Minot State University Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) participated in the 2026 FBLA Collegiate State Leadership Conference, Feb. 22-23 in Mandan. Six FBLA Collegiate chapters from North Dakota and South Dakota participated in this conference, connecting approximately 60 postsecondary students to test business skills against their peers from around the states. In addition to the competitive events program, students had the opportunity to attend workshops, vote for the 2026-27 state officer team, and network with members from around the state. This year, members also had the opportunity to hear from North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong, a panel of business professions, and attend a tour of the Starion Sports Complex in Mandan. All Minot State members qualified for the National Leadership Conference, which will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 6-8. 

Chapter awards

• Dorothy L. Travis Outstanding Chapter Award: This award is a sweepstakes award named after the founder of ND FBLA. Points were given for each state officer candidate, current state officer, and participant and placement in competitive events.
• Largest ND Local Chapter Membership: 26
• Largest Percentage of Increase in Chapter Membership: 63%
• Largest Percentage of Retention in Chapter Membership: 46%
• Outstanding Local Chapter Adviser: Jan Repnow

Minot State individual competition award winners

• Who’s Who in North Dakota FBLA Collegiate: Alec Wolf
• Future Business Executive: Mason Lemer
• Accounting Case Competition: 1st place, Team of Cambry Ankenbauer, Ava Thorenson, Allyson Webster
• Business Ethics: 2nd place, Team of Zack Volson and Alec Wolf
• Business Law: 2nd place, Allyson Webster; 3rd place, Nate Olson; 5th place, Megan Swenson
• Business Presentation: 1st place, Team of Marissa Beck and Lily Savelkoul; 2nd place, Team of Klye Sandy and Zack Volson
• Computer Applications: 1st place, Luke Curren; 3rd place, Kyleigh Wiltse
• Customer Service: 1st place, Alec Wolf; 2nd place, Tessa Galvin
• Digital Design and Communications Case: 1st place, Team of Shaylie Holen, Kyleigh Wiltse, Alec Wolf
• Emerging Business Issues: 1st place, Team of Mason Lemer and Kyle Sandy; 3rd place, Team of Jenna Heilman and Jersey Johson
• Entrepreneurship Pitch: 2nd place, Skye Shelmerdine; 3rd place, Liz Chapman
• Finance Case Competition: 1st place, Team of Nate Olson and Connor Radtke
• Foundations of Accounting: 1st place, Connor Radtke; 2nd place, Megan Swenson; 4th place, Kyleigh Wiltse
• Foundations of Communications: 4th place, Tessa Galvin
• Foundations of Computer Science: 2nd place, Luke Curren; 4th place, Morgan Wittmayer
• Foundations of Digital Design: 1st place, Liz Chapman; 2nd place, Luke Curren; 3rd place, Shaylie Holen; 4th place, Jenna Heilman
• Foundations of Economics: 1st place, Nate Olson
• Foundations of Entrepreneurship: 3rd place, Kyle Sandy
• Foundations of Finance: 1st place, Ava Thorenson; 3rd place, Noah Urquijo
• Foundations of Management: 1st place, Zack Volson
• Foundations of Marketing: 2nd place, Skye Shelmerdine; 3rd place, Lily Savelkoul
• Foundations of Selling: 2nd place, Connor Radtke
• Foundations of Technology: 3rd place, Morgan Wittmayer
• Hospitality Management Case Competition: 1st place, Team of Marissa Beck and Lily Savelkoul
• Impromptu Speaking: 2nd place, Cambry Ankenbauer
• Job Interview: 4th place, Tessa Galvin
• Organizational Behavior and Leadership: 2nd place Skye Shelmerdine; 4th place, Marissa Beck; 5th place, Jersey Johnson
• Parliamentary Procedure: 2nd place, Mason Lemer
• Public Speaking: 1st place: Liz Chapman
• Retail Management: 1st place, Allyson Webster; 2nd place, Shaylie Holen

