How does Tri-College University benefit NDSU students and the campus as a whole?

The Tri-College University partnership offers NDSU students a wide variety of options and opportunities. The collaboration between NDSU, Concordia College, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Minnesota State Community and Technical College and North Dakota State College of Science presents our students with a host of courses, programs and experiences without paying additional tuition.

It is an outstanding example of institutions of higher education working closely together for the benefit of all, and it's a great opportunity for NDSU to welcome students from sister institutions to our campus. 

What is new on your campus this year?

We have many exciting, new developments at NDSU this year. I'll mention only a few for lack of space.

• The NDSU Department of Sociology and Anthropology is introducing a new minor in cultural diversity. One of NDSU's key focus points in our strategic plan is to build a stronger culture of diversity, inclusion and respect, so this fits nicely with that goal. The course highlights how race, class, gender, ethnicity, nationality and sexuality interact to define identities and shape social relations. 
• For the first time, a course focusing on flying drones commercially is begin offered through NDSU's Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering. The course - Precision Agriculture 291, Drone Pilots for Agricultural Operations - is a trial course in the Precision Ag curriculum. 
• To help combat the opioid epidemic, the NDSU School of Pharmacy's One Program received a grant through the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services' distribution of federal funds. The grant allows the Opioid and Naloxone Education Program to expand its efforts in public and university settings. 
• NDSU is one of only 12 institutions nationwide to receive a $2.9 million Research and Mentoring for Post-baccalaureates grant (known as RaMP) in biological sciences from the National Science Foundation. The award allows recently-graduated undergraduate students to participate in a research lab and develop a network of research mentors across North Dakota. 
• NDSU's Memorial Union is set to begin construction on "ThundarGround," a major renovation of NDSU's eSports lab. The new space is tentatively scheduled to open in spring 2023. The new eSports area will include 25 to 30 gaming stations and two seating areas for console gaming. 

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

Fargo-Moorhead really has it all.

In addition to its excellent institutions of higher education, Fargo-Moorhead is a vibrant, fun-filled community with everything from major shopping malls to an eclectic downtown. There is a multitude of restaurants for every taste, and the theaters, museums and the music scene are first-rate. Our city parks are some of the best around, while the Fargodome and Scheels Arena host a variety of sporting events, major concerts and conventions. 

The 2021 population of the metro area topped 270,000 with the median age being 32.5 years. That indicates this is a community with energy and fresh ideas.

Fargo-Moorhead has repeatedly been on the "best-of" lists for everything from livability to job satisfaction to low stress. We have a low crime rate, clean air and water, and short drive times.

But, I've discovered in my time here that the biggest drawing card is the friendly, welcoming people. The residents of Fargo-Moorhead are caring and have a strong sense of community. 

It's a great place to study, live and work. 

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

• Higher education opens doors to opportunity and helps move humanity forward - it changes lives.

• Higher education is a fundamental element in the advancement of innovative research, economic prosperity and the betterment of the lives of people. As a land-grant university, NDSU is committed to serving the residents of North Dakota, the region, nation and world. 

• There is no doubt that collegiate experience sets up students for success, both in career and in life. The lessons learned in class and the personal growth through student organizations are the building blocks for the next generation of leaders in every segment of our society - whether it be business, research, education or public service.

• I believe an educated community is a thriving, forward-thinking and welcoming community. 

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

I'm a first-generation college student and attended Iowa State University in my hometown of Ames, Iowa. About half of that city's population is made up of college students, so there was a lot of energy and passion to be shared. I quickly developed an affinity for that type of environment and discovered I wanted a career in higher education. My mom and dad did not go to college and they didn't teach me about the higher education experience, so nearly everything was new and exciting for me. To show you how innocent I was - on my first day of classes, the instructor handed out a syllabus and I didn't know what that was. Hanging out with friends was terrific fun as were the Cyclones football games, but I really spent a lot of time focused on my studies in political science and speech communication. 

After graduation, I earned my master's degree and doctorate in organizational communication from the University of Kansas, which led to my long tenure at KU and the University of Kansas Medical Center before moving here as president of NDSU. 

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

• I really enjoy chatting with our many loyal NDSU alumni and friends at the many community events I attend. It is clear to me that there is a deep sense of pride for NDSU by an enormous number of people across the state. I learn from every conversation and get some great ideas on how to improve our beloved university. 
• I'm a new board member of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber. I see every meeting as a tremendous opportunity for partnership and collaboration.
• Of course, I love to cheer on our Bison athletic teams - our student-atheletes are incredible, and I try to support as many teams as my schedule allows.
• But, perhaps most of all, I like taking strolls on and near campus with my wife, Katie, and our two dogs, Motley and Lola. We meet so many wonderful people on our walks, and it is a nice way for us to introduce ourselves to the citizens we serve.