Minot State University announced it is planning to add two new degree offerings in the fall of 2026 with the addition of a Bachelor of Science in Innovation Engineering and a Master of Science in Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling.

The two new programs are in response to meeting the rising demand for engineers in Western North Dakota, particularly in the energy-producing Bakken Formation, as well as the ongoing need for healthcare professionals in mental health and counseling, both regionally and nationwide.

“By adding these two significant programs, MSU will be helping solve current and future workforce challenges in important fields directly impacting many North Dakotans,” said Minot State University President Dr. Steven Shirley. “Our faculty have worked closely with industry partners and other relevant stakeholders to most effectively design the curriculum and components within these programs.”

Both programs are pending approval by the Higher Learning Commission.

Innovation engineering is Minot State’s first four-year degree in engineering, previously offering a pre-professional path with a science-emphasized curriculum. The new program will prepare students for a dynamic career in engineering with a groundbreaking approach, featuring industry-aligned micro-credentials and hands-on learning.

Students will be able to earn specialized credentials in core engineering fundamentals and advanced specializations while gaining practical, industry-relevant skills from the first day through Engineering-Studio (E-Studio) courses and fabrication experiences in a student’s first two years. Minot State’s competitive cost, along with a high-quality, field-ready program, makes innovation engineering an accessible and smart investment.

MSU’s newest master’s-level degree expands on the University’s addiction studies, the only such program in the North Dakota University System, along with other programs within the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Criminal Justice.

This integrated mental health and addiction degree will have an emphasis on real-world training in trauma-informed care, co-occurring disorders, rural mental health, Indigenous cultural competency, and work with justice-involved individuals. Students will have flexibility in the program’s hybrid cohort model, choosing to attend programs face-to-face in Minot or synchronously online with a few in-person residencies.

As of September 2025, all Minot State University Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates who sat for the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX) in 2025 achieved a 100% first-time pass rate.

The NCLEX is the standardized national exam for entry-level nurses to obtain a nursing license in the United States, Canada, and Australia. During the 2024-25 academic year, 42 students, including those who completed the program in December 2024 and tested in 2025, graduated from the BSN prelicensure program.

“This milestone reflects our students’ hard work and our faculty’s focus on clinical judgment and compassionate care,” said Amy Lee, chair of the Minot State Department of Nursing.

The 100% pass rate is the second perfect outcome in the past three years for Minot State. MSU achieved this level in 2023. In 2024, it was 94.74%, and in 2022, it was 93.48%, both well above the national average of 91.16% in 2024 and 79.92% in 2022. In a four-year span, 155 out of 160 MSU students achieved a first-time pass rate.

The Minot State University Development Foundation is pleased to announce two new members to its board, welcoming Megan (Perdue) Awalt ’11 and Cassidy Hjelmstad.

Awalt, a 2011 Minot State graduate in accounting, is the chief financial officer at Farmers Union Oil Company of Minot (Enerbase and Agrabase). Hjelmstad is the chief executive officer and general manager of SRT Communications.

“We are excited to welcome Megan and Cassidy to the MSU Development Foundation Board,” said Rick Hedberg, executive director of the MSU Development Foundation. “Their experience, energy, and passion for Minot State will be tremendous assets as we continue to advance the mission and vision of the University.”

The duo will replace longtime board members Karen Krebsbach ’62 and Kathy Aas ’11, who have each served on the board since 2010.

Awalt, who is originally from Ray, joined Farmers Union Oil Company in 2023. Following graduation from MSU, she spent 13 years in public accounting and earned her CPA designation in 2013. Beyond her professional career, she is devoted to her most important role — being a wife and a mom to her four children.

Hjelmstad, originally from Newburg, has been CEO/general manager of SRT since 2022, previously serving as chief marketing officer. Prior to moving to Minot, she served as director of community relations for the Phoenix Suns.

Minot State University’s Dane Schaffer was selected to receive the 2025 Environmental Educator of the Year Trees Award from the North Dakota Forest Service. The award is presented to an educator who demonstrates creativity, dedication, and commitment to teaching and whose outstanding leadership motivates others to learn about the benefits of forestry and the environment.

Along with Schaffer, award winners from other categories: Community of the Year, Conservation Achievement, Distinguished Service Award, Excellence in Government, Fire Department Cooperator of the Year, and Forest Stewardship Landowner of the Year. They receive a plaque and a photo with Tom Claeys, state forester, and David Cook, president of North Dakota State University.

