How Does Tri-College University benefit M State students and the campus as a whole?

The Tri-College University partnership offers M State students access to an array of classes, programs, services and events at four other top colleges in the Fargo-Moorhead region, at no additional cost.

Our partnership also provides additional exposure of all the partner colleges through word-of-mouth and Tri-College University marketing, helping to raise public awareness of everything we have to offer. 

The Tri-College course exchange program expands students' discipline and course options. M State students pay the M State tuition for courses taken at other Tri-College partnering schools, and they aren't required to go through a separate admissions procedure. A wide range of M State student interests are regularly explored through this program, including chemistry and philosophy, choir and band, psychology and languages, and more. Last year, Intro to Education and Intro to Mechanical Engineering were the two most popular exchange program courses taken by M State students.

Our Tri-College students also benefit from free bus transportation via the Fargo-Moorhead Metro Area Transit system. They can travel anywhere along the regular bus routes, getting to and from the Tri-College campuses as well as other popular spots around Fargo-Moorhead. 

A benefit for everyone at M State - students, faculty, and staff included - is free access to the library materials at all the Tri-College partner schools. All 2 million of the circulating materials from Tri-College libraries are available for direct checkout or through interlibrary loan. 

What is new on your campus this year?

Many exciting things are happening at M State.

• Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Training: We recently held an open house event at our Moorhead campus to celebrate the start of a new hybrid and electric vehicle training program. This program positions M State as a leader in the future of automotive technology education, as the curriculum developed here will be shared with other colleges across the country. 
• West Central Small Business Development Center Host: We also announced this fall that M State was selected to be the new host of the West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center, beginning January 1, 2023. We were chosen because of our proven commitment to business development and established partnerships with regional businesses and industry. We look forward to providing a space for the center on our Moorhead campus.
• Arizona State University Transfer Partnership: Another benefit to our transfer students is M State's new collaboration with Arizona State University, that make it possible for students to pursue a bachelor's degree at ASU with minimal credit loss or complications. Our students have several seamless transfer options; this newest alliance gives them yet another one.
• Expanded Food Pantries: Our vision at M State is, "A success story for every student," and we live that vision by supporting our students in every way we can to ensure their success in school and in life. In our latest demonstration of this, we're adding college food pantries at all of our M State campuses. The pantries will open throughout the year. and will serve the nutritional needs of our students for years to come. 

Why is the Fargo-Moorhead metro area a great place to go to college?

Fargo-Moorhead area is a land of opportunity. The area is growing, and college students and graduates are positioned to grow along with it - grow their knowledge and skillsets, their careers and their lives. 

The area has a robust economic climate and expanding labor market, and that means more job prospects for college students and graduates. There's also a strong housing market, and top-rated medical facilities that provide physical and mental health care. 

Educational institutions in Fargo-Moorhead are world-class, and students enjoy healthy and supportive learning environments within a metro community that has the feel and spirit of a small town, with the diverse and abundant amenities of a large city. 

The area boasts a vibrant cultural scene full of concerts, festivals, sporting events, museums, spiritual centers and other forms of enrichment and entertainment, as well as a wide variety of restaurants, shops, gyms and shopping centers. Year-round outdoor adventure is possible thanks to numerous local and state parks, lakes, trails, ski hills and more. 

A metro bus system makes it easy to get around, with services along 20 routes that span Fargo-Moorhead, and there are also several taxi companies and Uber/Lyft ride-sharing apps. Commute times for drivers are relatively quick at an average of about 15 minutes. For students, graduates and families that travel to and from the metro area, there's Jefferson Lines bus service, Amtrak rail service, car rentals and Hector International Airport. 

What are your thoughts on the value of higher education for individuals and the community as a whole?

There are many values of higher education to our communities and to individuals; college graduates meet the workforce needs of our regions. They also contribute to the strength and diversity of the community where they are attending college and are placed into the workforce. 

• Individuals are able to expand their career opportunities and have a greater earning potential. People who attended higher education expand their skillsets, but also gain knowledge in a variety of education areas, that lead them to having great knowledge overall. 
• Higher education provides many opportunities for students to connect with new individuals through opportunities to join clubs and organizations, obtain mentorship opportunities and try new activities that they may not have been traditionally exposed to.
• Our staff and faculty continuously innovate and work creatively to meet the needs of our students. By working to meet the basic needs of students (childcare, transportation, mental health care, etc.), we are communicating to students that their dreams matter, and they can accomplish the goals they set for themselves. 

What is a great memory you have from the years when you attended college?

I was the first person in my family to attend college, so I walked around campus for a long time not really knowing what was going on. I felt if I asked questions that everyone would see I didn't belong. I will never forget when one of my instructors asked me to stay after class. I had a lot of respect for him but immediately found myself worrying I had done something wrong. I don't remember the entire conversation, but I do remember that he told me I was very smart and could do anything I set my mind to doing. I also remember how much things changed for me following that conversation. In just a few minutes, I went from feeling like a college imposter to thinking I was on top of the world. After that day, I never looked back. I knew I was worthy; I knew I belonged, and I knew I would make it to graduation. To this day, I talk about your mission being archived in moments; when we truly see a student, we can change the course of their entire life. 

Off campus, what do you like to do for fun?

I spend time with family and spend as much time as possible outside including hiking, camping, boating, biking, and running. I love to travel and attend sporting events. I read, mentor other women, and I never stop learning.