The course exchange is an example of how campus leadership has worked together to remove barriers for the benefit of students. Via the course exchange, students and their families have saved an estimated $266 million (2018 dollars). 

Tri-College Provost Tim Flakoll said, “the course exchange program is a cornerstone program for us and one that has been a great cost effective option for students that allows them to diversify or deepen their education and keep them on track for their target graduation date.  A student’s decision to attend one of the partner campuses is made even better because of the accessibility option of the course exchange program."  

Tri-College University is a partnership comprised of Concordia College, Minnesota State University Moorhead, North Dakota State University, Minnesota State Community and Technical College and North Dakota State College of Science.

OVERLAND PARK, KS; MINNEAPOLIS, MN and FARGO, ND – Tri-College University Provost and former North Dakota State Senator Tim Flakoll assumed the position of commission chair of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) for 2017-18, during the commission’s semi-annual meeting held in Overland Park, KS, on November 13-14. Flakoll was elected vice chair (2016-17) and served a term as treasurer (2015-16).  

One of four regional higher education compacts in the United States, MHEC is a nonprofit regional organization assisting its 12 member Midwestern states in advancing higher education through interstate cooperation and resource sharing. The primary constituents served by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact are nearly 1,000 public and private non-profit institutions in the member states whose combined enrollments total over 4.2 million students.

Senator Flakoll served as a MHEC commissioner from 2001-2016, as an appointee of the North Dakota Senate. In December 2016, he was appointed a commissioner by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.

"I am honored to lead an organization that is a national leader in improving higher education and providing greater individual and public value,” said Flakoll. “MHEC is about engaging some of the best and brightest minds in the Midwest and across the country to improve the efficiency and achievement in higher education. It is about melting away barriers to learning and developing and building upon best practices.”

North Dakota has been a member of the Compact since April 1999. North Dakota higher education institutions, school districts, state and local governments, as well as students and families have saved nearly $7.7 million by using MHEC’s programs and contracts since becoming a member.

“I am grateful for Tim’s leadership as chair this coming year,” said Larry Isaak, MHEC president. “His vast experience as a legislator, serving on the MHEC commission for 17 years, and his service with numerous community, state, and national organizations including a past chair of the Council of State Governments Midwestern Legislative Conference, makes him a strong leader for MHEC and the region.”

Additional North Dakota MHEC Commissioners are: Senator Kyle Davison, North Dakota Legislative Assembly; Dr. Mark Hagerott, chancellor, North Dakota University System; Representative Dennis Johnson, North Dakota Legislative Assembly; and Mr. Don Morton, chair of the State Board of Higher Education. Dr. James Davis, president of Turtle Mountain Community College and Robert Lauf III, policy advisor to Governor Doug Burgum, serve as commissioner alternates.

2017-18 MHEC OFFICERS
Chair Tim Flakoll (ND), Vice Chair 2017-18 MHEC Officers: Ken Sauer (IN), and Treasurer Olivia Madison (IA)

ABOUT MHEC
Legislatively created, the Midwestern Higher Education Compact’s purpose is to provide greater higher education opportunities and services in the Midwestern region. Collectively, MHEC creates solutions that build higher education’s capacity to better serve individuals, institutions, and states by leveraging the region’s expertise, ideas, and experiences through multi-state: convening, programs, research, and contracts. Member states are: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Left to right - Vicki Ihry, Donna Kristianson, NDSCS Student Ambassador Heather Heyerman, Concordia Student Ambassador Katriana Mehlhaff, NDSU Student Ambassador Dawson Schefter and TCU Provost Tim Flakoll

NDSU recognized the many contributions of the Tri-College University during the sixth annual Campus Community Partnership flag raising Sept. 22.

The Tri-College flag will fly at the NDSU Flag Plaza during the academic year as a symbolic representation of the impact of the local higher education collaboration. The plaza is located in the southwest corner of campus at 12th Avenue North and 18th Street.

“We have something very unique here. In most communities like ours, we would be five competing institutions. In this community, in many ways, we act as one,” said NDSU President Dean L. Bresciani during the ceremony. “We do that because it is in the best interest of our community, our students and higher education.”

The Tri-College University has given students broader access to educational opportunities for more than 40 years. NDSU, Concordia College and Minnesota State University Moorhead were founding members when the cooperative education partnership’s articles of incorporation were filed in 1970. It allows a student enrolled at one institution to take classes at the other schools without paying extra tuition or going through additional admission procedures.

