Let’s meet Tedi, a 2024 music education graduate from West Fargo. Tedi’s story is about finding the right fit as she pursued her dream of becoming a music teacher. With its nationally-ranked education program and first-class music facilities, VCSU prepares Tedi and students like her to share their love of music with high school and elementary students. Tell us your story, Tedi.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. Since I was a freshman in high school, I knew I wanted to be a music teacher. My first experience at Valley City State University happened when I played at the James D. Ployhar Honor Band on campus. This event happens each year for high schoolers, and I attended every one. The warm, fun, and welcoming environment helped me realize that VCSU was the school for me. Graduating from VCSU prepared me to lead my own classroom. As the drum major here in 2023, I planned and ran rehearsals as well as directed the athletic band on game days. After the basketball and football seasons that year, I felt confident in my abilities to run a pep band. VCSU also provided me with excellent student teaching and practicum placements around the state of North Dakota. As a first-year teacher, I didn’t feel as overwhelmed or unprepared as some of my counterparts. All of the firsthand experience I had here helped immensely. The opportunity to visit classrooms and observe teachers around the state gave me connections and ideas for strategies to use in my own classroom. I made a lot of lifelong friends during my time at VCSU. I also have great relationships with former and current faculty members. Whenever I have a question in my own classroom, I know there’s a person I can call for a good conversation. With a successful first year teaching behind me, I’m excited to be back and working in Valley City as the 7 through 12 band and choir director at Valley City Public Schools. The school year has already got off to a great start. That’s my story so far. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Tedi, we are so impressed with your skills and passion for teaching kids the joy of music. VCSU’s teacher education programs are well known for preparing students to lead their own classrooms, and their education degrees are offered both on campus and online. Best wishes, Tedi.
It’s time to check in with Abby, a senior majoring in computer information systems. Abby came to VCSU as an undecided student, but soon found her passion. With VCSU’s student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, Abby has excelled with the small class sizes and one-on-one instruction from her professors. Over to you, Abby.
– Hey, Alex, I’ve lived in small towns all across North Dakota, so finding a place that felt like home was really important to me. When I got to Valley City State University, I knew this was it. Even though I didn’t immediately know what I wanted to major in, the campus felt right. VCSU offers 65 different areas of study, which made it the perfect place to explore my options. I came in undecided, but during new student orientation, something clicked. I switched my major to computer information systems right then and there. Since that day, I’ve been diving into cybersecurity. And with the help from my professors, I found my love for ethical hacking. The small class sizes of 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio have been such a game-changer. I’ve gotten so much one-on-one support. My dream is to work in the cybersecurity department in the state capitol, and everything I’ve done on campus has helped prepare me. I currently work in tech services and am a member of the Association for Computing Machinery, where students in this department can collaborate, problem-solve, and grow together. Outside of academics, I’m all in at VCSU. I’m the recreational coordinator for our Viking Campus Activities board. I play on intramural football and volleyball teams and three city league volleyball teams. I’m also involved in Viking Catholic and Drama Club, and I help lead new student orientation for incoming freshmen. VCSU has helped grow me into who I am today. From switching majors on day one to now chasing a future in cybersecurity, I found my people and my passion. This campus really is one big Viking family, and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Abby. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish in cybersecurity. VCSU offers more than 65 academic programs, allowing students like Abby the flexibility to find a major they’re truly passionate about. Good luck, Abby, and thanks again.
Let’s catch up with Grant, a 2025 elementary education graduate who thoroughly made the most of his time at VCSU. Joining a few of VCSU’s student clubs and organizations transformed Grant’s campus experience into memorable years that culminated with him delivering the undergraduate speech at commencement. Tell us more, Grant.
– Hey. Thanks for the intro, Alex. I went to Valley City State University to follow in my family’s footsteps as a fourth-generation educator, a dream I’m now living as a middle school social studies teacher. During my tour, the friendly atmosphere gave me a gut feeling this was the right place for me, but I was still a little skeptical that I would enjoy daily life at college. Joining a few of VCSU’s student clubs transformed my experience. I met most of my friends, developed leadership skills, and made lifelong memories through these organizations. I was part of the Trap Shooting Club, the Fisheries and Wildlife Clubs, and Vikings for Christ, where we immersed ourselves in the Bible together. Each club was fulfilling in its own way. VCSU offers over 30 student organizations that cater to a range of interests, from academic and professional development, to cultural, recreational, and social activities. There’s something for everyone. One highlight was having the opportunity to directly pitch an idea to VCSU’s president and cabinet about getting shooting sports officially recognized on campus as a club sport. With the support of fellow students and our amazing advisor, that vision became reality when VCSU added an official shooting sports team that won a state championship its first year. I left with experiences that I wouldn’t have even imagined at the beginning. I even got the chance to speak to the graduating class about what I will say here. By far, the biggest thing that I learned at VCSU is that we don’t have to wait for opportunities to come our way. We can create them ourselves. And with that, I have some students to get back to. Over to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Grant. We love to see your passion for the campus and its activities. VCSU’s small campus offers opportunities for all students to get involved. And if you don’t see a club that interests you, the school encourages you to create your own club and share that interest with others. Good luck, Grant.
