Minot State Lifelong Learning Institute offers multiple ceramics classes

Minot State University’s Lifelong Learning Institute will offer multiple ceramics classes as part of its Spring 2026 schedule, including weekly and monthly open studios.

Tuesday evenings feature demonstrations designed to enhance your skills, covering topics ranging from plaster mold making and slip casting to clay and glaze mixing, advanced throwing, hand-building, sculptural techniques, and various firing methods. Children ages 12-plus may register with a concurrently registered and attending parent/guardian.

The schedule begins on Feb. 3 with both Weekly Open Studio and Monthly Open Studio. Weekly Open Studio is scheduled from Feb. 3 to April 14, on Tuesdays from 7-10 p.m., and costs $250 for 10 sessions. Monthly Open Studio is also Feb. 3 to April 14 on Tuesdays from 7-10 p.m. The cost is $100 per month (four sessions). Registered attendees will receive a small private locker and use of studio equipment. The price includes a fee for clay, glaze, and firing.

All classes are scheduled for Minot State’s Ceramics Studio in the lower level of historic Pioneer Hall.

Session instructor is Linda Olson, a former Minot State University professor who retired from teaching at MSU in 2024 after nearly 35 years with the University. A North Dakota native, she earned her bachelor’s degrees in art, English, and psychology at MSU, a Master of Arts from the University of Montana, and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Dakota. Olson has worked in several public collections, including the North Dakota Council on the Arts, the Skien, Norway Art Center, the University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University PEARS Collection, and Minot State University, as well as in many private collections.

For more information on all of MSU’s Lifelong Learning Institute classes, see the University’s Center for Extended Learning WEBSITE.

New signage highlights growing ‘Buckshot’s Backyard’ trail system

A series of new signs now mark Minot State University’s bike and walking trail, “Buckshot’s Backyard,” giving users clearer access points and improving safety at one of the University’s newest outdoor attractions.

Installed in early October by the MSU Facilities Management team with sponsorship support from Beaver Creek, the signs represent a major step forward in establishing the trail as a well-used community asset.

“We wanted people to know the trail was there and to help keep pedestrians and cyclists safe,” said Kelsey Higginson, assistant professor in exercise science and rehabilitation, who spearheaded the project. “Getting the signage in place has been a big goal, and Beaver Creek was willing to sponsor the signs, which made all the difference.”

Beaver Creek, founded in 2008, is a leading logistics provider in the Bakken Basin with roots that lie in its Native American heritage. Based in New Town, the 100% Native-owned company delivers exceptional service, fosters community growth, and is committed to land stewardship, emphasizing sustainable practices and respect for the environment.

The signage marks three loops — the Amphitheater Loop, Facilities Loop, and Coulee Loop — totaling nearly two miles when connected. Designed as a natural dirt trail with no excavation, the system winds through the open area on the north end of campus, providing rolling hills, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for walking, biking, running, and even snowshoeing in winter.

Buckshot’s Backyard began in 2024 after Higginson sought a place to teach mountain biking basics for MSU’s new outdoor recreation and lifetime pursuits course, designed to prepare future physical education teachers. After early conversations with Val’s Cyclery, she approached Minot State President Steven Shirley at the university’s Staff Senate Fall Kickoff.

What followed was a grassroots collaboration. Higginson cleared the first path herself with a weed trimmer. Val’s Cyclery helped design the initial coulee trail, and trail builder Carson Schnell shaped it into a rideable route. Additional loops were laid out and cut before winter 2024, and a campus poll later gave the trail its name: Buckshot’s Backyard.

Today, the trail is open to the public whenever classes are not actively using it. E-assist bikes are allowed, though motorsports are prohibited. The path makes for a wonderful snowshoe trail in winter, and one adventurous faculty member has cross-country skied the course. Higginson noted there is a plan moving forward for better maintenance with a mowing schedule for next year.

MSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee brings in record donations for DVCC

A month-long winter clothing and food drive led by the Minot State University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) brought in record donations for the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) this October, filling a minivan with bags and bins gathered from every athletic team.

Mallory Hoogensen, a senior softball player from Ankeny, Iowa and SAAC’s president, said the initiative grew from years of collaboration with the DVCC and the committee’s commitment to maintaining that partnership, even without a conference-level directive.