In 2015, the partnership expanded to include Minnesota State Community and Technical College, known as M State, and the North Dakota State College of Science. The collaboration between the five institutions supports about 35,000 students.

“In the Fargo-Moorhead area, every morning, one in five people go to one of the campuses,” said Tim Flakoll, Tri-College University provost. “The economic impact of those campuses will exceed with $4 billion, so that really shows what this partnership has for critical mass.”

Anne Blackhurst, MSUM president, said, “This partnership exists to serve students. I think sometimes we take for granted how unique it is for institutions to come together across state lines, across institutional affiliations, across the normal distinctions between colleges and universities, two- and four-year institutions, to really do what is best for the students we share. Thank you for highlighting the Tri-College University today.”

John Richman, NDSCS president, said the collaboration builds a stronger educational system, stronger community and stronger socio-economic position in the region. “Each of us has unique strengths that we bring to the table,” Richman said. “We have unique capabilities, and because of that, 35,000 students have a chance to strengthen their education and their educational experience.”

Peggy Kennedy, M State president, said Tri-College students add a special dimension to her campus, and she is proud to have them at her institution. “This wonderful partnership is truly something to celebrate,” she said.

“Fargo-Moorhead is one of the few places in the country where this many colleges, universities and schools work together in a partnership like this,” said Jeff Bretherton, Concordia College athletic director, who represented President William Craft. “We see great benefit for the students from all five institutions, and we see great advantages for the economy, culture and civic strength of the community.”

President Bresciani established the Campus Community Partner program in 2012 to recognize public and private sector collaborations with the university that benefit the community. Past recipients include Microsoft, Gate City Bank, Sanford Health, Appareo Systems and John Deere Electronic Solutions.

As a student-focused, land grant, research institution, we serve our citizens.

Source - NDSU

 Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC - NEW Tri-College Brochure

“I’m grateful to accept such an award,” Flakoll said. “Blue Key has played a pivotal role in my life and to be recognized by such a well-respected organization is truly an honor beyond measure for me.”

Flakoll is Provost of Tri-College University, a higher education consortium consisting of North Dakota State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Concordia College, North Dakota State College of Science and Minnesota Community and Technical College. Tri-College is consistently recognized as a model of higher education cooperation around the nation.

A member of the Fargo-Moorhead community for more than 30 years, Flakoll also represents District 44 in the North Dakota State Senate where he serves as Chairman of the education committee. In addition, he has served in more than 30 capacities on boards of various community and non-profit organizations.

“Tim demonstrates all the ideals of Blue Key and the Doctor of Service Award,” said Jon Lipp, President of the NDSU chapter of Blue Key. “In his work in the community and state legislature, he exemplifies the motto service before self.”

This year marks the 86^th time the chapter has given the Doctor of Service Award. Recipients maintain a positive educational environment at NDSU while displaying unselfish dedication to the university and state. Past honorees include Prakash Mathew, Erv Inniger and Gene Taylor.

Blue Key Honor Society was established on the campus of NDSU in 1927 and is comprised of 35 students selected for their dedication to scholarship, leadership and service. Blue Key strives to recognize those who have served both NDSU and the state of North Dakota through awards such as the Distinguished Educator Award and Doctor of Service Award. Other activities sponsored by Blue Key include the NDSU/SDSU Dakota Marker, Homecoming Show, Bison Brevities and student scholarships.

“I join with all on the Tri-College University Board in welcoming MState and NDSCS into partnership with us.  We see great benefits for the students from all five of our institutions, and we see great advantages for the economy, culture, and civic strength of the Fargo-Moorhead community, now 35,000 college and university students strong” according to Dr. William Craft the Chair of the Tri-College University Board and President of Concordia College.   

Tri-College University dates back 45 years and is one of the nation’s premier, most recognized and longest serving partnerships. It has been comprised of both public and private campuses located in Minnesota and North Dakota and now with the expanded partnership will include two-year campuses as part of the consortium. 

Included in the expansion agreement will be the course exchange program which allows undergraduate students to take courses outside of their home campus at any one of the partner campuses without paying any additional fees/tuition.

