Entrepreneurial Perspective: No Bad Days with Hunter Pinke

Minot State University’s Severson Entrepreneurship Academy is pleased to announce the Entrepreneurial Perspective: No Bad Days with Hunter Pinke will take place on Nov. 13 at the MSU Student Center Conference Center.

The event will begin with a free lunch served at 11:30 a.m., with Pinke’s keynote, “No Bad Days: How to live the rest of your life without having another bad day,” set for 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. His address is recommended for students ages 14-plus and all adult and professional groups. The Entrepreneurial Perspective is free and open to the public.

In 2019, Hunter sustained a life-changing spinal cord injury in a skiing accident, resulting in paralysis from the chest down. He completed rehabilitation at Craig Hospital in Colorado and returned to the University of North Dakota to finish his degree. In 2024, he earned a graduate degree in real estate development from the University of Arizona, where he also captained the wheelchair basketball team.

Hunter is passionate about rural outdoor recreation, athletics, and sharing his story of resilience and gratitude across the country.

The Wishek native was active in sports, academics, and the arts throughout high school, graduating as valedictorian in 2016. He studied mechanical engineering and played tight end for the UND football team, serving as captain in the 2020-2021 season. A devout Christian, Pinke also led the UND Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years.

The Entrepreneurial Perspective series is in its third year at Minot State. Through this inspiring speaker series, the Severson Entrepreneurship Academy aims to offer dynamic live case studies, ignite the entrepreneurial spirit, and foster a culture of innovation and growth in North Dakota.

For more information on the Entrepreneurial Perspective: No Bad Days with Hunter Pinke, see the event’s WEBSITE. For more information on Pinke, see hunterpinke.com.

Department of Nursing earns 10-year CCNE reaccreditation
The Minot State University Department of Nursing has been reaccredited for 10 years by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) following a successful self-study and on-site evaluation.

The decision reaffirms Minot State’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program’s strength in curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and continuous improvement.

“This is a milestone for our students, our faculty, and the region we serve,” said Amy Lee, chair of the Department of Nursing. “Accreditation at the highest term reflects years of focused work: collecting evidence, strengthening curriculum, and ensuring our graduates are practice-ready. We are thrilled to have this finalized.”

The CCNE Board of Commissioners extended MSU’s accreditation to December 31, 2035, which was effective Feb. 26, 2025, the first day of MSU’s CCNE on-site evaluation. The site visit was one of many steps and procedures that Minot State’s Department of Nursing followed during the multi-phase process of measuring MSU against nationally recognized standards.

Over the past two years, MSU nursing led a comprehensive self-study, gathering evidence from course assessments, licensure results, clinical partner feedback, and student/faculty surveys. During the on-site evaluation, peer reviewers met with students, alumni, community and clinical partners, faculty, and University leadership; visited classrooms and labs; and verified the program’s assessment and improvement systems. Reviewers noted the highest level of student participation they’ve seen, both in-person and online students attended the sessions, and alumni returned to campus to share perspectives and confirm program strengths.

Andes set for author visit at Minot State

The Minot State University Native American Cultural Center, the MSU Diversity Council, and the Gordon B. Olson Library are proud to announce author and Minot State grad Hunter Andes will be on campus for an author visit during the University’s Native American Cultural Celebration taking place in November.

Andes, the author of “The Elders: Stories from Fort Berthold,” will discuss his book during the author visit on Nov. 7 at 3:30 p.m. in the Gordon B. Olson Library.

“The Elders: Stories from Fort Berthold,” explores the relocation of settlements Elbowoods, Nishu, Van Hook, and others, to build the Garrison Dam. In 1953, 1,700 individuals were relocated for the creation of Lake Sakakawea despite the Three Affiliated Tribes’ objection. Andes’ book explores those events through the eyes of four elders who shared their adult experiences living in the bottomlands and their subsequent relocation.

Andes held a series of interviews with Marilyn Hudson and Edward “Ed” Hall, Parshall residents formerly from rural Elbowoods, and Gerald “Jerry” White and Almit Breuer, both from White Shield and formerly rural Nishu. The basis of the book was first published as a newspaper series in the McClean County Independent.

The event is free and open to the public, and books will be available for purchase.

Minot State hosts International Peace Garden Conference

Minot State University served as host for the 73rd annual International Peace Garden Conference on Oct. 24. The International Peace Garden Conference, held in conjunction with Minot State University and Brandon University (Manitoba), is an opportunity for students from MSU and Brandon University to share research on issues related to democracy and political engagement. 