Schaffer received her award from the ND Forest Service at Minot State in late September. The Trees Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and agencies who contribute in an outstanding way to forestry activities. Forestry activities can include: fire mitigation, protection and suppression; tree planting, preservation, or maintenance; community forestry efforts; forest management practices; forest recreation; or environmental education.

Minot State University will induct two new members into its Academic Hall of Fame as Terry (Ferebee) Eckmann '81/’82 and Mary McCarvel-O’Connor ’97 will represent its Class of 2025.

A reception ceremony honoring the two newest members took place during Homecoming festivities on Sept. 12 at the Student Center Conference Center.

The Class of 2025 joins 13 past recipients, including last year’s class of Vicki (Greel) Michels ’88 and Jacob Schillo ’15. Becky (Fred) Becker ’91 and Tim Henry were enshrined in 2020. Veronica (Cavallo) Pinnick ’04 was inducted in 2019, Robert Hubbard ’91 in 2014, Kim (Baldridge) Siegel ’82 in 2013, Robert Holmen ’83/’88 and Joe Alme ’68 in 2012, and Carrie (Forshner) Evans ’90, Lisa (Christensen) Feldner ’86/’90, Delane C. Kristky ’65, and Rosanne Olson ’72 were a part of the inaugural class in 2011.

Induction into the Minot State University Academic Hall of Fame honors meritorious service in an academic discipline and highlights the accomplishments of our most distinguished alumni. Nominations may be made by any individual or organization, either within Minot State University or from the community at large. Nominees must be Minot State alumni who completed a significant portion of their education at Minot State, have gone on to complete an advanced degree, and made a substantial contribution to the advancement of their field of study.

More information on the Minot State Academic Hall of Fame, including past winners and to nominate individuals, can be accessed ONLINE.

The Minot State University Development Foundation announced Kit Hernandez has joined the Foundation as a development officer/data analyst. Hernandez is originally from Ely, Minnesota and has worked in various levels of higher education in North Dakota, Kansas, and Wisconsin. She began with the MSU Development Foundation on Aug. 11.

Hernandez spent the past four years working within the Student Affairs Division for Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kansas, including the college’s dean of student affairs. She oversaw four departments and served as the school’s deputy coordinator for Title IX. During her time at Seward County, she also served as director of residence life and safety, as well as Trio academic and career advisor. No stranger to northwest North Dakota, Hernandez spent four years at Williston State College as director for residence life, helping create programming to foster student engagement. Hernandez holds two degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, in business administration and property management. She has an associate's degree from Vermilion Community College in Minnesota.

Minot State University will host an open house launch event where prospective students can learn about MSU’s newest degree offering and meet with program counselors and enrollment specialists.

Minot State announced the addition of a Bachelor of Science in Innovation Engineering in early September and will enroll students for the Fall 2026 semester. Innovation engineering is planned to launch pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission.

The open house is set for Monday, Oct. 6, from 6-8 p.m. in the Minot State Student Center Conference Center. Prospective students will learn from industry leaders and faculty about the demand for this new kind of engineering education in Western North Dakota. Along with information, prospective students can sign up for a scholarship drawing.

The new program will focus on producing field-ready engineers. Innovation engineering will utilize a micro-credentialing system for specialized learning and will incorporate hands-on experience into its curriculum.

Along with information on MSU’s newest program, the University is excited to spotlight special guest speaker, Heiko Kabutz, who does fascinating research on insect-inspired robotics designs at the University of Colorado’s Animal Inspired Movement and Robotics Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado. Kabutz is currently a doctoral student in mechanical engineering. For more information on his work, see the University of Colorado’s YOUTUBE.

For more information on the open house launch event, see the attached FLYER, and for more information on the program, log on to Minot State’s innovation engineering WEBSITE.

Minot State University Theatre is pleased to announce "The Year of Razzle Dazzle," with exciting shows and a unique partnership with Western Plains Opera to present "Chicago the Musical."

MSU Theatre will kick off its 2025-26 lineup with William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" in Aleshire Theater on Oct. 24-26. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Oct. 26. "James and the Giant Peach" by Roald Dahl and adapted by David Wood is set to hit the stage in Aleshire on Feb. 13-15, with the first two nights at 7:30 p.m. and the finale at 2 p.m.

The two MSU Theatre productions are priced at $15 for general admission and $10 for non-MSU students. Minot State students, faculty, and staff are admitted free of charge with an MSU ID. Bob Fosse, Fred Ebb, and John Kander's "Chicago the Musical," is set for April 9-12 in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall. Tickets for the WPO events are $35/$30/$25 for adults, and $10 for students under 18. Military ticket prices are $25 for all sections with a valid ID, while MSU students are admitted free with their MSU ID. More information will be made available in the spring via Western Plains Opera's WEBSITE.