“In past years, SAAC has partnered with the DVCC to do similar service projects during the month of October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” she said. “The NSIC in the past has also had an initiative for domestic violence awareness, and although this is not a current conference initiative during the 2025-2026 academic year, our committee knew this was something that we wanted to do for this organization and our community.”

Hoogensen credited SAAC philanthropy officer Noah Iosefa, a senior football player from Holt, Michigan, with helping initiate the project.

“Noah reached out to the DVCC and brainstormed ideas with them on what needs they had,” she said. “Noah and I then discussed what would be most doable for our committee and landed on the donation drive that we conducted from Oct. 1-27, 2025.”

As planning began, Hoogensen focused on motivating student athletes to see the impact they could make. To sustain enthusiasm, she tapped into a beloved campus tradition: the Beaver Cup.

MSU students, alumni featured as soloists in ‘Messiah’

Minot State University students and recent alumni were featured as soloists in the city-wide production of “Messiah” at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025.

The production of Handel’s “Messiah” has been a cherished tradition in Minot for over 100 years, and the 2025 edition was the 96th performance. Soloists included sopranos Megan Kramer, Christina Larsen, and Kaitlyn Pellenwessel. The altos are Kylee Cook ’25 and Rayna Falcon; Ethan Pedersen is the tenor; and Nathan Sagsveen is the bass.

“It’s a wonderful group of soloists who have worked very hard all semester to bring this incredible music to life,” said John Swedberg, MSU assistant professor of music and director of choral activities.

Handel’s “Messiah” was originally an Easter offering, first performed on a Dublin stage in 1742, before becoming the Christmas-season tradition it is today. The “Messiah” has been a fixture of the Minot holiday season. Since 1929, only the 1967 blizzard and 2020’s COVID-19 restrictions have caused interruptions in production. Along with MSU students, faculty, and staff, the orchestra and choir are composed of musicians from the greater Minot community and across the state.

Minot State welcomes new head track and field coach Stevens
Minot State’s Associate Director of Athletics for External Operations, Janna McKechnie, is pleased to introduce Erik Stevens as the Beavers’ newest head coach. Stevens takes over leadership of the Minot State track and field program, replacing former coach Jordan Aus, who stepped down to fill the role of Associate Director of Athletics for Revenue and Ticketing in November. Stevens will begin his duties as the head track and field coach in January. The new coach will focus on quickly establishing an identity for the Minot State program moving forward in preparation for the Beavers’ next meet, the Marauders Indoor Opener on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 in Bismarck.

Stevens takes over at MSU after spending the last three and a half seasons as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I North Texas, where he led the distance runners and was the head cross-country coach for four seasons. He spent one season as head cross-country coach and the assistant track and field coach for distance runners at NCAA Division I Texas State, and also served as a volunteer assistant coach at NCAA Division I Florida State for one year, spent two years as a volunteer assistant coach at NCAA Division I Georgia, and two years as a volunteer assistant coach at NCAA Division I UCLA. A 2006 graduate of Arizona with a degree in history education and a minor in kinesiology and coaching, Stevens holds USATF Level 1 & 2 certifications and is a USTFCCCA Endurance Specialist.

Beaver Youth Track Nights
Minot State University track & field is sponsoring Beaver Youth Track Nights on Monday nights at the Minot State Dome. The dates are Jan. 12, Jan. 19, Jan. 26, Feb. 2, and Feb. 9. There will be two sessions, Busy Beavers (ages 2-6) and Little Beavers (ages 7-11). Busy Beavers, for kids in kindergarten and younger, will be from 6-6:45 p.m. Little Beavers, 1st-5th grade, will be from 6:45-7:45 p.m. Kids will be divided into similar age groups and will participate in 3-4 stations that focus on the fundamentals of running and jumping. The last night (Feb. 9) will culminate with a track meet competition. All camp participants will receive a t-shirt which will be handed out on the last night of the camp. Youth track nights will be facilitated by the coaches and athletes of MSU track and field. MSU staff and faculty receive $10 off registration by entering code: MSUCamps25 at checkout. For more information and a QR code to sign up, see attached FLYER.