“This expansion agreement gives the TCU partnership the equivalent size of a Big 10 campus in our area, and one that will be of vital importance as we continue to focus on a diverse knowledge based economy” according to TCU Provost Tim Flakoll. “Numerous benefits have been identified for this expanded membership including: increased academic options for students resulting in improved student retention/graduation rates, satisfying workforce needs, potential for exploration resulting in more traditional transfer and reverse transfer opportunities, and provides enhanced professional development opportunities. This is a historic step forward as we continue to strive to be visionary and focused on providing high quality programs to meet the needs of our stakeholders.”

The board of Tri-College is comprised of Dr. William Craft of Concordia, Dr. Anne Blackhurst of MSUM, Dr. Dean Bresciani of NDSU which serve as Presidents of the original partners as well as community board members: Paul Marquart, Pam Astrup, Debra Knutson, Mark Nisbet and Paul Richard.

NOTES:

Between the 2008-2009 and 2012-2013 academic years, 770 NDSCS students and 752 M State students transferred to Tri-College campuses. Of those, 203 from MState and 399 from NDSCS transferred in 2012-2013 alone.

MState has campuses in Moorhead, Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls and Wadena but the partnership will focus largely on students at their Moorhead campus. Overall they have more than 6,000 students, including its campus in Moorhead.

NDSCS has a main campus in Wahpeton and a smaller campus in Fargo. Overall they have more than 3,000 students and 80 academic options.

The name Tri-College University will remain the same.

Incoming executive officers for 2015-16 (left to right): Senator David Pearce (Missouri), Chair; Mr. Richard Short (Kansas), Vice Chair; and Provost/Senator Tim Flakoll (North Dakota), Treasurer.

Tri-College University Provost Tim Flakoll was elected the treasurer of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) on November 16, during the commission’s semi-annual meeting held in Chicago. One of four regional higher education compacts in the United States, MHEC is a nonprofit regional organization assisting its 12 member Midwestern states in advancing higher education through interstate cooperation and resource sharing. Member states have a combined enrollment of approximately 5 million students at public and private campuses.

“Flakoll’s vast experience serving as a legislator, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, and as provost for Tri-College University made him a great candidate for one of the Compact’s officer positions,” said Larry Isaak, MHEC president. “As MHEC continues to embark on several new interstate collaborative efforts, his input as an officer will be important.”

Flakoll was initially appointed a MHEC commissioner in 1999 and has been reappointed to eight consecutive two-year terms since. In 2009 he began serving on MHEC’s Executive Committee.

“As we look to efficiently meet the current and future challenges of a knowledge-based economy, the collaboration and leadership of the MHEC partnership is especially important to students and other stakeholders in MHEC member states” according to Flakoll.  “Professional and political education partnerships have been central objectives throughout my career and I look forward to more opportunities that I can work on in this leadership role.”

In addition to Flakoll, other North Dakota commissioners include: Dr. Mark Hagerott, chancellor of the North Dakota University System and Mr. Don Morton, Fargo site leader for Microsoft and member of the North Dakota Board of Higher Education. Minnesota commissioners include: Dr. Steven Rosenstone, chancellor of Minnesota Colleges and Universities, Lawrence Pogemiller, commissioner – Minnesota Office of Higher Education and Rep. Bud Nornes (Fergus Falls) – chair of the Higher Education Policy and Finance Committee.

ABOUT MHEC
The compact seeks to fulfill its interstate mission through programs that expand postsecondary opportunity and success; promote innovative approaches to improving institutional and system productivity; improve affordability to students and states; and enhance connectivity between higher education and the workplace. Member states are: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

“The grant program is in its fourth year and we have seen successful collaborations,” said TCU Provost Tim Flakoll. Projects funded in the past three years have included campus collaborations in providing cross-campus wireless Internet access via Eduroam, providing Tri-College vaccinology program support, design of an electronics lab manual for physics and engineering students, exploring emerging technologies for class room instruction and the student-led formation of a women’s collegiate lacrosse club.

Interested faculty, staff and students from partnering campuses are encouraged to submit a grant application detailing their project, need that it fills, level of collaboration and participation between campuses, expected outcomes and level of funding they are seeking. Grants awarded will range from $250 - $2,000. Availability and level of awards are subject to the availability of funds at Tri-College University.  Matching funds are not required for eligibility. “The realization of the impact of these grants, and through the generosity of community partners, we are doubling the maximum allowed,” Flakoll announced.

