Minot State officially opens new Beaver Dam
MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University officially opened the new Beaver Dam as part of the Student Center second-floor renovation project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday.
A short ceremony was held at Beaver Dam, featuring speakers from Minot State, including President Steve Shirley and current MSU Student Government Association (SGA) President Krista Permentier, along with representatives from the Minot Area Chamber EDC Red Coats. Kevin Harmon, Minot State’s vice president for student affairs and intercollegiate athletics, emceed the event.
The Beaver Dam, MSU coffee shop, SGA office, and MSU Life office moved into their new locations for the start of fall classes in late August. While a few finishing touches remain, including more furniture, a gas-burning fireplace, and a large history of Minot State mural, the second floor is nearly fully operational.
“The new Beaver Dam and renovated second floor of the Student Center will certainly enhance the experience and vibrancy for current and future MSU students,” said Dr. Steven Shirley, Minot State president. “I commend the work of the MSU Student Government Association over the past few years to see this project through and am excited to help officially open this new gathering space on behalf of all of our students.”
The $3 million project is fully funded through activity fees, approved by a vote of MSU students. The renovation design incorporated input from SGA leaders and multiple sessions with students over the past few years.
The renovation’s primary focus was to create a signature location that welcomes everyone to the campus community. It provides a comfortable, flexible environment that supports student activity programs, collaborative learning, and informal gathering. The renovation intentionally emphasizes an open floor plan and maximizes natural light by restoring existing window spaces that have been part of the building’s structure for decades.
Along with the open plan, the Student Center's second floor houses study and meeting spaces, a large conference room and workspace for SGA, new offices for MSU Life — the hub of student activity planning and execution throughout the academic year at MSU — and advanced technology.
This marks the first renovation to the Student Center since a $1.1 million project transformed an older ballroom into the current Beaver Dam in 2007. The Student Center was built in 1961.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 09/14/26