Titled "Civil Discourse in Contentious Times," the conference featured student paper presentations, participant lunch, speaker Jack Russel Weinstein, Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor of philosophy and director of the Institute for Philosophy in Public Life at the University of North Dakota, and a student coffee hour with Weinstein.

The long-standing conference is named after the International Peace Garden, nestled in the Turtle Mountains along the U.S. and Canadian border. North Dakota and Manitoba combined to donate nearly 2,400 acres along the international boundary line to establish the garden with an official dedication on July 14, 1932. Celebrations of peace and cooperation continue at the International Peace Garden, with unique installations like the Carillion Bells, the Hands of Peace sculpture, and the 9/11 Memorial.

Northwest Arts Center: INT’L All Media 2025 annual juried exhibition

NODAKON 2025: Focus on cyber safety

NODAKON, Minot State University School of Business, Math, and Technology’s annual cybersecurity event, took place on Oct. 16 at the Minot State Student Center Conference Center and Model Hall.

In its fifth year, NODAKON featured a Cybersecurity Summit: See something, say something: Only you can prevent cyberattacks. The summit is sponsored by the MSU Cultural and Intellectual Engagement Council, SRT, and First Western Bank & Trust.

The MSU campus and the Minot community attended free sessions during the Cybersecurity Summit. Jacob Rued, from First Western Bank & Trust, talked about cyber fraud and finances; James Hudler, from North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), spoke as a passionate cyber defender; and Thomas Blade from Arctic Wolf addressed steps to take after getting hacked.

During lunch, keynote speaker Peter Ingebrigsten, a cyber evangelist, discussed awareness about security risks and solutions as he has a passion for cybersecurity.

Afternoon sessions were only open to Minot State students and featured an incident response challenge by NDIT’s Hudler, Josh Jenkins, and Jon Heard in MSU’s Model Hall.

SRT Tech Day attracts students from the region

Area high school students converged on the campus of Minot State University for the 25th annual SRT Tech Day on Oct. 15 in the Student Center Conference Center and Old Main. SRT Tech Day is an annual day-long event showcasing area secondary business students as they compete in various business and technology-related competitions.

Area schools participating included Berthold, Bottineau, Bowbells, Burke Central, Des Lacs-Burlington, Drake-Anamoose, Nedrose, Our Redeemer’s Christian School, Powers Lake, South Prairie, Stanley, Surrey, TGU-Granville, TGU-Towner, and Tioga. 

Along with competitive events, students participated in sessions with Thomas Blade from Arctic Wolf regarding steps to take after being hacked, as well as sessions interacting with Jazmine Schultz, entrepreneur, educator, and energized life coach. Competitions took place in the morning with an awards ceremony crowning the top three placewinners in each category.

Nursing Student Association Holiday Drive

Minot State University Nursing Student Association is hosting a Holiday Drive for the Powers Lake Transition (PLT) program, supporting youth with disabilities this Christmas season. The Nursing Student Association is looking for donations of items you may already have but no longer need — anything can be a gift. Many of these students lack the financial means to purchase gifts for their families, and this drive provides them with the opportunity to put something special under the tree. Donations such as food items, home décor, books, new or gently used clothing, hygiene items, candles, blankets, toys, and gift bags or wrapping paper can be dropped off on the third floor of Memorial Hall by Nov. 25.

TheatreMidwest presents Jennifer Fawcett's 'Apples In Winter'

TheatreMidwest, in partnership with Minot State University Theatre Program, will present Jennifer Fawcett’s award-winning play about parenting, punishment and pie, Apples In Winter. A tour-de-force undertaking for one actor, the production will play at Minot State’s Aleshire Theatre on Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. TheatreMidwest presents this project at the Aleshire Theatre, as part of a major tour of the Midwest USA and beyond, playing at venues in Marshall, Minnesota; Yankton, South Dakota; Peru, Nebraska, and more. The project provides accessible theatre-going opportunities by bringing the work to these communities, and by maintaining the company’s commitment to Radical Hospitality — the removal of barriers that prevent people from going to the theatre. Admission does not require a fee, but reservations are strongly encouraged due to limited seating. A conversation among artists and audience will commence shortly after the performance. TheatreMidwest Company members will also be in residence Nov. 11-13 to visit classes, present workshops, and interact with the community. More information about the show, reservations, and the company can be found HERE.