To apply for these grant funds, the campus community may access an application from the TCU website at http://www.tri-college.org/tri_college_collaborations_and_events/tcu_collaborative_grants/, or by emailing Sonia Hohnadel, TCU Communications Coordinator. You may also contact her by phone at 701.231.8170.  Application deadline is October 15, 2012. 

      NDSU Interim Vice President for Information Technology Marc Wallman initiated the project this spring after learning about the network through discussions with leaders from other regional research universities.

      After learning about NDSU’s authorization of Eduroam, Tri-College University Provost Tim Flakoll with the charge from the TCU commissioners played an instrumental role in moving the Eduroam project forward at the Tri-College level. After Wallman expressed initial interest in joining the Eduroam network, Flakoll fostered collaboration among the provosts and CIOs at all three campuses – including Bruce Vieweg, associate provost and CIO at Concordia, and Daniel Heckaman, CIO and director of information technology at MSUM.

      “This project fits very well with the mission of Tri-College,” Flakoll said. “With Eduroam, we’re melting away barriers and making it as seamless as possible for students and faculty to move from one college to the next.” Bruce Vieweg  agrees, "Eduroam is a real benefit for all Tri-College students, faculty, and staff by providing unfettered, yet secured, Internet access on each campus."

      Flakoll said collaborative grant dollars were offered to the three colleges to defer costs associated with implementing the technology needed to join the Eduroam network. Outside of these costs, becoming a participating Eduroam member is free for any institution.

      NDSU faculty, staff and students have been able to use Eduroam since April. Concordia joined the Eduroam network in June, and MSUM anticipates enabling Eduroam on its campus this fall.

      MSUM’s Heckaman says, “Eduroam allows our students to stay connected throughout their studies locally and abroad.  Connectivity is a key component to the learning process.”  After MSUM deploys Eduroam, members of each of the three institutions will be able to complete a one-time setup of their wireless devices to use secure wireless at any of the three campuses, in addition to many other participating institutions across the country and internationally.

      “NDSU, Concordia and MSUM are among the first 100 educational institutions in the U.S. to activate Eduroam on their campuses,” NDSU Provost Bruce Rafert said. “This is a natural next step for giving Tri-College students the seamless ability to connect to the significant Internet resources that all three campuses possess.”

      Eduroam setup instructions for faculty, staff and students are provided at:

·       NDSU: http://www.ndsu.edu/wireless or call the IT Help Desk at 701-231-8685 or contact
by email: NDSU.HelpDesk@ndsu.edu

·       MSUM: http://web.mnstate.edu/it/wireless or call the Information Technology Help Desk at 218-477-2603 or contact by email: support@mnstate.edu

·       Concordia: http://computersupport.cord.edu or call the Solution Center at 218-299-3375 or 877-399-3375 or contact by email: pcsupport@cord.edu

For more information regarding Eduroam and a map of participating locations please visit the following website: http://www.eduroam.US.org.

Tim Flakoll, Provost of Tri-College University has been selected as Chairman-elect (Second Vice-president) of the Council of State Governments’ (CSG) Midwest Legislative Conference (MLC) at their annual conference in Cleveland, Ohio.  The organization is comprised of eleven Midwestern states and has four Canadian Provinces that are affiliated members.  When combined these Midwestern states make up the fourth largest economy in the world.

As Chairman, Flakoll will preside at all meetings of the MLC and MLC Executive Committee.  Flakoll will be responsible for the appointment of officers for committees and the appointment of delegates to other intergovernmental groups seeking MLC representation.  The Chair is responsible for establishing annual conference goals and priorities and will serve as host of the MLC Annual Meeting in 2015 when North Dakota will be the host state.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to more strategically lead the Midwest region with the spirit of collaboration and a shared focus on problem solving. When the Midwest thrives it is good for North Dakota and the United States and I look forward to this leadership opportunity” Flakoll said. 

The organization was founded in 1933 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to excellence in state government. The purpose of the MLC is to strengthen and improve state government and to encourage intergovernmental cooperation between the three branches of government.

“Flakoll has served as the Co-Chair of the CSG Midwest’s Agriculture and Natural Resources committee and people have appreciated the vision, energy and can-do attitude that he has brought to the leadership of that committee.  His success and the respect he has earned as Co-Chair of that committee and on education and economic development issues made him an easy selection during the election process” according to Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner.