To celebrate Deaf Awareness month, the Minot State University campus is invited to an interactive presentation with Kyle Schultz, known as the Deaf Ninja from American Ninja Warrior! Schultz will have two presentations on the morning of Oct. 6 (9 and 11 a.m.) in the MSU Wellness Center. All students, faculty and staff are welcome. See details on the attached FLYER.

Minot State University Native American Cultural Center and Club will host an Indigenous Peoples' Day gathering, Oct. 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the MSU Beaver Dam. The event's guest speaker is Jamie Azure, chairman of Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Indigenous People's Day gathering is free and open to the public. For more information, see attached FLYER. In 2020 the City of Minot signed a proclamation recognizing the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day. This day celebrates and honors Indigenous People.

“Indigenous Peoples' Day is an official city and state holiday in various localities in the United States that celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples (Native Americans) and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is celebrated on the second Monday in October. It began as a counter-celebration held on the same day as the U.S. federal holiday of Columbus Day, which honors Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. It is celebrated as an alternative to Columbus Day, citing the lasting harm Indigenous tribes suffered because of Columbus's contributions to the European colonization of the Americas. — Indigenous Peoples' Day (United States): Wikipedia”

2025 Indigenous Peoples’ Day gathering

• Date: Oct. 13
• Time: 4-6 p.m.
• Guest speaker: Jamie Azure, chairman of Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
• Location: Beaver Dam on the Minot State campus (2nd floor student center)
• Schedule:
  • Land Acknowledgement reading, Blessing by MSU Spiritual Wellness Coordinator, and Welcome
  • History of Indigenous Peoples’ Day proclamation
  • Introduction of speaker: Jamie Azure, chairman of Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
    • Topic: Tribal government overview
      • Economic development
      • Education & Youth
      • Housing & Infrastructure
      • Cultural Preservation
      • Future Vision
    • After Speaker: “Indigenous Peoples’ Day and We are Still Here” banner walk (11th Ave to Broadway, to University Ave, and back to the Beaver Dam) and pizza from Sodexo served.

The St. Olaf Orchestra, conducted by Chung Park, will perform at Minot State University’s Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. The St. Olaf Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra rich in international artistry and tradition and known for its enthusiastic and passionate performances. Founded in 1906, the 95-member ensemble has been heralded as one of the finest collegiate orchestras in the country and won the 2013 and 2019 American Prizes in Orchestral Performances among colleges and universities.

The Minot State stop is part of the orchestra’s six-city tour across North Dakota and Montana during its 2025 fall tour. The orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5,” Valerie Coleman’s “Seven O’Clock Shout,” feature student soloists, and more.

Tickets are $15 for all seats. All students and educators are free. To purchase tickets, see the orchestra’s box office at EVENTBRITE or call 800-363-5487. For more information on the St. Olaf Orchestra, see its WEBSITE. 

TRIO Student Support Services and the Writing Center invite you to attend the third event in the 2025 Writing Workshop Series: "Documentation Basics for MLA, APA, and Chicago Style," presented by Christopher Lozensky. See the attached FLYER. So, you need to use MLA documentation for your English essay, but your psychology paper follows APA format, and your history assignment requires Chicago Style — and you have no idea what any of that means! Before you panic or resort to AI,  come to this workshop for hands-on practice with these common documentation methods that will make your college-level writing more readable, credible, and academically honest! All MSU students, staff, and faculty are welcome to join us on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 6-7 p.m. in person in the TRIO office (lower level of Gordon B. Olson Library) or synchronously online via TEAMS. No prior experience required! These writing workshops are also a good opportunity for students to receive class credit for participating in campus events or for extra credit opportunities. View the full workshop schedule HERE. Direct questions to Lozensky by EMAIL.

Minot State University alumni, friends, and families are invited to Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch for an evening full of family fun! Join the MSU Alumni Association on Thursday, Oct. 16 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., with free pizza starting at 5:30 p.m., sponsored by Papa Johns. MSU Staff Senate and Homesteaders will be sponsoring free desserts and hot beverages. The MSU Alumni Association will be covering the entry fee for the first 200 participants who register ONLINE. Contact Courtenay Brekhus, director of alumni engagement, in the alumni office by EMAIL if you have any questions. For more information, see attached FLYER.

Northwest Arts Center
The gallery is located on the lower level of the Gordon B. Olson Library, with its own entrance on the south side of the library. The arts center is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, 1-5 p.m., and by special arrangement. It is closed on holidays.