Elections

• President: Alec Wolf, reelected for 2026-2027
• Vice President: Zack Volson reelected for 2026-2027

Minot State University’s Student Government Association (SGA), Diversity Council, the MSU Alumni Association, and Spiritual Wellness collaborated on three events to commemorate Black History Month. A keynote address from alumnus Joe Davis ’13 began the day’s events at Hartnett Hall Lecture and Recital Hall 106. Davis is a Minneapolis-based, award-winning spoken word artist and bestselling author who earned the Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Achievement Award in 2025. Davis also led a writing workshop, “What is Your Legacy?” in the Hartnett Hall Collaboration Space with current Minot State students. The evening session, Black Sheep Panel: Celebrating Minot’s Black Leaders, featured multiple panelists at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, sharing what Black history means to them, their experiences being Black while working, learning, and living in a predominantly white area and institution, and their hopes for Minot’s future.

The Northwest Arts Center at Minot State University is pleased to present the 54th annual “INT’L Paperworks 2026” juried art exhibition, featuring a selection of contemporary works from around the world, opened on Feb. 12. The exhibition, sponsored by the Northwest Arts Center, is the most recent installment of a program founded to enhance the visual arts experiences of the campus and regional art community. Since 1970, the annual juried exhibition has evolved from a regional print and drawing show into an international platform showcasing excellence through selected contemporary artworks.

The show focuses on artworks on or constructed of paper. This year features 36 pieces by 31 artists from around the United States, Spain, and Switzerland. In addition to drawings, photography, prints, and painting, this exhibit also showcases several sculptural works, incorporating a variety of artistic methods and techniques. Juror for INT’L Paperworks 2026 is Dave DiMarchi of 9INHANDPRESS. DiMarchi is a queer, multi-disciplinary artist working in printmaking, papermaking, and sculptural book forms. For nearly 16 years, he has created his own work, curated exhibitions, provided print exchange opportunities, and published fine art prints as 9INHANDPRESS, a fine art printmaking and education studio.

DiMarchi will be visiting the Minot State campus in March as a Flat Tail Press guest artist in March. A public reception and online viewing of “INT’L Paperworks 2026” with the juror will be held on Friday, March 20 from 6:30-8 p.m. DiMarchi will be giving a juror’s talk at 7 p.m. with an awards presentation to follow. Prior to the reception, DiMarchi will also be presenting to his own experiences in the Art Seminar Series Friday, March 20 at 12 p.m. Held in Hartnett Hall’s Recital and Lecture Hall, 106, Art Seminar presentations offer students and the public the opportunity to learn about the work, lives and experiences of guest artists visiting the University. The lecture is open to public audiences and often streamed live to the Northwest Arts Center social media channels.

Looking to make a lasting impact beyond the game, Minot State’s football players and coaches held their second annual registry drive for the National Marrow Donation Program (NMDP) earlier this month, exceeding their goal of registering 150 new potential donors. In two years of the drive, the Beavers have helped add more than 400 people to the NMDP registry and saved a life with a match following last year’s registration drive.

NMDP is a Minnesota-based nonprofit that operates the NMDP Registry, connecting patients in need of a blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant with matching volunteer donors. NMDP maintains one of the world’s largest registries to help treat life-threatening blood cancers and disorders.

Beavers’ assistant coach Skyler Cavanaugh, who joined the registry himself about eight years ago, coordinated the two-day drive for Minot State this year, which drew potential donors not just from the football team but also from the Minot State campus community and Minot. MSU got involved with the program when Shields was contacted and encouraged by then University of Idaho head football coach Jason Eck.

For more information and a full story, see MSU football's webpage.

The North Dakota State Staff Senate Staff Recognition Committee is pleased to announce the launch of the University System Staff Excellence Award, a new annual recognition honoring non-faculty staff who demonstrate exceptional service, innovation, collaboration, leadership, and meaningful impact across the North Dakota University System. This award celebrates staff members who go above and beyond in their roles — those who model excellence in service, take initiative to improve processes, build strong campus relationships, lead by example, and contribute to outcomes that advance our mission.

