Minot State University announced a total of 510 students were named to the Fall 2025 President’s List and 312 students were named to the Vice President for Academic Affairs’ Honor Roll. Students who earned a term grade point average of 3.8 or higher while enrolled for 12 or more credits during the Fall 2025 semester were named to the list. The honor will appear on the student’s transcript for the semester in which it was earned. Students who earned a term grade point average of 3.5-3.79 while enrolled for 12 or more credits during the Fall 2025 semester were named to the VPAA list. The honor will show on the student’s transcript for the semester it was earned. For complete lists, see attached pdfs:

• PRESIDENT'S LIST
• VPAA HONOR ROLL

Minot State University will begin two major projects transforming campus. The University announced the beginning of the Student Center renovation and the demolition of Dakota Hall.

The Student Center renovation will focus on the second-floor space currently occupied by the Beaver Dam, Student Government Association, MSU Life, and MSU Housing. The $3 million project will enhance student spaces and services. This renovation is fully funded by student activity fees, as passed by the student population. It is expected to be completed in August in time for Fall 2026 classes.

This project focuses on creating a signature space for Minot State University students that serves as a welcoming “family room” for the campus community. The redesigned space will provide a comfortable and flexible environment that supports student activity programming, collaborative learning, and informal gathering. The renovation intentionally emphasizes a more open floor plan and maximizes natural light by reactivating existing window spaces that have been part of the building’s structure for decades. Once complete, the new second-floor space will position the University and its students for decades to come, serving as one of the most visited and heavily used spaces for both students and alumni on campus.

Throughout the renovation period, current cafeteria services are expected to remain relatively undisturbed, ensuring continued access to dining options for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The north access to the Beaver Dam will be closed, with primary access to the Beaver Creek Café coming from the Student Center Atrium. The northwest entrance of the Student Center will have access to the third floor.

Student Government Association (SGA) will move to the Souris Room and Student Activities will relocate to the Fisher Room, both on second floor of the Student Center.  MSU Housing offices will move to the first floor of the Administration Building. SGA and activities are temporary moves to accommodate construction, with housing permanently relocating to the Administration Building. 

Dakota Hall is one of Minot State’s oldest buildings, having been constructed in 1931 as the second residence hall after Pioneer Hall. It was celebrated at the time of its opening for its modern conveniences and comfortable living environment.

Due to deteriorating conditions in the building, MSU took Dakota Hall offline in 2020, concluding that renovating the nearly 100-year-old building was not financially viable. Minot State, in partnership with the MSU Development Foundation, has made significant investments in apartment housing to meet modern student needs, building Beaver Suites in 2012 and purchasing Beaver Ridge in 2021.

Dakota Hall’s demolition was awarded funding in the 2023 legislative session and was slated for the summer of 2024 before it was discovered utility tunnels under the structure needed additional work prior to demolition. MSU was awarded additional funding in the 2025 session. Demolition is expected to be completed in mid-May. During the project, the parking lot between Dakota Hall and University Avenue will be closed. MSU plans to return the site to green space.

Minot State University is pleased to welcome internationally recognized artist, educator, and community arts leader Steve Prince as a Flat Tail Press Visiting Artist, Feb. 2-6. Prince’s visit coincides with the Northwest Arts Center exhibition Armour of God: The Art of Steve Prince, on view Jan. 8 through Feb. 21, in the Walter Piehl Gallery.

Prince is a master printmaker and art evangelist based in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he serves as the director of engagement and distinguished artist-in-residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art at William & Mary University. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Prince earned his BFA from Xavier University of Louisiana and his MFA in printmaking and sculpture from Michigan State University. An educator throughout his career, Prince has taught at every level from middle and high school to community colleges and four-year institutions while maintaining a prolific studio and public art practice.

A public reception for the exhibition will be held on Thursday, Feb. 5, from 6:30-8 p.m. with artist remarks at 7 p.m. The exhibition and all events are free and open to the public.

Minot State University is saddened to announce the passing of longtime MSU associate professor of science, Dannah Schaffer, who passed away from glioblastoma (brain cancer) on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the age of 66. Thompson-Larson Funeral Home has set up a tribute wall, and it can be accessed HERE. A memorial service honoring Schaffer will be held on Thursday, Feb. 12. Guests are invited to gather for coffee and bars from 6-7 p.m., with the service beginning promptly at 7 p.m. at the Swain Hall third-floor atrium. All are welcome to attend as we remember and celebrate Schaffer’s lasting contributions to our campus community. 