• INT'L All Media 2025: The Northwest Arts Center's annual juried exhibition for its 30th year. The exhibition is on view Oct. 23 through Dec. 20 in the Walter Piehl Gallery. From its first call for entries in 1993, each year the All Media competition has brought diverse artwork in all mediums, traditional and experimental, to our community. This year's exhibition features over 40 artworks by artists from the United States and Japan. Our juror for 2025 is Melissa Monroe, a self-taught multidisciplinary artist based in Portland, Oregon. Since beginning her artistic journey in 2013, she has immersed herself in painting, textiles, and sculpture--creating work that explores vulnerability, transformation, and self-reflection. Melissa's work has been exhibited widely in galleries and art fairs across the U.S., including exhibitions at Brassworks Gallery in Portland, Hey There Projects in Joshua Tree and Mortal Machine, New Orleans as well as showing at the Seattle Art Fair and Scope Art Fair in Miami.
• INT L All Media 2025 Reception: The annual juried exhibition reception is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23, from 6:30-8 p.m. A juror's talk and awards presentation are scheduled for 7 p.m. Our juror for 2025 is Melissa Monroe, a self-taught multidisciplinary artist based in Portland, Oregon. Since beginning her artistic journey in 2013, she has immersed herself in painting, textiles, and sculpture--creating work that explores vulnerability, transformation, and self-reflection. Melissa's work has been exhibited widely in galleries and art fairs across the U.S., including exhibitions at Brassworks Gallery in Portland, Hey There Projects in Joshua Tree and Mortal Machine, New Orleans as well as showing at the Seattle Art Fair and Scope Art Fair in Miami. The reception is free and open to the public. We welcome you to attend either in person or online.

Karla Bredahl, administrative assistant, Department of Science, won a Scheels $200 gift card for her top-voted photo from the Fall Kick-Off. Food always WINS! See her winning photo HERE and view other photos submitted from the fun evening on Staff Senate's Facebook PAGE.

Jolina Miller, online program coordinator, was named the August winner of the Staff Senate High Five Award. She is pictured HERE with Minot State President Steven Shirley, Staff Senate President Celeste Simmons, and the Center for Extended Learning team. Miller has been with the University since April 2001.

Kara Nunziato, assistant professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders, was featured as the first guest in the Minot State Culture Club Friday Vodcast Series. The series highlights members of the Minot State family who exemplify the values and culture we strive to build and sustain across our campus. Watch and listen to the episode HERE.

Courtney Olson, assistant professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders, received a Special Recognition Award from the National Council of State Boards of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The Council recognized Olson for her outstanding contribution and service in the pursuit of consumer protection and regulation of the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology in the state of North Dakota.

Emily Perryman, admission specialist in MSU Enrollment Services, was named the July winner of the Staff Senate High Five Award. She is pictured HERE with Minot State President Steven Shirley, Staff Senate President Celeste Simmons, Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing, and Outreach Jacek Mrozik, and the Enrollment Services team. Perryman has worked for MSU for four years.

Nalu Cordeiro, a sophomore cornerback from Honolulu, Hawaii, was announced as the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the Beavers’ 28-21 home win Saturday over Bemidji State. Cordeiro’s first interception snapped a 21-21 tie late in the fourth quarter as he returned it 49 yards for what proved to be the game-winning score. The touchdown was the sophomore’s third defensive score in his collegiate career. Cordeiro then added one more interception, at the Minot State goal line, which thwarted a possible game-tying score by Bemidji State in the final seconds of the contest.

Logan Matthews, a sophomore punter from Parker, Colorado, was honored by The CFB Network as the D-2 Special Teams Player of the Week. Matthews averaged a phenomenal 50.5 yards per punt during the Beavers' season opener at Emporia State. He racked up 303 yards punting on six kicks for Minot State, which included putting three inside the opposition’s 20-yard line. Matthews also added a 71-yard punt during the game, which ranks No. 10 all-time in Minot State’s 100-year football history.

Anna Miotto, a sophomore from Riehen, Switzerland, and Rebecca Sargent, a redshirt sophomore from Kensington, England, were honored as the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Offensive Player of the Week and the NSIC Goalkeeper of the Week, respectively. In a 1-0 road win at Concordia, St. Paul, Miotto scored the game’s lone goal while Sargent made seven saves in goal for MSU. Miotto assisted on the Beavers’ first goal of the game in a 4-1 win at Winona State, and netted her third of the season. Sargent added three saves in the win, stopping all three shots she faced in 74 minutes of action before being relieved for the final 16 minutes.

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