Campus News

The Valley City State University Department of Music presents House of Life, a faculty recital on Friday, March 28. This recital features the music of Johannes Brahms and Ralph Vaughan Williams performed by Dr. Stephen Cunningham, bass-baritone and Dr. Ozzie Johnson, piano. House of Life showcases classical art song with two important song cycles from the Romantic period. Vaughan Williams’ “House …

The post VCSU Music presents “House of Life” on March 28 appeared first on Valley City State University.

The Valley City State University Art Department presents Distracted by Daydreams, Eve Scott’s capstone exhibit, available in the Robinson Center for the Arts Gallery from March 31 to April 11. A senior from Mandan, N.D., Scott is presenting an artist talk discussing her artwork on Monday, March 31, at 1:30 p.m. in the CFA Choir …

The post VCSU Art presents Eve Scott senior capstone appeared first on Valley City State University.

Valley City State University Department of Mathematics will host hundreds of area students for the 2nd Annual VCSU Math Competition on Wednesday, April 9. The competition is open to students in grades 7-12. Registration is done online at the link below and will close on Tuesday, April 1. View the Online Registration Form The event …

The post VCSU Math hosting 2025 Math Competition appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University is launching a new certificate that prepares students to fly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Starting in the Fall 2025 semester, the VCSU Social Science Department is offering an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle/Unmanned Aerial Systems program. The 7-credit certificate of completion includes three classes and can be completed in …

The post VCSU launches Unmanned Aerial Vehicle certificate appeared first on Valley City State University.

Jacob Gottenborg ’22 tells us the story of how he landed a position as a relationship manager for Ascend Financial just two years after graduation. Current Residence: Bozeman, Mont. Major/Minor: Business administration, concentration in HR and management, minors in marketing and business software applications Tell us how you ended up in your current career. I was …

The post Jacob Gottenborg ’22 appeared first on Valley City State University.

The VCSU Music Department presents the Love and Loss choral concert Friday, March 7, at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts. The moving program explores the depths of love and loss, featuring pieces like “When I Fall in Love”, “Vive L’Amour”, and “Cry Me a River”. The concert includes performances by the VCSU …

The post VCSU Music presents “Love and Loss” choral concert March 7 appeared first on Valley City State University.

VCSU senior Loke Iese is pictured with the medical team that helped with his stem cell donation. Written by Sarah Monilaws, ’26 Valley City State University senior Loke Iese recently had the chance to make a life-changing stem cell donation, and it all started with a simple cheek swab on campus.  The National Marrow Donor …

The post Becoming the Match – Loke Iese’s Selfless Decision to Change a Life appeared first on Valley City State University.

VCSU Departments of Music and Art Collaborate on Echoes & Elements: A Faculty Recital by Dr. Katrina Clements The Valley City State University Music Department is proud to present Echoes & Elements, a solo faculty recital by Dr. Katrina Clements, assistant professor of woodwinds. The recital features collaboration with Angela Mircsov, associate professor of art, …

The post Dr. Katrina Clements performing faculty recital Feb. 28 appeared first on Valley City State University.

HUNTER, N.D. – Northern Cass Elementary School second-grade educator and VCSU alum Jessica Stoen ’10 thought ND State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler was holding an all-school assembly to commend the school on its successful personalized learning pilot. Stoen quickly learned there was another treat in tow: a sweet Valentine’s Day surprise in the …

The post VCSU alum Jessica Stoen ’10 receives prestigious Milken Educator Award appeared first on Valley City State University.

Photo: Life in Color by Maleah Pfeifer of Northern Cass High School. VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – The Valley City State University Arts Gallery proudly presents the annual High School Student Art Exhibit, showcasing a diverse collection of artworks created by talented high school students across North Dakota. The exhibition is open to the public February …

The post VCSU Arts Gallery hosting High School Art Exhibition appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University’s student literary magazine, The Forge, has been recognized as a REALM First Class magazine by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). The distinction was awarded after NCTE reviewed Issue 21 of The Forge, produced by VCSU student editors Sierra Crocker, Abigail Dreher, Beth Mehus and LilyBeth …

The post The Forge, Student Magazine at VCSU, Wins Highest Honor in REALM Contest appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University hosts the 2025 North Dakota Intercollegiate Band on February 22, bringing together 87 college students from across the state. Eight different North Dakota institutions are represented in the band, which is directed by Dr. Mary K. Schneider, Professor of Conducting and Director of Bands at Eastern Michigan …