Porcupine quill and bead earring making workshop

The Minot State University Native American Cultural Center and Minot State TRIO Center will host a porcupine quill and bead earring-making workshop. Using ancestral teachings and storytelling of the first people of the northern plains, Annette Mennem, Native American Center director, will lead this workshop, teaching the art of quill work. Students, staff, and faculty are invited to sign up for this workshop being held in the Trio Center, lower level of the Gordon B. Olson Library, on Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. This event is free, but individuals need to contact Mennem by EMAIL by Nov. 4 to reserve a spot.

Semi-annual Minot State/CTS community conversations

Join the North Dakota University System (NDUS) Core Technology Services (CTS) for the Semi-annual Minot State/CTS Community Conversations on Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. in the Westlie Room. The event is an opportunity to stay informed, engaged, and connected with key updates impacting NDUS and CTS. Help us shape our upcoming community conversations! Fill out the community conversations questions and topics FORM if you’d like us to cover something specific to make these sessions more engaging and meaningful for everyone.

• Date: Nov. 6
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Location: Minot State Student Center Westlie Room (refreshments provided)
• Virtual Option: Microsoft Teams (contact IT staff for link)
• Audience: Open to all Minot State faculty and staff

Agenda Highlights:

• Welcome
  • Dirk Huggett, CTS assistant chief information officer, administration and Lisa Haman and Darren Olson, MSU IT directors
• Project Updates & RFP News
  • Legislative Interim Committee updates: Tasked with conducting a mandated study on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
  • State Board of Higher Education News: RFP and SB 2242: Legislative Study on Higher Education Institutions
  • CTS TeamDynamix to HaloITSM project
  • Housing: THD to Kinetic project
  • Procurement Automation project - NDBuys
  • Peoplesoft Campus Connection, HCM, & FIN Digital Accessibility project
  • Vector Solutions platform for delivering mandatory training programs to faculty, staff, and students
  • Direct Deposit Notification Enhancements - Implementation of text messaging and Campus Connection ACH notifications
  • Blackboard LMS RFP update
• Training and Announcements
  • Introducing The CTS Pulse Newsletter
  • M365 Copilot training
  • Microsoft Training
  • October Blackboard Days – Recap and Thank you
  • Announcing ND HEUG 2026
  • EDUCAUSE’s annual October conference - Top 10 Initiatives in 2026
• Open Q&A – Community Conversations

TRIO Talks: First-generation student roundtable and celebration

All first-generation students, faculty, staff, and supporters are invited to TRIO Talks: First-generation student roundtable and celebration. This event will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 1-2 p.m. in the TRIO Center (lower level of the Gordon B. Olson Library) and will be live-streamed on Instagram @msu_triosss. Enjoy cupcakes and hear stories from past and present first-generation college students, including Alaric Williams, assistant vice president for academic affairs; Lindsey Benson, assistant director of financial aid; James Jimenez, TRIO student, and Katie Humble, TRIO student. See the attached FLYER for more information. Direct questions to Christopher Lozensky, TRIO academic coach, by EMAIL. 

Auditions for 'James and the Giant Peach'

Minot State University Theatre's February production will be "James and the Giant Peach." Auditions will be held in Aleshire Theater in Hartnett Hall on Monday, Nov. 10 from 5-7 p.m. Individuals will not need to stay the full two hours.

• Actors: Prepare to share a story! You can read from your favorite children's book or recite a fairytale. The intention is to see how creative you can be with your expression and voice.
• Tech: If you're interested in behind-the-scenes positions, stop by auditions to fill out a tech form. This includes roles such as stage management, props, sound design, and more.

Anyone unable to attend auditions should let director Sarah Belfrage Honerman know by EMAIL to set up an alternate time.

IN THE GALLERIES

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. 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. Monroe'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.
• Umbrae: Mezzotints by Jacob Crook: The exhibition is on view Oct. 23 through Dec. 20 in the Walter Piehl Gallery. Jacob Crook, winner of the INT’L All Media 2024 Best of Show award, is a mezzotint printmaker located in Starkville, Mississippi. Crook currently is an Assistant Professor of Art and Printmaking Coordinator at Mississippi State University. With his artwork, he emphasizes light’s ability to “bring poetry to the prosaic, magic to the mundane, and beauty to the banal.” His exhibition, “Umbrae” consists of mezzotint prints of moody scenes that “set the stage” for viewers to consider their own associations with the imagery.
• Public reception: A public reception and online viewing for Umbrae: Mezzotints with the artist is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Jordan Aus started as the new associate athletic director for revenue and ticketing on November 1. Aus will continue as head track and field head coach, currently in his second season at Minot State, until a new coach is hired. Aus will be in charge of revenue generation and ticketing for the Minot State athletic department.