Flakoll is provost of Tri-College University, which is higher education collaboration between Concordia College, Minnesota State University Moorhead and NDSU.

"Fargo Moorhead is a community that really values education, and the GFMEDC video does an excellent job of highlighting our living and learning climate and will leave prospective students excited to start their higher education experience in Fargo Moorhead," said Tim Flakoll, Provost, Tri-College University.

Link to YouTube Video

            The Tri-College NEW Leadership Development Institute provides leadership training, inspiration, and support for women who do not have extensive leadership experience. Each year approximately 50 women are selected to participate in the five-day program aimed at promoting public and community leadership among women of diverse backgrounds who reside in the Upper Midwest. 

The mission of Tri-College University is to assist Concordia College, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and North Dakota State University by promoting cooperative efforts that will enrich the academic environment for the benefit of students, faculty, and the community.

            For information, contact Dr. Deborah White, Institute Coordinator, at 218.477.2041 or whitede@mnstate.edu, or visit website at www.tri-college.org/new_leadership_institute/. 

Knutson currently works as a Master Teacher for Prairie Public Television and is a facilitator for their Teacher Training Institutes. Knutson received her Master’s Degree from St. Thomas University in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelors of Science degree in Art Education (K-12) from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She retired after twenty-one years teaching art with the Moorhead Independent School District. Knutson has also taught art education courses as an adjunct instructor at both Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College. Knutson is a member of the Art Educators of Minnesota and the National Art Education Association. She currently serves on her church council and is pursuing her interests in digital photography and organic gardening.

            Nisbet is the North Dakota Principal Manager for Xcel Energy, the fourth-largest combination natural gas and electricity company in the nation, serving 3.3 million electricity customers and 1.8 million natural gas customer in eight Western and Midwestern states. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead and is a graduate of the Minnesota Management Institute at the Carlson School of Business, University of Minnesota. Nisbet serves on the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation board, the NDSU Research and Technology Incubator Advisory Board, and the executive board of Fargo’s Downtown Community Partnership and is a former board president.  He is a board member and former president of the Northern Lights Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Nisbet currently serves as chairman of the governor’s Centers of Excellence Commission, the North Dakota EmPower Commission, the North Dakota Chamber of Commerce Board and the North Dakota Economic Development Foundation Board. 

            “Knutson and Nisbet bring a high level of diverse expertise to the board. Their experience spans business, industry, the arts, economic development, and academics at multiple levels and settings.  Their proficiencies will balance well with the mission and goals of Tri-College University as we continue to move quality education forward through strategic collaborations,” states Tri-College University Provost Tim Flakoll.

Knutson and Nisbet will be joining current board members President Dean Bresciani of North Dakota State University, President Edna Szymanski of Minnesota State University Moorhead, President William Craft of Concordia College, Pamela Astrup, Paul Marquart and Dennis Millirons.

Knutson will be completing the term vacated by Kevin McKinnon, previous GFMEDC President who served one year, and Nisbet will begin a new term for a citizen member seat vacated by the death of founding board member Douglas Sillers.

The mission of Tri-College University is to assist Concordia College, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and North Dakota State University by promoting cooperative efforts that will enrich the academic environment for the benefit of students, faculty, and the community.

• running for office
• public speaking
• fundraising
• public policy advocacy
• working with the media

 
Participants meet with over twenty women leaders, including:

• state and local elected officials
• leaders in tribal government
• grassroots activists
• nonprofit leaders

 
We seek applicants with interest in politics, public service, or community service who desire to develop their leadership skills. They need not be college students. Approximately 50 college and community women will be accepted. Participants and some women leaders reside on campus throughout the institute, extending learning beyond the formal daytime sessions.
 
Thanks to the generosity of donors, there is no cost to participate. Participants will have the option of registering for a three-credit course in Women’s Studies, Sociology, or Social Work. Those who choose to register for course credit will have to pay for the course registration expenses. Everything associated with participation in the Institute is free, however, we recognize that some women with restricted income may find other financial barriers to participation. If there are concerns about travel, childcare, or other expenses incurred during the five-day institute, there are scholarships available.
 
For information, testimonials, and the application, visit:
 
http://www.tri-college.org/new_leadership_institute/
 
Will you be an advocate for someone who would benefit from this experience? Applications will be accepted until March 23, 2012.
 