The post VCSU Music hosting 23rd annual ND Intercollegiate Band appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University announced a 6 percent growth in enrollment Tuesday, setting another campus record with 1,854 students enrolled during the spring semester. That shatters the previous spring enrollment record of 1,747 students set in 2024 and even breaks the overall enrollment record of 1,806 students set last fall. VCSU …

The post VCSU sets enrollment record with 1,854 students appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Generous donors can once again donate to the VCSU Foundation on Giving Hearts Day. For the ninth consecutive year, the VCSU Foundation is participating in the region-wide day of giving on February 13 to benefit non-profits. Donations to the VCSU Foundation can be given Feb. 13 online or scheduled ahead of time. …

The post VCSU Foundation participates in Giving Hearts Day Feb. 13 appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – The Valley City State University music department is hosting concert pianist Helber Fernandes Ribeiro for a free public recital on Thursday, Feb. 13. The show begins at 7 p.m. inside the performance hall at VCSU’s Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts. Ribeiro captivates audiences with his nuanced interpretations and expressive …

The post VCSU Music hosting recital by guest pianist Helber Fernandes Ribeiro appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) has developed a new major to meet growing workforce demands in the business industry. VCSU will start offering a degree in Data Analytics and Visualization during Fall 2025. This degree prepares students for a career analyzing complex data, extracting insights from the data, and presenting data …

The post VCSU announces new major in Data Analytics and Visualization appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) junior Grady Hornung has qualified for the American Forensics Association National Speech Tournament in North Carolina. Hornung earned his spot at nationals after placing 2nd in Dramatic Interpretation at a tournament this past weekend. A native of Walhalla, N.D., Hornung now has the opportunity to compete …

The post Grady Hornung qualifies for Speech Nationals appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – The Valley City State University Art Gallery at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts is set to host the premiere of Reticulations by Eric Lemmon, a bold new composition for live electronics, no-input mixing, and a unique percussive set-up incorporating colored glass shards, stonework, and metal plates. The one-night-only …

The post “Reticulations” to Premiere at VCSU Art Gallery appeared first on Valley City State University.

VCSU online master’s and bachelor’s programs recognized by U.S. News & World Report VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) has been ranked among the 2025 Best Online Master’s in Education Programs by U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News also ranked VCSU in its 2025 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. VCSU is one …

The post U.S. News Ranks VCSU Among Best Online Programs appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University is seeking employers for its annual Career & Internship Expo on Tuesday, February 25. Students attending the expo will be looking for internships, summer jobs, part-time positions, and full-time opportunities. This is an excellent way for employers to meet soon-to-be graduates and make connections with underclassmen. “This …

The post VCSU seeking employers for Career & Internship Expo appeared first on Valley City State University.

Valley City State University has been named a 2024-2025 STEM School of Excellence in recognition of a wide range of STEM-related initiatives the university leads or collaborates on. The award was announced by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) STEM Center for Teaching and Learning, which annually recognizes schools for their commitment to …

The post VCSU named a STEM School of Excellence appeared first on Valley City State University.

Valley City State University welcomed nearly 400 elementary and middle school students to campus for the third annual Marketplace for Kids Education Day on Thursday, Jan. 9. Students had opportunities to take part in 27 different classes that featured projects, experiments and presentations from area professionals representing numerous careers and industries. Sessions ranged from “Fun …

The post VCSU hosts 3rd annual Marketplace for Kids Education Day appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – The VCSU Art Department announces “A Creative Life”, a retrospective exhibit showcasing the unique vision of photographer Rosanne Olson through three distinct photographic series. The exhibit will be open to the public in the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Gallery from Jan. 13 through Feb. 14 during regular gallery …

The post A Creative Life exhibit opens at VCSU Art Gallery on Jan. 13 appeared first on Valley City State University.

Valley City State University (VCSU) celebrated the success of more than 100 graduates Thursday afternoon at the Tenth VCSU Winter Commencement Exercises. VCSU president Alan LaFave presided over the ceremony in historic Vangstad Auditorium where 17 students were recognized for completion of master’s degrees and 103 students for undergraduate degrees. “Our graduates have proven they …

The post VCSU Celebrates Graduates at Tenth Winter Commencement appeared first on Valley City State University.

Valley City State University assistant professor Michelle Abshire has been awarded a grant for nearly $15,000 to purchase equipment and lead a group of students in researching organic carbon in wetland and lake sediments. Abshire received an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) equipment grant for $14,988 awarded by the National Science Foundation – ND EPSCoR. …

The post VCSU professor awarded grant to research organic carbon in wetlands appeared first on Valley City State University.