2026-27 Minot State general scholarship application
The 2026-27 Minot State general scholarship application is now available! The deadline to apply for MSU scholarships is Feb.15. Review the scholarship terms and conditions by clicking on "Undergraduate scholarship terms and conditions," found under the red “Apply Now!” button in the LINK. Minot State offers a variety of scholarships funded by gifts to the University. Scholarships are based on academic achievements, financial need, and other criteria defined by the donors. The scholarship amounts vary depending on student eligibility and the availability of funds. Some Minot State scholarships available for the 2026-2027 academic year require a separate application from our general scholarship application. Visit MSU's Other Scholarships and Awards PAGE to locate applications for these scholarships. For more information, contact the Minot State Financial Aid Office by phone at 701-858-3375 or by EMAIL.

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.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Halia Aldrich, Dusten Charbonneau, Maria Cree, Kerry Israel, Zaelyn Jeannotte, Melissa Knight, Melissa Morin, Madison Mundy, Alexis Murphy, and Meadow Poitra have been awarded a total of $47,400 in scholarships from the Sadie, Alexander, and Dr. John A. Harchanko Endowment, a fund dedicated to supporting Native American students at MSU. The Harchanko Endowment was established through a gift from the estate of John Harchanko to provide ongoing scholarship support for Native American students at MSU.

Deuce Benjamin and Taryn Hamling were named Pinnacle Employee Benefits Minot State Male and Female Athlete of the Month for November.

David Frantsvog, assistant professor in the Department of Business, was featured in WalletHub.com. Frantsvog’s article, "What would you say is the biggest misconception that people have about secured credit cards?" can be found HERE.

Andy Heitkamp, director of the MSU Military Resource Center, was featured on Legal Services of North Dakota (LSND) Live: Community Conversations. Heitkamp joined LSND to discuss the many services they offer to assist active-duty military, veterans, spouses, and dependents in navigating the benefits across federal and state programs.

Brandon McCary was named one of 41 semifinalists for the Fred Mitchell Award. The Fred Mitchell Award honors the top kickers in all levels of college football for their performance on the football field and in the community.

Emerald Okotie, Kyler Meigs, and Brenna Dutenhafer presented their Honors Program capstone portfolios in December.

Doug Tiedman had his title changed to the Director for Online Development, Testing, and Digital Access. As part of his responsibilities, he will be designated as a Digital Accessibility Compliance Coordinator for Minot State.

Shannon Villafranca was selected as the ASC Student of the Month for November. She has contributed to the Academic Support Center’s programs as a TRIO Peer Mentor.

Minot State’s fall student-athletes combined to set a department record for academic achievement over the past four months, as the NSIC announced its 2025 NSIC Fall All-Academic Team. The Beavers achieved an all-time high for fall sports – football, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s soccer, and volleyball – as 46 student-athletes were named to the NSIC’s Fall All-Academic Team or All-Academic Team of Excellence. To be named to the NSIC All-Academic Team, a student-athlete must be an active member of their respective team, in at least their second season of competition with their respective Beaver team, and maintain at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA. To earn NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence honors, a student-athlete must maintain at least a 3.60 cumulative GPA.
NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence

• Football: Conner Raetzman, Josh Will, Trevor Jungman, Cody Grossinger, Tyler Stonebraker, Aiden George
• Men's cross country: Camden Jasmin, Isaac Rathbun, Nikita Neyshtadt
• Women’s cross country: Natalie Becker, Emery Smith, Nicole Reeves, Julie Folk
• Women’s soccer: Brittney Egbert, Anna Miotto, Tereza Vrbanek, Sierra Haren
• Volleyball: Emily Willis, Sydney Upton, Olivia Murphy, Paulina Kowalska, Caton Pearcy, Logan Drennan, Jaina Macaulay, Mia Thompson

NSIC All-Academic Team

• Football: Malachi Johnson, Logan Matthews, Marcus Council, Max Bray, Julian Kameristy, Caleb Schmidt, Cody Raetzman, Brandon McCary
• Men’s cross country: Holter Bridwell, Zander Grover, Peyton Tuhy
• Women’s cross country: Afton Wride, Bailey Wride
• Women’s soccer: Reese Pittman, Linnea Svenzén, Taylor Salsman, Elsa Duquesne, Rebecca Sargent, Keilani Broadnax
• Volleyball: Haley Saunders, Maya Vibeto

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