If you have additional questions, please contact Deb White at 218.477.2041 or whitede@mnstate.edu.
 
 

Flakoll is joined by Representative RaeAnn Kelsch as the two Legislators selected to serve on the committee. As a member of the steering committee, Flakoll will advise the project during the implementation phase which lasts through June 2017.

Flakoll noted that “Hess selected North Dakota because we already have a number of systems in place which will allow us to nimbly move toward progress which will enhance education outcomes. North Dakota has a history and culture of willingness to move in new directions to improve education and increase the achievement of our students.”

To download 2011 - 2012 Tri-College Combined Academic Calendar Click Here.

McKinnon serves as President of the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC). Prior to accepting his position in Fargo, Kevin worked for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development as Director of Business Development.  

McKinnon also served as an Executive Director of a regional public/private economic development organization and managed city economic development activities in both Minnesota and Colorado.  Previous to economic development, Kevin served as the Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant Coach of a minor league hockey team, and played professional hockey for six years in the U.S. and Europe.   

McKinnon is a member of North Dakota, Minnesota and International Economic Development Associations as well as Regional and National Corporate Real Estate Associations.  He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota and resides with his family in Fargo.  

Millirons is the President of Sanford Medical Center in Fargo and is responsible for the overall operations of the hospital.  He is a graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK, where he obtained a B.S. in Administration of Allied Health Services Degree and then received his Masters of Science Degree in Health Care Administration from Trinity University, San Antonio, TX.  He previously served as president and chief executive officer of Condell Health Network and Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Ill.   

Tri-College University Provost Tim Flakoll states, “McKinnon and Millirons will bring a breadth of relevant expertise to the board. Their abilities match up well with the important work we have ahead of us as we continue to add value to the academic and business communities.”

McKinnon and Millirons will be joining current board members President Dean Bresciani of North Dakota State University, President Edna Szymanski of Minnesota State University Moorhead, President William Craft of Concordia College, Douglas Sillers, Pamela Astrup, and Paul Marquart.

Along with McKinnon and Millirons, the Tri-College Board will welcome Dr. William Craft, the recently elected President of Concordia College.

McKinnon and Millirons will be filling seats vacated by Brian Walters, previous GFMEDC President who served once term, and Bruce Furness, who termed out, having served three terms. As President of Concordia College Craft joins the other two partnering campus Presidents who direct the vision and mission of TCU.

The mission of Tri-College University is to assist Concordia College, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and North Dakota State University by promoting cooperative efforts that will enrich the academic environment for the benefit of students, faculty, and the community.

Tim Flakoll has served as the provost for Tri-College University since 2006 and as a State Senator since 1998.  As a Senator, he has served on the Senate Education committee since 1998 including time as Vice-Chair of the committee.  He has served as Chair of the Senate Agriculture committee since 2003 and Chair of the Select Senate Committee on Appointments to the Board of Higher Education and the Interim Natural Resources committee.  Flakoll has served for the past four years as Vice-chair of the interim Higher Education committee. Flakoll has held more than 30 offices on boards in North Dakota and the Midwest.  Flakoll served as Vice-President and General Manager for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks and worked as a missionary in the Country of Slovakia.

The North Dakota Humanities Council is an independent, nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The humanities inspire the NDHC’s vision of a thoughtful, respectful, actively engaged society that will be able to meet the challenge of sustaining our democracy across the many divisions of modern society and deal responsibly with the shared challenges we currently face as members of an interdependent world. 

The mission of the NDHC is to invest in the people of North Dakota by creating and sustaining humanities programs that provide a better understanding of the past, a better analysis of the present, and a better vision for the future.  In 2010, the NDHC hosted the Legacy of Eric Sevareid symposium in Bismarck, North Dakota, which sought to illuminate the vision of one of North Dakota’s most famous native sons by providing a discussion forum for historical and contemporary issues in public policy and news broadcast.  Keynote speakers included national news figures Dan Rather, Bob Schieffer, Nick Clooney, and Bob Edwards.

          For more information about the work of the North Dakota Humanities Council, visit the council’s website at www.ndhumanities.org or call the council office at 1-800-338-6543, or contact a council member from your area. 

The addition of an academic minor in vaccinology was driven in part by a study recently completed by the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC). The study showed that a focus on Vaccinology could translate into long-term sustainable economic growth for our region.