Zoe Banack and Kasen Rostad earned the Pinnacle Employee Benefits Minot State Female and Male Athlete of the Month awards for September, respectively.

David Frantsvog, assistant professor in the Department of Business, was featured in WalletHub.com.. Frantsvog article, "No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Cards," can be found HERE.

Brandon McCary has been named to the Fred Mitchell Award mid-season watch list. The Fred Mitchell Award watch list recognizes kickers who are at the top of their division for terrific performances through October 11. The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be announced in December based on their performance on the football field and in the community. He was also honored as the NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week for his play in the Beavers’ 40-37 overtime loss at Minnesota State Moorhead. McCary kicked five field goals and added two successful point-after-touchdown kicks, for 17 points. The five successful field goals is a new all-time single game record at Minot State, breaking the former record of three made field goals by All-American JoseLuis Moreno, who achieved the feat twice in 2017, and Diego Nunez-Smith, who kicked three in a game in 2024. He also tied an NSIC single-game record held by three other players.

Conner Meldrim was selected as the Academic Support Center Student of the Month for September. He has contributed to the Academic Support Center’s programs previously as a peer review session leader and more recently as a peer tutor.

Thank you to Gary Orluck for over 10 years of dedicated service as director of safety and security. We wish him all the best in his retirement. His last day was Nov. 3. Minot State is pleased to share that Aundrey Livingston is stepping into the role of director of safety and security.

Minot State University made a powerful impression at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Teaching and Curriculum (AATC), held Oct. 9–11 in Minneapolis. Centered around the theme, "Imagining…Reciprocity and Wellbeing in Education," MSU faculty, students, and leaders contributed standout research, panels, and leadership to this national gathering. Dan Conn, Minot State professor of education and out-going AATC President, opened the conference with a presidential address and participated in several sessions, including:

• “From Framework to Practice: Implementing a Holistic and Innovative Teacher Evaluation System to Strengthen Teaching and Learning” with Nathan Anderson (MSU director of institutional assessment) and Michelle Tenam-Zemach (Drop the Knowledge)
• “Curriculum is the Land: Restoring a Flooded School as Indigenous Grassland” with Madison Mundy (MSU), Jorja Short (MSU), Farhan (MSU), and Lydia Repnow (Concordia College)
• “Relational Healing: Centering Indigenous Teachings on Relationships and Reciprocity” with Alex DeCoteau (Turtle Mountain Community Schools), Annita Rose Gibbs (Red Lake Nation), Annette Mennem (MSU director, Native American Cultural Center), Alicia Saxe (Denver Public Schools), Suzette Wilhelm (University of North Florida), Mundy, and Short

Mennem served as conference chair, playing a leading role in organizing and shaping the national program. Laura Zucca-Scott, professor of education at Minot State, contributed to three diverse sessions, demonstrating leadership in inclusive pedagogy, child wellbeing, and educational technology:

• “Pineapple and Her Friends: Why Education Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All” – co-presented with Coren Coombs (MSU), exploring inequities in student tracking and advocating for individualized learning paths.
• “Notes on the Kitchen Table’: Solitude, Reciprocity, and Belonging in Elementary School Children” – a solo presentation examining how children experience connection and inclusion through moments of solitude and expression.
• “Artificial Intelligence: Risks and Rewards of Technological Advancements for Research” – co-presented with Samuel Stinson (MSU associate professor of English) and Matthew Spurlin (MSU) this session analyzed the emerging role of AI in shaping academic research and instructional design.

Other MSU faculty presenting included:

• Evan Borisinkoff (associate professor of special education) – “Leveraging AI to Support Special Educators: Reducing Paperwork and Fostering Inclusion”
• Robert Kibler (professor of English) – “The Cultural and Pedagogical Value of Words in Taoism and Confucianism and What They May Mean for a Revolution in the 21st Century American Classroom”
• Nichol Anderson (instructor, early childhood education) with Cortney Shuley (Mayville State University) – “Disrupting Developmental Norms Through STEM Play-Based Learning”

Ian Clemente (adjunct instructor of education) with Adam Grimm (Michigan State University) – “‘Riding Donkeys in Search of Horses’: Using Imagination and Pursuing Reciprocity in the Shadow of Misremembered Pasts.”

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