Eligibility includes full-time or part-time, non-faculty staff with at least two consecutive years of service and in good standing. Previous nominees may be renominated, and past recipients may be considered again after three years. Self-nominations will not be accepted.

Nomination period is now through March 31. A complete nomination includes a nomination form, a letter addressing the award criteria, and optional supporting materials. A committee of ND State Staff Senators will review all submissions and recommend up to three recipients each year for final approval by the Chancellor. Award recipients will receive a commemorative plaque, recognition at the annual June NDSSS meeting, and a feature story in university publications. Full details about eligibility, award criteria, the nomination and selection process, and the timeline can be found at ND State Staff Senate website.

Thank you for joining us in recognizing the outstanding contributions of staff across the North Dakota University System. Please pass this along to the staff members at your institution to let them know about this new opportunity!

Minot State University women's wrestling coach Brittney Mitchem submitted her resignation on Wednesday, Feb. 4, effective immediately, as she plans to focus her attention on her family moving forward. Hired in the fall of 2021, Mitchem built the program from scratch as Minot State began competing in the fall of 2022. During her four seasons, MSU qualified wrestlers for the NCWWC National Tournament every year, including three in the program’s first season, and a total of six over the past three seasons. Minot State assistant coach Keegan Berry will serve as interim head coach for the program as a search for the new head coach gets underway immediately.

A memorial fund was established through voluntary contributions to honor the immediate family of a current Minot State University employee at the time of a loss. This fund relies on the thoughtfulness of employees, and in the past, the MSU community has responded quickly and compassionately when calls for donations were shared. At this time, the fund balance is nearly depleted, and we are asking for your support. If you are able to contribute, a donation can be made by clicking Make a Gift. Once on the donation page, be sure to select “MSU Faculty/Staff Memorial Fund” under the Designation tab. Thank you for helping us continue this meaningful tradition. 

As you’re clearing, cleaning, or decluttering your office or home, keep the Minot State Staff Senate Silent Auction in mind! Staff Senate welcomes donations of new or gently used items to help support MSU Staff Senate initiatives. See the attached poster for details on how to contribute. Thank you for supporting Staff Senate!

Join the Looyenga Leadership Center at the annual MSU Women’s Leadership Conference on Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Minot State Student Center Conference Center. Featured speakers include Sandy Zimmerman, American Ninja Warrior trailblazer, teacher, author, and coach; Jessica Ackerman, executive director of Local Motives and co-director of Aksal Group; and Miranda Schuler, Farmers Insurance agent and Ward County Commissioner. Visit MSU's Woman's Leadership Conference website for more event details and to pre-register. The event is free and open to all, regardless of sex, gender identity, or gender expression. Lunch will be provided.

Minot State University President Steven Shirley declared Feb. 8-14 FBLA Week at MSU in a recent signing ceremony. See attached photo of the ceremony. Individuals in the photo are, from left, Marissa Beck, FBLA vice president; Shirley; and Cambry Ankenbauer, FBLA president.

• WHEREAS, the Future Business Leaders of America is a national nonprofit student organization dedicated to preparing students for careers in business, leadership, and service; and
• WHEREAS, the FBLA chapter at Minot State University provides students with opportunities to develop essential skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, and career readiness through academic competitions, professional development, and community involvement; and
• WHEREAS, members of Minot State University FBLA demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and civic responsibility while representing the university at the local, state, and national levels; and
• WHEREAS, National FBLA week, observed February 8 – 14, 2026, recognizes the positive impact of FBLA on students, campuses, and communities by promoting leadership development, career exploration, and service.
• NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, do hereby proclaim February 8 – 14, 2026, as National FBLA Week at Minot State University, and encourage members of the college community to recognize and support the role of FBLA in enhancing student engagement, leadership development, and professional preparation, while celebrating the organization’s contributions to the academic experience and future success of students.