During the Minot State University renovation of the Beaver Dam area on second floor of the Student Center, the coffee shop will be relocated to the second floor of Old Main, in the Ann Nicole Nelson Hall lobby. Hours for the coffee shop will remain the same, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The relocation will last the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed in August. During the renovation, dining services at the Beaver Creek Café and the C-Store are expected to remain relatively undisturbed

Minot State University women's soccer announced head coach Chris Logan is stepping down for personal reasons, effective Friday, Jan. 2. The search for a new head coach for the Minot State women’s soccer team began Monday, and current Beavers assistant coach, Charlie Gomez, will serve as the interim head coach for the program until a new coach is named. In his lone season guiding Minot State, the Beavers went 9-5-5 during the fall of 2025, finishing fourth in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference standings.

Cassie Loard, Minot State's Aflac representative, has moved into a new role. She will no longer be servicing MSU. Effective immediately, for any AFLAC needs, contact:

• Rachel Florey, Aflac representative
  • EMAIL
  • Phone: 701-537-4213
  • Fax: 701-425-0035
• Brittany Bueschel, Admin
  • EMAIL
  • Phone: 701-537-4213
  • Fax: 701-425-0035

Beth Marschner, Minot State assistant professor of exercise science and rehabilitation, and the exercise science and rehabilitation program, are looking for volunteers to participate in a research study that is being conducted for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Anyone interested in participating can contact her by EMAIL for more information.

The Minot State concussion team would like to share that a new concussion return-to-learn protocol is now in effect for student athletes. This protocol provides a structured, zone-based framework to guide temporary academic adjustments for student athletes recovering from a concussion. The protocol was presented to and endorsed by the Minot State Faculty Senate. Faculty will be notified of a student’s return-to-learn status through Starfish, which will serve as the official method for communication as students move between protocol zones or are cleared to fully return to learning. Students are responsible for communicating with professors to make arrangements for missed or late assignments. An informational session to learn more about the concussion return-to-learn protocol will take place on Monday, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. in Old Main 312. Members are: Deb Haman, director, Student Health and Counseling; Jordan Boisner, associate director of athletics compliance and student life; Kristi Berg, faculty athletics representative; athletics training staff. To view the protocol, see attached PDF.

The Minot State Athletic Department posted an overall GPA of 3.185 for the fall semester. MSU softball led the way for the Beavers with the highest cumulative team GPA, a 3.657 during the fall, while 12 of the Beavers’ 17 teams eclipsed the 3.0 GPA mark.

Women's cross country was next with a 3.614, men’s hockey at 3.6, women’s hockey team had a 3.525, baseball posted a 3.474, women’s basketball had a 3.332, volleyball had a 3.211, women’s golf a 3.19, women’s soccer posted a 3.161, men’s basketball had a 3.025, women’s track and field had a 3.016, and men’s golf had a 3.008.

Along with the stellar department-wide GPA, 83 student-athletes posted a perfect 4.0 GPA during the fall semester, 103 Minot State student-athletes were named to the President’s List with a 3.8 GPA, or higher, and 78 more were named to the Vice President of Academic Affairs Honor Roll with a 3.5 to 3.79 GPA.

For a complete list, see attached PRESS RELEASE.

The Minot State Writing Center is now open for tutoring for the Spring 2026 semester. The Center offers both in person and online (asynchronous or synchronous) tutoring. Check the tutor’s availability when making an appointment. Individuals must log in or register for an account HERE. For those choosing etutoring (asynchronous), remember to attach your paper using the links at the bottom of the appointment form. The tutor will comment on the paper and email it back to you. Individuals do not need to come to the Center. For online tutoring (synchronous), individuals will need to be at their computer, logged into WC Online, at the appointment time and day. They and the tutor will communicate live via audio, video, and text. For questions, contact Patti Kurtz, director, Minot State Writing Center, by EMAIL or by phone at 701-858-3073.

The 2026-2027 Minot State small grants for faculty research and creative projects - request for proposals is now open to current MSU faculty. The deadline for proposals is Thursday, April 2. The MSU Faculty Research Committee encourages both research and creative project proposals. Visit the Minot State Office of Sponsored Programs WEBPAGE for complete submission details, a template for the required budget justification, and the scoring rubric used by the committee to competitively review proposals.

Consider nominating an alumnus for the Minot State Academic Hall of Fame. The criteria for the Academic Hall of Fame is:

1. Nominees must be Minot State University alumni who completed a significant portion of their education at MSU, and
2. Who have gone on to complete an advanced degree, and
3. Who have made a substantial contribution to the advancement of their field of study.