This opportunity has significant takeoff power because there are more than 2,500 students currently enrolled in life sciences and health care fields at the Tri-College partnering schools: North Dakota State University, Concordia College, and Minnesota State University.

“It’s a first-in-the-nation, and gives undergraduate students great opportunities to conduct research, interact with industry experts, and secure relevant experience through industry internships. It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” said TCU Provost Tim Flakoll. The new program is being managed by faculty-based “Vaccinology Coordinators” from each of the three TCU partnering campuses. Local faculty will teach the courses required for the vaccinology minor, and will augment the curriculum with participation from outside industry experts. Class size is expected to be 24 students. The minor will require 21-24 credit hours.

To advance the program, Sanford Health has created a Vaccinology Professorship Endowment of $150,000 to fund the faculty investment. “It’s important that public and private partners participate together in solutions for community economic development and education; however, the reach of this program extends far beyond the Fargo region when you consider the significant public health need for vaccinology expertise across our nation,” said Sanford Medical Center president, Dennis Millirons. “We are inspired to be a part of a program that brings together innovative medical research, growth for our community, and unprecedented opportunities for students.”

GFMEDC President Kevin McKinnon said, “It is our goal to make Fargo-Moorhead a global destination for vaccinology research by simply plugging in our own quality graduates into a emerging regional industry.”

Everything seems to be aligning for a swift start and for the sustainable support to aid the long-term success of the program. Success of the program will lead to increases in the recognition of the region as a destination for quality research, retention rates of graduates in the metro area, and expansion of academic and economic diversity.

TO VIEW PRESS CONFERENCE YOUTUBE VIDEO CLICK HERE

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE VACCINOLOGY COLLABORATION AND MINOR - VISIT THE TRI-COLLEGE UNIVERSITY VACCINOLOGY WEBPAGE BY CLICKING HERE or by clicking on VACCINOLOGY COLLABORATION on the site navigation panel on the left.

WHERE:    NDSU Renaissance Hall (Downtown), 650 NP Avenue, Fargo, ND

·      Ground Level Gallery

WHO:         Announcements and comments by:

·      Edna Mora Szymanski – MSUM President & Tri-College Board Chair

·      Dennis Millirons – President, Sanford Medical Center - Fargo

·      Mary Batcheller - Director of Business Development - Greater Fargo-Moorhead EDC                   

·      Campus partners from Concordia College, Minnesota State University Moorhead and North Dakota State University

WHAT:       Press Conference

·      Tri-College University will announce a new collaboration to offer a first-in-the-nation academic program for Tri-College University students attending Concordia, MSUM and NDSU.

·      Sanford Medical Center will announce their involvement in the new program and how it aligns with their mission and our regional needs.

Contact:  Sonia Hohnadel, Tri-College University             701.231.9731

• Students who have declared a Tri-College minor (one not offered by their home campus).  The minor must be declared and on file with the home institution, and will be confirmed by the home campus at the point of registration.  The host campus will confirm that the courses being requested are required for the minor;

• Students who request enrollment in either the Aerospace Studies/Air Force ROTC (AS) or Military Science/Army ROTC (MS) courses at NDSU;

• Students who request enrollment in a course/lab pairing (lecture and corresponding lab);

• Students enrolled in a Vaccinology seminar course are permitted to enroll in one additional class via the Tri-College consortium in the same term;

• Students enrolled in the Tri-College University Educational Leadership program;

• Concordia allows exchange by their full-time students to enroll in one course per semester between the partner institutions and then only if the course is not offered at Concordia. Concordia does not participate in the course exchange during the summer semester.

 
PLEASE NOTE THESE CHANGES WHEN REGISTERING FOR CLASSES AND PLANNING  YOUR ACADEMIC DEGREE.
 
To access a complete copy of the Tri-College University Course Exchange and Cooperative Agreement you may visit the TCU website link at http://www.tri-college.org/course_exchange/course_exchange_and_cooperative_agreement/.
Call your campus Registrar’s Office for more information or the TCU office at 701.231.8170.