The Cultural and Intellectual Engagement Council (CIEC) is accepting proposals for academic and cultural projects for 2026-2027. Bring in a musician for workshops and a performance or an artist, poet, or theologian for discussions; organize an event for students; or work up your own project to share with the campus. Collaborations of all sorts are welcome. Application information and previously funded projects are listed on the CIEC website. Applications are due March 20.

The Minot State University Honors Program 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. Visit the MSU Honors Program in Engagement and Scholarship website for eligibility criteria and to nominate deserving Honors Program students.

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.

• 54th Annual “INT’L Paperworks 2026” juried exhibition: The exhibition is on view from Feb. 12 through March 26 in the Walter Piehl Gallery. From the first call for entries in 1969, the Paperworks competition has brought diverse artwork “on or of paper, traditional and experimental,” to the University campus and greater Minot community. Founded to enhance the visual arts experiences of students, the campus and the regional art community and to build a teaching fine art collection, the exhibitions continually attract excellence in contemporary art each year. INT'L Paperworks continues to welcome artists from around the world.
• Reception for 54th Annual “INT’L Paperworks 2026”: A public reception and online viewing of “INT’L Paperworks 2026” with the juror will be held on Friday, March 20 from 6:30-8 p.m. Juror Dave DiMarchi will be giving a juror’s talk at 7 p.m. with an awards presentation to follow.
• Art Seminar Series: "INT'L Paperworks 2026" juror Dave DiMarchi will present his own experiences in the Art Seminar Series on Friday, March 20 at 12 p.m. Held in Hartnett Hall’s Recital and Lecture Hall, 106, Art Seminar presentations offer students and the public the opportunity to learn about the work, lives, and experiences of guest artists visiting the University.

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.

• 8x10 Exhibition: The exhibition runs 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.

Deuce Benjamin was named to All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) teams following the conclusion of the 2025-26 regular season. Benjamin, a junior from Las Cruces, New Mexico, was named to the men's basketball All-NSIC first team. He led the Beavers in scoring, 3-pointers made, and in steals this season. A two-time NSIC North Division Player of the Week, Benjamin averaged a team-high 18.1 points per game, which included a career-high 30 points against South Dakota Mines. He finished with 41 steals and 58 made 3-pointers on the season. Benjamin also dished out 57 assists, second-most on the team, averaged 3.0 rebounds per game, and blocked 5 shots as he started all 29 games for the Beavers. The All-NSIC honor is the first for Benjamin as a Beaver. For a list of all players named All-NSIC, see the conference's press release for men's basketball. Benjamin was also named Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) North Division Player of the Week on Feb. 10. In a pair of Minot State wins, 85-83 over Minnesota Duluth and 72-65 over Bemidji State, the junior from Las Cruces, New Mexico, averaged 23.5 points per game while shooting 55.6 percent (15-of-27) from the field. He also hit 8-of-9 free throws and was 64.3 percent from beyond the arc (9-of-14). It was the second NSIC North Division Player of the Week honor for Benjamin this season.

William Dyke, a sophomore from Lethbridge, Alberta, was nearly unbeatable in goal for the MSU men’s hockey team, earning him the Pinnacle Employee Benefits Minot State Male Athlete of the Month. He earned his honor by extinguishing opponents’ offense, making saves on 82-of-84 shots he faced during three games in goal in January, picking up three wins, two by shutout. Dyke started 2026 going 145 minutes, 25 seconds without allowing a goal. Pinnacle Employee Benefits became the title sponsor for Minot State’s Athlete of the Month award during the 2021-22 academic year. The award recognizes the outstanding athletic achievements each month of one male and one female Beaver student-athlete.

David Frantsvog, assistant professor in the Department of Business, was featured in WalletHub.com. Frantsvog’s article, "Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit," is available on WalletHub's website.

Heather Halverson, assistant director in enrollment services, has been nominated for the "Rising Star of the Year" TargetX Rockstar Award! Nominations come directly from TargetX's liaison client success director to recognize individuals who go above and beyond in their commitment to TargetX CRM, collaborate like champs on their campus and within the TargetX community, and are just flat-out incredible to work with.