The Valley City State University music department presents a pair of concerts in Valley City on Dec. 12-13, featuring various groups and holiday classics. Christmas at St. Cate’s is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 12, and the VCSU Holiday Showcase is Friday, Dec. 13. After a one-year hiatus, VCSU Music returns to St. Catherine’s Church in …

The post VCSU Music presents holiday concerts Dec. 12-13 appeared first on Valley City State University.

Valley City State University’s Tenth Winter Commencement Exercises will take place at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19, inside historic Vangstad Auditorium. VCSU president Alan LaFave will preside over the ceremony where 17 students are set to be recognized for completion of master’s degrees and 103 students for undergraduate degrees. Jasmine (Hill) Truax has been selected …

The post VCSU Winter Commencement set for Dec. 19 appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – The VCSU Art Department announces Grand Entry, a solo exhibition from L Whitney, noted North Dakota printmaker and VCSU Professor Emeritus of Art, open to the public Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, through Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts (CFA) Gallery. Companion pop-up shows of …

The post Grand Entry exhibit runs Dec. 8-Jan. 10 at CFA Gallery appeared first on Valley City State University.

Valley City State University’s award-winning education department recently hosted more than 80 area high school students interested in pursuing a career in education. VCSU had 84 high school sophomores, juniors and seniors attend a series of Tomorrow’s Teachers Visit Days held Oct. 30, Nov. 6 and Nov. 13 campus. High school students interested in elementary …

The post VCSU hosts 84 students for Tomorrow’s Teachers Days appeared first on Valley City State University.

The VCSU Music Department hosts the senior recital of Valley City native Elizabeth Gazeley on Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts. Gazeley, mezzo-soprano, performs her vocal recital at 7:30 p.m. Saturday inside the main performance hall at the Center for the Arts. The recital is free and open to …

The post Elizabeth Gazeley to perform senior voice recital appeared first on Valley City State University.

The Valley City State University (VCSU) Foundation announced the 2024 Viking Day of Giving will be Thursday, Nov. 14. The Viking Day of Giving is an opportunity for alumni and friends of VCSU to “Row With Us” to support scholarships for students at VCSU. Scholarships donations on the Day of Giving can be directed to specific athletic teams or programs on …

The post 2024 Viking Day of Giving on Nov. 14 appeared first on Valley City State University.

Valley City State University students taking Biology 376, also known as the Yellowstone Ecology Course, recently traveled to Yellowstone National Park with their professor, Dr. Michelle Abshire. The group of 10 students and three faculty members spent the week of Sept. 23-28 studying the ecology of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Students explored the park’s geothermal features …

The post VCSU Students travel to Yellowstone National Park appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University will host a trio of concerts at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts over the next two weeks. The upcoming events include the large Fall Choral Concert featuring dozens of VCSU students, the Ployhar Honor Band that includes 92 area high school students, and the …

The post VCSU Music hosting 3 concerts Oct. 20-27 appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University’s award-winning education department is hosting a pair of day-long events for high school students considering a teaching career. Tomorrow’s Teachers Visit Days are scheduled for Oct. 30 and Nov. 13 on the VCSU campus. High school students interested in elementary education or secondary education careers are invited …

The post VCSU Hosting Tomorrow’s Teachers Visit Days appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) has started a new speech team for the 2024-25 school year. Under the guidance of assistant professor Tammy Jo Taft, the VCSU speech team was reformed this fall after a near 20-year hiatus from campus. VCSU Speech will compete in five tournaments across the region this …

The post New on Campus: VCSU Speech Team appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University will host more than 65 area high school students for an upcoming Spanish Day on the VCSU campus. On Wednesday, October 16, Spanish Day participants will explore the Spanish language and cultures of different Spanish-speaking countries through a variety of fun activities. VCSU Spanish Day is hosted …

The post Language and Literature hosting Spanish Day on October 16 appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – The VCSU Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Gallery announces Polymer Skies, a solo exhibition by North Dakota artist Debbie Kauffman, will be open to the public October 14 through November 22. The Valley City community is invited to meet the artist at a reception on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from …

The post Polymer Skies exhibit runs Oct. 14-Nov. 22 at CFA Gallery appeared first on Valley City State University.

The music department at Valley City State University is pleased to host faculty member Dr. Ozzie Johnson playing a solo piano recital in the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts. The performance is set for 7 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 4, in the Performance Hall of the CFA. Dr. Johnson is in his third …

The post Dr. Ozzie Johnson Playing Piano Recital on Oct. 4 appeared first on Valley City State University.