James Burgum, West Fargo

Sharon Carlson, Fargo

Sharon Connell-Rick, West Fargo

Roger Fenstad, Fargo

Tim Flakoll, Fargo

Todd Forkel, West Fargo

Rob Jordahl, Fargo, ND

Brad Keller, Fargo, ND

Kalynn Larson, R.N., Moorhead

William Mann, M.D., Grand Forks

Eric Michel, Fargo

Aaron Wright, M.D., West Fargo

Dakota Medical Foundation, Fargo, ND, focuses its efforts on improving health and access to healthcare in our region, with a special emphasis on children. Since its inception in 1995, the Foundation has invested about $42 million in over 370 regional nonprofit organizations. For comment or additional information contact Pat Traynor, President, 701.271.0263.

Margaret Anderson Kelliher is a lifelong Minnesotan with deep roots in the Minnesota River Valley. The youngest of six children, she grew up on a dairy farm just outside of Mankato. Anderson Kelliher earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Gustavus Adolphus College and a Masters of Public Administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and was a Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow. Anderson Kelliher was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1998. In her first term, she was named "Freshman Legislator of the Year" and quickly moved up the leadership ranks in the DFL House Caucus. In 2006, she was selected by her caucus to succeed Matt Entenza as Minority Leader. After the Democrats won control of the House in the 2006 election, she was selected by her caucus to be Speaker. In January 2009, she was re-elected Speaker for the 2009 - 2010 biennium. In 2010, Anderson Kelliher was endorsed by the DFL state convention to serve as the party's candidate for governor. In August of that year, Anderson Kelliher lost a narrow primary election to Mark Dayton, ending her campaign. Anderson Kelliher and her husband David kelliher, have two children, Patrick and Frances.

The Diane Meyer Keynote will be Friday, June 3, 2011, 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Century Theater. The event is open to the public with a public reception to follow the address.

“We have found these collaborations to be so successful that we are now increasing the maximum groups can apply for to $1,500.  We hope this will allow for more opportunity, flexibility and options. This TCU program is intended to develop collaborative relationships between people in our campus community that share a common interest and vision,” states TCU Provost Tim Flakoll.

Interested faculty, staff and students at each campus are encouraged to submit a grant application: detailing their project, need that it fills, level of collaboration and participation between campuses, expected outcomes, and level of funding that they are seeking. Grants awarded will range from $250 - $1,500. Availability and level of awards are subject to the availability of funds at Tri-College University.  Matching funds are not required for eligibility.

To apply for these grant funds by the deadline February 14, 2011, the campus community may access an application by clicking on this link or by calling Sonia Mayo Hohnadel, TCU Communications Coordinator at 701.231.8170.

The Tri-College University (TCU) is proud to welcome two new directors to their board. Pamela Astrup and Ron P. Robson were both elected to a three-year term, which began July 1, 2010.

Astrup is a graduate of North Dakota State University. She graduated with degrees in Education and Spanish. She took advantage of the Tri-College course exchange when pursuing her Spanish major. Astrup works with the Moorhead Area Public Schools since 1995 and lives in Dilworth.

Robson is a graduate of Augustana College (Sioux Falls, South Dakota). He works as the US Bank regional president for southeast North Dakota and serves as state president for the state of North Dakota. He lives in Fargo, North Dakota.

Astrup replaces Shirley Montgomery who served on the TCU Board of Directors for three terms, and Robson replaces Brian Walters who completed one term on the board.

Astrup and Robson will be joining current board members President Edna Szymanski of Minnesota State University Moorhead, President Dean Bresciani of North Dakota State University, Interim President Paul Dovre of Concordia College, Douglas Sillers, Bruce Furness, and Paul Marquart.

The mission of Tri-College University is to assist Concordia College, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and North Dakota State University by promoting cooperative efforts that will enrich the academic environment for the benefit of students, faculty, and the community.

First visit the class schedules on the campus websites (see links in the course exchange section of this website) and decide what class you want to take on the other campus.

Once you know what class or classes you would like to take, visit your Registrar's office or website to get a Tri-College Registration form. Complete the one page form and then go to the Registrar’s office on your home campus and talk to the TCU Registration Specialist and turn in your form.

Then check your course schedule on line to make sure you are registered and verify when the class starts. Remember, the class calendar at the other campus may not follow the academic calendar of your home institution. So follow the the schedule of the campus where the class is being held.

You do not need to do anything else because your tuition, financial aid, academic grades and credits are all covered and posted by your home institution. If you have any questions, call the registrar's office on your home campus and ask to speak to the Tri-College Registration Specialist or call Sonia at the Tri-College University office at (701)231-8170.