Taryn Hamling, a sophomore from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, was named to All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) teams following the conclusion of the 2025-26 regular season. Hamling was named All-NSIC second team in women's basketball. She averaged a team-high 15.9 points per game, which included a career-high 30 points against Sioux Falls. Hamling also led the Beavers in steals with 55 on the season, and in 3-pointers made with 83, two shy of tying the single-season school record of 85 by Carol Hayes during the 1998-99 season. She was named to the NSIC’s Shining 5 once during the season. It is the first All-NSIC honor for Hamling as a Beaver. For a list of players named All-NSIC, see the conference's press release for women's basketball.

Joe Krieg, an assistant professor in geoscience, was featured in the February 2026 North Dakota Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (ND EPSCoR) newsletter. He was interviewed, along with Valley City State's Hilde van Gijssel, to gather advice for researchers considering applying for E-CORE or E-RISE. To see the interview and read the rest of the newsletter, see ND EPSCoR’s website.

Journey Miller, a graduate student from Soldotna, Alaska, turned in a near-record single-game scoring performance for the MSU women’s hockey team to earn the Pinnacle Employee Benefits Minot State Female Athlete of the Month. She exploded offensively with eight goals and three assists in seven games during January. She scored five goals and added an assist in a 10-2 win over Indiana Tech on Jan. 17, one goal shy of the single-game school record of six set by Sami Jo Henry (2018) and Mackenzie Balogh (2019). Pinnacle Employee Benefits became the title sponsor for Minot State’s Athlete of the Month award during the 2021-22 academic year. The award recognizes the outstanding athletic achievements of one male and one female Beaver student-athlete each month.

Sarah Misner, a sophomore right-handed pitcher and third baseman from Mesa, Arizona, used a stellar start to the season that included a complete-game victory in the circle to earn the first Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Pitcher of the Week honor for the 2026 season. Misner picked up two wins over the weekend as Minot State hosted its annual Bubble Invitational. Pitching two scoreless innings of relief, Misner earned her first win Friday in a 12-10 victory over visiting Montana State Billings. Saturday, in a 4-3 victory over visiting Black Hills State, Misner struck out six opposing batters and did not allow an earned run in the complete-game victory, her second of the season.

Jamie Thongphet, FNP, has joined the Minot State Student Health Clinic and Counseling Services. Students can schedule appointments via their student portal for clinic services.

The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) announced that 19 Minot State student-athletes have earned the Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction Award. Named for the late NCAA President Dr. Myles Brand, only seniors (academically) with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher are eligible to win this award. It is the highest honor presented by the conference to senior student-athletes. Minot State student-athletes to earn the Myles Brand Award are:

• Baseball: Alex Engel, psychology, Centennial, Colorado; Conner Meldrim, exercise science and rehabilitation, Las Vegas, Nevada; Jake Orthner, health and physical education, Southey, Saskatchewan; and Jessen West, health and physical education, Billings, Montana
• Softball: Mallory Hoogensen, health and physical education, Ankeny, Iowa; Raivyn Millions, nursing, Bienfait, Saskatchewan; Calley Olson, exercise science and rehabilitation, Bloomer, Wisconsin; and Sara Van Wickler, psychology, Scottsdale, Arizona
• Track & field/country: Camden Jasmin, mathematics, Williston; Isaac Rathbun, computer science, Minot; Nicole Reeves, special education, Anaheim, California; and Emery Smith, radiologic technology, North Salt Lake, Utah
• Golf: Zoe Banack, accounting, Yellowhead County, Alberta; Abigail Goettle, data science, Dickinson; and Max Karnik, management, Fargo
• Football: Trevor Jungman, sociology, Escondido, California; and Josh Will, accounting, Minot
• Volleyball: Paulina Kowalska, management, Wroclaw, Poland
• Wrestling: Dylan McDonald, history, Lemoore, California