Shelby Hartman
Current residence: Mandan, N.D.
Degree earned from VCSU: Elementary Education
What is your current employment?
5th grade teacher, Bismarck Public Schools
Member of my school’s leadership team
MTSS B Committee Co-Lead
Student Ambassadors Co-Advisor
What first interested you in VCSU and how did you decide to attend?
I always knew I wanted to go to the BEST “teacher college” so it was never a question of where to go! I toured VCSU with my family on a Viking Visit Day and felt that home-like feeling I knew I would need to succeed. Mrs. Cindy Zahn was beyond welcoming as my advisor on that day and she connected my family so well to the whole experience being I was the first one in my family to attend college.
What clubs or activities were you involved in during your time at VCSU?
During my time at VCSU, I was a Viking Ambassador. I enjoyed connecting with prospective new students and sharing all the wonderful qualities of campus with them and their families.
What are some of your accomplishments since completing your degree?
I graduated from UND in December 2023 with a Masters Degree in Educational Administration. Currently I am taking a course to become a student-teacher supervising teacher.
What are your interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time on my family's ranch where we have many animals! My brother rides bucking bulls professionally, so I also like to road-trip to rodeos to watch his success. Any country music concert I can attend, I do! I enjoy reading, as I set a "books read" goal each year and typically beat it. In the summer months, when I'm not teaching summer school, I enjoy lounging in my family's pool, soaking up the sunshine!
What is your fondest memory of your college years?
My fondest memory of my college years connects to all the valuable friendships I made. I am still in contact with many friends from my college years. We dedicate time almost monthly to meet up and connect. I also still communicate with many of my professors from VCSU. They're always willing to help with any professional career questions I may have. Mrs. Cindy Zahn has become a “2nd mom” to me and I enjoy spending time with her a couple times a year, no matter the distance we have to travel!
Do you have any advice for current VCSU students?
My advice for current VCSU students would be to enjoy every moment! It certainly goes by faster than you think. Even the stressful moments will be ones you look back on someday and smile (or even laugh) at! Once a Viking, Always a Viking!
