable event that imparted practical knowledge, enhance financial literacy, empower individuals, and promote community awareness.”

Rued worked for the Fargo Police Department as a financial crimes detective prior to joining First Western. He is passionate about educating community members on evolving tactics used by fraudsters and providing insight into the best practices for fraud prevention and detection.

The Plum River Native Prairie project, formerly known as Erik Ramstad Middle School prior to the Flood of 2011, is embarking on an exciting new journey by embracing the no-till method for restoration.

Following extensive discussions with partners such as the Ward County Soil Conservation Group, Minnesota Native Landscapes (MNL), and Audubon Great Plains, project leaders are confident that this approach will safeguard soil integrity and foster vibrant plant life in the long term. Here are several reasons behind the decision:

1. Preservation of soil structure: No-till farming maintains soil structure, enhancing water infiltration, reducing erosion, and preserving soil fertility.
2. Retention of organic matter: By retaining organic matter, no-till farming improves soil health and supports diverse plant life crucial for establishing a native prairie.
3. Reduced weed pressure: No-till farming suppresses weed growth by leaving the soil undisturbed, reducing the need for herbicides.
4. Preservation of microbial communities: No-till farming preserves soil microbial populations, crucial for nutrient cycling and plant health.
5. Conservation of moisture: No-till farming conserves soil moisture by retaining crop residues on the soil surface, reducing evaporation, and improving drought resilience.
6. Long-term sustainability: No-till farming mitigates climate change by sequestering carbon, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing environmental impacts.

Overall, the no-till method offers numerous benefits for establishing the Plum River Native Prairie, promoting soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. The timeline includes:

• Spring soil testing: Comprehensive soil tests will commence this spring to ensure the project has a successful foundation.
• Powwow Week dedication: Save the date for April 27 at 11 a.m. for a special land acknowledgment and dedication ceremony during Minot State University’s Powwow Week.
• Summer preparation: Throughout the summer, resources will be devoted to preparing the 14.2 acres of land for the upcoming planting season in the fall.
• Fall planting: Once we have established the appropriate growing conditions, we will plant our first round of seeds with a “no-till drill.”

This journey will span several years, and the project is committed to building a robust foundation every step of the way. Continued support is invaluable, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing the flourishing of this project together. For more information, contact Dan Conn, Minot State University associate professor, Department Chair of Education and Inclusive Services, by phone at 701-520-9084 or by EMAIL.

The Academic Advising Council is now accepting nominations for the 2023-24 Minot State University Outstanding Academic Advisor Awards. Nominations are due by Friday, March 29 at 4:30 p.m. These awards are designed to highlight the importance of academic advising and bring recognition to academic advisors at Minot State who have made significant contributions to academic advising and student success. More information regarding the award categories, selection criteria, eligibility, nomination procedure, selection process, and recognition is available ONLINE. Questions regarding these awards or the nomination process should be addressed to Heather Martin, member of the Academic Advising Council, by EMAIL.

The Academic Advising Council is now accepting nominations for the 2023-24 Minot State University Outstanding Academic Advisor Awards. Nominations are due by Friday, March 29 at 4:30 p.m. These awards are designed to highlight the importance of academic advising and bring recognition to academic advisors at Minot State who have made significant contributions to academic advising and student success. More information regarding the award categories, selection criteria, eligibility, nomination procedure, selection process, and recognition is available ONLINE. Questions regarding these awards or the nomination process should be addressed to Heather Martin, member of the Academic Advising Council, by EMAIL.

The Academic Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations for Minot State University alumni to be inducted into the Academic Hall of Fame. Nominees must have completed a significant portion of their education at MSU, gone on to complete additional study in graduate of professional school, and subsequently contributed to the advancement of their field. Nominations must include a letter of support from the appropriate academic division or department at MSU. Please see the Academic Hall of Fame WEBSITE for more information about the nomination form and instructions. The deadline for nominee submissions is March 5.

The Minot State Academic Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations for the Distinguished Lifetime Educator Award. Nominees should be retired Minot State faculty members who made significant contributions to the University while employed at MSU and who exhibit evidence of an ongoing commitment to MSU after retirement. The deadline for nominee submissions is March 5.

For questions, contact the Academic Hall of Fame Committee Chair, Krystal St. Peter, by EMAIL. 

The 2024-2025 MSU Small Grants for Faculty Research & Creative Projects - Request for Proposals is now open to current MSU faculty. The deadline for proposals is Friday, April 5. Please note, the title of this grant program has been updated to include and encourage both research and creative project proposals. MSU’s Annual Poster Session - Call for Abstracts is now open to current faculty, staff, and students. The deadline to submit abstracts is Monday, March 18. The poster session event will be Thursday, April 18, in the MSU Gordon B. Olson Library. A reminder, faculty who received a recent small grant award are required to participate. Please visit the Minot State Office of Sponsored Programs WEBPAGE for complete details.

On March 19, the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities (NDCPD) is hosting a community viewing of the movie “Crip Camp,” followed by an interactive discussion. This documentary is a powerful look at the history of the disability rights movement through a summer camp for teenagers with disabilities that transformed their lives and ignited a landmark movement.