How to nominate?
A letter of support from the applicable academic department at Minot State University (preferably accompanied by a CV), and the form to the Academic Recognition committee chair, Ernst Pijning, by EMAIL or by mail to: Academic Recognition Committee, c/o Ernst Pijning, Minot State University, Minot, ND 58707. The form can be found online HERE.

Who can nominate?
Nominations may be made by any individual or organization, either within Minot State University or from the community at large.

What is the deadline?
The deadline is Wednesday, March 5. Inductees are usually announced in April and honored in the fall.

Consider nominating a retired colleague for the Distinguished Lifetime Educator award. The criteria for the Distinguished Lifetime Educator Award is:

1. Retired Minot State University faculty
2. Members who made significant contributions to the University while employed at MSU
3. And who exhibit evidence of an ongoing commitment to MiSU after retirement.

How to nominate?
A letter of support from their former/applicable academic department at Minot State University (preferably accompanied by a CV) to the Academic Recognition committee chair, Ernst Pijning, by EMAIL or by mail to: Academic Recognition Committee, c/o Ernst Pijning, Minot State University, Minot, ND 58707.

What is the deadline?
The deadline is Wednesday, March 5. The Distinguished Lifetime Educator Award is voted on by Faculty Senate in April and recognized during the annual employee appreciation event in the spring. For more information, see Faculty Senate's WEBPAGE.

Nominations for the Minot State University Board of Regents faculty and staff achievement awards are due in the Office of the President by April 1. There are separate forms, and criteria for each award.

• Faculty: nominations may be made by anyone knowledgeable about the achievements and contributions of the faculty member. Self-nominations are allowed. Self-nominations must include an endorsement by a faculty member or supervisor. Nominations must be specific for the area of teaching, scholarship or service and must include a one-page supporting narrative. 
• Staff: nominations may be made by anyone knowledgeable about the staff member. A description of the personal characteristics and accomplishments of the nominee must be provided.

More specific details are contained on the nomination forms below:

• Request for Staff Nominations
• Request for Faculty Nominations

 The awards will be presented at the MSU Employee Appreciation event on May 13.

The Minot State University annual poster session call for abstracts is now open to current faculty, staff, and students. The deadline to submit abstracts for this year’s event is Friday, March 20. As a reminder, faculty who received a small grant award for the 2025-2026 academic year are required to participate. Visit the Minot State Office of Sponsored Programs WEBPAGE for details. MSU’s annual poster session will take place on Tuesday, April 21 in the Gordon B. Olson Library. Everyone in the MSU community is encouraged to attend this scholarly event and support the research efforts of MSU’s faculty and students. Light refreshments will be provided.

Need a moment to relax, reset, and recharge? The Serenity Suite is available to enrolled MSU students, faculty, and staff, and offers a calm, restorative space on campus. The Serenity Suite includes:

• A full-body massage chair
• Light therapy
• InHarmony Sound Lounger

Whether you’re managing stress, feeling overwhelmed, or just need a quiet break in your day, the Serenity Suite is here to support your well-being. How to schedule an appointment (appointment required):

• To self-schedule an appointment: Logon to MSU's Student Health Clinic and Counseling Services WEBSITE. Sign in using your campus connection username and password and you can access information about all services, along with real-time availability information.
• Call: 701-858-3371 to make an appointment.
• Feel free to visit in person for scheduling needs: The Serenity Suite is located in the lower level of Lura Manor, through the south entrance.

The Student Health Clinic and Counseling Center encourages you to plan ahead and make self-care a priority this semester.

Do you know which immunizations and health screenings are recommended once you turn 50? If you’re not sure, you’re not alone. Join Minot State Department of Nursing and First District Health Unit for a brief, informative in-service designed to help MSU students, staff, and faculty stay proactive about their health. This session will review recommended immunizations for adults age 50 and older and discuss key preventive health screenings, including mental health. Time will be available for questions in a relaxed, supportive setting. This session will also share information about services that will be available at the upcoming First District Health Unit – MSU Nursing – Omicron Tau Health Event on Feb. 24.

• Date: Friday, Feb. 20
• Time: 12-12:30 p.m.
• Location: MSU Student/Administration Building – Westlie Room
• Hosted by: First District Health Unit, Minot State University Department of Nursing and Omicron Tau.

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.