Valley City State University invites the community to an artist talk and reception for visiting artist Ryan Stander’s solo exhibition “Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid”. The event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 2 in the Larry J Robinson Center for the Arts Choir Room at 3:30 p.m. A reception will follow in the …

The post Artist talk and reception for visiting artist, Ryan Stander, to take place on VCSU campus appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) has been ranked the top public regional college in North Dakota for the fourth consecutive year by U.S. News and World Report. Widely considered the premiere college rankings, the 2025 U.S. News Best College Report was released Tuesday morning. This report ranks colleges annually in areas …

The post VCSU Named the Top Public Regional College in North Dakota appeared first on Valley City State University.

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) announced today it has enrolled more than 1800 students for the first time in school history. A record 1806 total students are currently enrolled at VCSU for the 2024 fall semester. That includes 1651 undergraduate students and 155 graduate students. Over the last 10 years, VCSU’s …

The post VCSU sets enrollment record with 1806 students appeared first on Valley City State University.

From left: Bill Wieland, John Monilaws and Tricia Lebahn are being inducted into the VCSU Music Hall of Fame. VALLEY CITY – Valley City State University will induct three standout alumni into the VCSU Music Hall of Fame at an upcoming ceremony during Homecoming weekend. William “Bill” Wieland ’86, John Monilaws ’87 and Tricia Lebahn …

The post VCSU inducting 3 into Music Hall of Fame appeared first on Valley City State University.

PHOTO: From left: Joe Deutsch, Joan Heckaman* and Chet Pollert* (*Photos provided by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly) VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – The Valley City State University Alumni Association announced today that Dr. Joe Deutsch has been selected as the 63rd recipient of the VCSU Distinguished Alumni Award. Deutsch and seven other VCSU alumni will …

The post VCSU Alumni Association Homecoming 2024 Honorees Named appeared first on Valley City State University.

The Valley City State University (VCSU) Foundation and Alumni Association is excited to welcome alumni back to VCSU for homecoming next week, Sept. 20-22. “As we prepare to celebrate homecoming, we’re thrilled to welcome back our alumni, family and friends to VCSU. It’s always a special time to reconnect, share stories, and witness the growth …

The post Alumni invited back for homecoming Sept. 20-22 appeared first on Valley City State University.

Valley City State University is thrilled to present an evening of captivating performances by its esteemed music faculty in the 2024 Fall Music Faculty Showcase. The showcase will take place on Friday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Performance Hall on the VCSU campus. Attendees can look …

The post VCSU Music Faculty Showcase performance set for Sept. 13 appeared first on Valley City State University.

Valley City State University will host one of South Dakota’s premier jazz ensembles for a free concert September 25th at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts. JAS Quintet will perform at the CFA Performance Hall on VCSU’s campus. The concert begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and will feature a mix …

The post JAS Quintet performing Sept. 25 at VCSU appeared first on Valley City State University.

The VCSU Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts (CFA) Gallery announces visiting artist Ryan Stander’s solo exhibition “Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid” which opens to the public on Monday, August 19, and runs through Thursday, October 3. Stander’s work explores the shaping of place, memory, and religion through interdisciplinary artworks incorporating printmaking, sculpture, …

The post VCSU Art Gallery presents visiting artist exhibition: “Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid” appeared first on Valley City State University.

Students can earn bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years Valley City, ND –Valley City State University (VCSU) today announced an accelerated program for students pursuing a Sport Leadership and Management undergraduate and graduate degree. The program includes three years of courses on the VCSU campus to earn an undergraduate degree and two years of …

The post VCSU Launches Accelerated Program for Sport Leadership and Management appeared first on Valley City State University.

Building will be new home for the VCSU School of Education and Technology and STEM Education Valley City, ND –Valley City State University (VCSU) will have a groundbreaking event at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, outside of McCarthy Hall to officially mark the start of transformational work on the historic building. McCarthy Hall will become the new home for VCSU’s nationally-recognized School …

The post Groundbreaking for McCarthy Hall project set for Tuesday, July 9 appeared first on Valley City State University.

Valley City, ND – Valley City State University (VCSU) has announced Mark Nelson will serve as the new Vice President for Student Affairs starting July 1. Mr. Nelson will be taking over for Dr. Erin Klingenberg, who is retiring this summer. Nelson, originally from North Dakota, has more than 30 years of experience in higher …

The post VCSU Announces Mark Nelson as New Vice President for Student Affairs appeared first on Valley City State University.