This screening will be held at Oak Park Theater on Tuesday, March 19 from 6:30-9 p.m. Admission to the event is FREE. The first 50 attendees will receive a free small popcorn. Other concessions are available for purchase. Theater seating is limited; please register HERE so we can plan accordingly. This event is part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness month, which offers a chance to learn more about the history of the disability rights movement and the impact that it’s had on the community. For more information, visit NDCPD's FACEBOOK PAGE or contact Kyle at 701-858-3012.

The Honors Program in Engagement & Scholarship offers three annual awards to recognize the contributions and achievements of Honors Program students at MSU: Excellence in Community Service; Excellence in Leadership; and Outstanding Honors Capstone. Nominations are now being accepted through March 31. Please visit HERE for eligibility criteria and to nominate deserving Honors Program students.

The sustainability committee has existed for over 25 years and has now been lovingly adopted by the larger Wellness Committee to foster Environmental Wellness. Environmental wellness includes, but is not limited to: increasing energy efficiency, reducing waste, and campus landscape improvements. The Wellness Committee seeks proposals for funding projects related to Minot State University's environmental wellness and sustainability.

• Would you like to see electric vehicle charging stations?
• Changes in landscaping?
• New recycling containers or systems?
• A composting program?
• Hire a student to help with a project to reduce waste or energy use?

Proposals can come from individuals, departments, groups, or clubs. Click HERE to apply. Proposals will be evaluated by March 11 but can be submitted any time before then. The committee will consider short-term or long-term projects. EMAIL questions to Heidi Super.

Recently, the NDUS Blackboard Governance Committee approved the decision to implement Duo multi-factor authentication (MFA) into Blackboard Learn. Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of security to your Blackboard courses and account. Starting Tuesday, March 5th, 2024, all faculty and staff users of Blackboard will be prompted for a second authentication using NDUS Duo. This is the exact same process used when logging into certain secure areas of your campus connection account.

For more information on how to use DUO, visit Minot State University DUO Information HERE, or Guide to Two-Factor Authentication Using DUO HERE.

Minot State University is hosting a Regional Science Olympiad for middle school and high school teams on Monday, March 4. Events will be held in the Cyril Moore Science Center, Swain, and Old Main. Volunteers are still needed to run the events. Contact Bob Crackel, associate professor of chemistry, (701-858-3852 or EMAIL) to volunteer. The events start at 8 a.m. and last until about 3 p.m. but you do not have to help for the entire day. A few hours of help would be greatly appreciated.

• Juried Student Art Show: The Northwest Arts Center presents the annual Minot State Juried Student Art Show. Open to all Minot State University students, the Juried Student Show has been a campus tradition since the early 1980s. The exhibition is on display from Feb. 22 through March 21. The competition invites area and regional artists, educators, and other art professionals to serve as jurors each year. Visiting Minot State as a juror for 2024 is artist and photographer Meghan Duda, assistant professor of photography and design at North Dakota State University.

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.

• Blue Remembered Hills: Taryn McMahon on view Jan. 11 to May 15.

Stephanie Little, social work assistant professor, was awarded a Heath Equity Fellow position at Be The Match (through the National Marrow Donor Program) for the summer of 2024. She will join the Health Equity team responsible for addressing barriers to transplant and advancing initiatives to reduce health disparities for AI/AN patients.

Holly Pedersen, professor of special education in the Department of Education and Inclusive Services, along with three graduate students, Laura Bjork, Grace McCoy, and Pam Vettleson, recently gave three research presentations at the 50th International Conference of the American College Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Las Vegas, Nev. The titles of these presentations were: "Perceptions of Least Restrictive Environment Held by Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing," "Effect of the Three Reads Strategy on the Story Problem Solving Skills of Middle School Students Who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing," and “Toward a Scope of Practice for Itinerant Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing."

Wenjing Zheng, associate professor, and Holly Pedersen, professor, both of the Department of Education and Inclusive Services presented “Minot State University’s Para-to-Teacher Pathway for Special Education: Features and Tips for Success” at the 36th National Conference of the Resource Center for Paraeducators, Related Service Providers, & Interveners with The Center for Technical Assistance For Excellence in Special Education at Utah State University.

Natalie Ploof has been added as a new staff member in TRIO Student Support Services. Ploof comes to MSU with experience in education as well as business. She taught in the Minot Public School system for nearly two decades and has worked in varied businesses, including software development firms, automotive dealerships, insurance, and in/outbound call centers, to name a few. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Kevin, and has four wonderful children (Tori, Bethany, Noah, and Noelle) and four (not as wonderful) dogs (Gator, Honey, Margie, and Jo-Jo).

Paulette Dominguez, a junior on the Minot State cross-country team, earned special recognition as a United States Track and Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association All-Academic Athlete. Dominguez, a management major from Aliso Viejo, California, finished 80th at the NCAA Central Region Championships in 22 minutes, 44.62 seconds on the women’s 6-kilometer course.

Both the Beaver men’s and women’s cross country teams were honored for the third straight year as USTFCCCA All-Academic Teams. To be honored as an All-Academic Athlete, a runner must maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA or higher in all their classwork and finish in the Top 30 percent at their respective regional championship. As for a team to be honored as an All-Academic Team, the cumulative team GPA must be 3.0 or higher for the fall semester, and the team must score at their respective regional championship.

The Minot State men’s team, which boasted a fall team GPA of 3.218, finished 27th at the Central Region Championship with 742 points. The Beaver women, with a fall team GPA of 3.23, finished 20th with 599 points at regionals.