• Armour of God: The Art of Steve Prince: The exhibition is on view Jan. 8 through Feb. 21 in the Walter Piehl Gallery. Steve Prince is an educator, minister, and visual artist from Williamsburg, Virginia. Throughout his career he has completed many public works and has taught on various levels including middle and high school, community college, and 4-year private and public institutions nationally. He is currently the Director of Engagement and Distinguished Artist in Residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art at William & Mary University.
• Public reception for Armour of God: The Art of Steve Prince: A public reception and online viewing with the artist is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• 2026 Faculty Biennial exhibition, 'Neoteric Oeuvre': The exhibition is on view Jan. 13 to Feb. 5 in the Walter Piehl Gallery. The exhibition features recent work and research by Minot State University Art Department faculty Micah Bloom, Bill Harbort, Ryan Stander, Amanda Watts, Greg Vettel, Blaire Engel, Micki Borkhuis, and Roxi Mathis.            

Hartnett Hall Gallery
The Minot State Hartnett Hall Gallery is located within the Hartnett Hall Collaboration Space on second floor and is open throughout the day as long as Hartnett Hall is open.

• The 8x10 Exhibition from Jan. 27 until March 9. The 8x10 Exhibition is a show that displays artworks from students and faculty on an 8x10 canvas. The art is painted or drawn and then added 3D elements like stickers, ducks, etc., and given back to the gallery to be a part of the show.

Jillian Ackerman, Erica Fijala, Olivia Kirwan, Paige Kozak, Abby Pineau, and Cameron Schmidt, all from the Minot State women's hockey team, were named to the Women’s Midwest College Hockey West All-Star Team. The WMCH All-Star game capped the third annual WMCH Showcase hosted by Maryville University.

Evan Borisinkoff, professor in the Department of Education and Inclusive Services, recently presented two sessions at the 27th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, and Developmental Disabilities, held in January in Long Beach, California. The conference was sponsored by the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD). Borisinkoff delivered a 60-minute invited presentation titled “Leveraging AI to Support Special Educators: Reducing Paperwork and Fostering Inclusion,” which highlighted practical applications of artificial intelligence to streamline special education documentation while supporting inclusive educational practices. He also presented a poster session titled “Parents’ Perspectives on Stereotypy: Implications for Intervention and Inclusive Practice,” featuring findings from his sabbatical research examining parent perspectives on stereotypical behaviors and their implications for intervention planning and inclusive education.

Katelyn Fornshell, an instructor in communication sciences and disorders, and Cheryl Nilsen, current adjunct professor and faculty emeritus in math and computer science, have earned the Minot Area Chamber EDC Eagle Award for December. The Eagle Award recognizes individuals for exceptional customer service and going above and beyond in their roles to offer a warm welcome, helpfulness, and create special experiences for customers and the community. For more information on the Eagle Award and to nominate someone for future awards, see the Minot Area Chamber EDC WEBSITE.

Scott Guenthner was named operations supervisor for Minot State Safety and Security. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Minot State in 1994. He completed a 26-plus-year career with the North Dakota Highway Patrol, and in 2023, after his retirement with the NDHP, he began working at Minot State as the head groundskeeper.

Alyssa Jones, women’s wrestling, and Deuce Benjamin, men’s basketball, have been named Pinnacle Employee Benefits Minot State Female and Male Athlete of the Month for December.

Josh Wastvedt was named the new head coach for the Minot State volleyball team. Wastvedt brings extensive experience as a head coach at the high school and club level, earning honors as a three-time Coach of the Year in Minnesota. He also guided the Mizuno Northern Lights Volleyball club team to a fifth-place finish at the 2025 AAU National Volleyball Tournament. Along with his high school and club experience, Wastvedt, spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Bismarck State College, and began his coaching career as a student assistant at Mayville State. A 2012 graduate of Mayville State with degrees in physical education and elementary education, Wastvedt has served as the head girls and boys volleyball coach at Burnsville High School in Minnesota since 2019, earning Section 6AAAA Coach of the Year honors in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Deb Wentz, following a career of more than 20 years of wonderful service in the President’s Office, recently retired. The MSU campus may still see Wentz in the office periodically after Jan. 12 as the President's Office continues the transition process. In the meantime, thank Wentz for her outstanding years of terrific service to MSU.

Sydney Yale will be starting in the President’s Office. Yale is a 2019 graduate of Minot State with a degree in corporate fitness and wellness management, and for the past 2.5 years has served as the coordinator of fitness and wellness in MSU’s Wellness Center. Earlier in her career, Yale taught at Bishop Ryan High School and worked in a local chiropractic office, so she knows MSU and the community very well.