Say hello to Mattilyn, a senior majoring in art education and a member of student senate. Mattilyn came from a larger high school and has enjoyed the welcoming, friendly environment at VCSU. Her experience living and learning on campus has given her lifelong friendships and some amazing opportunities. Take it away, Mattilyn.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Before coming to Valley City State University, I didn’t know what path I wanted to take. I came from a larger school where I struggled to find my place and get involved. I chose VCSU because of the smaller class sizes and the chance for more one-on-one time with professors. Here, I feel like a person, not just another number. Life on campus is vibrant, and there’s something for everyone. The Student Center is the heart of campus life. Grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee, pick up gear or textbooks at the bookstore, or spend an afternoon in the game lounge with friends. Students can also stay active at the Gaukler Family Wellness Center, complete with a pool, gym, track, and so much more. You can always find and my friends in the upstairs Art Corner in the Center for the Arts building. VCSU has given me an opportunity to see a new side of myself. As a freshman, I was nervous to go to events, but with the help of upperclassmen and staff encouraging me, I’m doing things I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do. That has led me to who I am today. I’m currently serving on our student senate executive team as well as entering into my third year as a resident assistant. Because of this, I’ve met some of my closest friends. I learned to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, or else I would miss out on amazing opportunities. With the opportunities that VCSU has given me, I’ve gained the leadership skills that I need for my future classroom as an art teacher. I’ve been given the chance to thrive here. Although VCSU is small, there is a place for everyone. That’s all I’ve got. Back to you, Alex.
– Great stuff, Mattilyn. We love to hear how VCSU’s welcoming campus has helped you grow as a person. VCSU was recently ranked the safest college campus in North Dakota. Staff and faculty at VCSU want the students to succeed, and it’s obvious from the moment you step on this campus. Thanks again, Mattilyn.
Let’s catch up with Macy, a senior business student and member of the Viking volleyball team. Macy transferred to VCSU as a sophomore, drawn in by the supportive staff, successful volleyball program, the school’s reputation for being a great value. With nearly 300 varsity athletes and 15 different teams, athletics is an important part of VCSU’s campus life. The court is yours, Macy. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex, and welcome to The Bubble. As a Viking student athlete, this is where we spend the majority of our time when we’re not working hard in the classroom. It’s quiet now, but on a game day, it fills up with students, faculty, and community members who love supporting their Viking athletes. The support from the community and faculty at Valley City State University is one of the main reasons I chose to transfer here my sophomore year. As soon as I arrived on campus, I was greeted by coaches and administration who are looking to help support me in my dreams of making an impact at my university. VCSU offers its students excellent financial aid. I ended up paying a fraction of the cost of my previous university, and the faculty helped me transfer all of my previous credits. This allowed me to maintain a manageable credit load while playing volleyball. As a student athlete, we maintain a busy schedule and miss some classes for travel, but VCSU’s faculty are great about supporting me to make sure I can still succeed. As a business student, I was looking for a way to gain more real-world experience while earning my degree. The faculty helped me find several internship opportunities here in Valley City and at home in Bismarck. Last spring, I worked with a local business as a management intern where I helped redesign the shop’s recipe book and created policies that were later combined into a new employee handbook. This is my last semester here at VCSU before I return home to Bismarck to find a position in the business industry. That means I get to enjoy one last semester with my friends, professors, coaches, and of course, my favorite teammates. Take it from here, Alex.
– Thank you, Macy. VCSU and its alumni take great pride in their sports teams and recently invested more than $12 million into an expansion of the athletic facilities. Viking student athletes are also known for excelling in the classroom, on campus, and in the community. We’re all wishing you the best, Macy. Take care.
Let’s meet Carter, a sophomore majoring in music who keeps busy by performing in several ensembles at VCSU. Carter knew from an early age that he wanted to make the most of his career, and he was blown away by the modern music facilities here during a campus tour. Tell us all about it, Carter. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex, growing up, I was surrounded by music, whether that was someone playing the piano downstairs, someone cooking and having music playing in the background, or me banging away on guitar and calling that practicing. But needless to say, music has always been around, and I think pretty early on, I knew I wanted to make music my career. The music department at Valley State State University has been incredibly supportive with faculty who genuinely care and a student body that’s both welcoming and inclusive. It’s obvious they want me to succeed not only as a student, but as a musician. I’m involved in numerous musical ensembles with opportunities to play concerts both on campus and off campus in the community. We even had a chance to go on tour last year, culminating with a performance at the Mount Rushmore amphitheater. I toured campus during my junior year of high school and was blown away by the music facilities, from the state-of-the-art recording studio to the band room that feels like a second home. And the beautiful performance hall, this building is incredible. Having access to such top-notch facilities really fuels my creativity and passion for music. I do a lot of my practicing in the studio. This gives me the opportunity to keep the creative flow going. And it’s not just music. The Center for the Arts also has a stunning art gallery, several art studios, and a digital design lab. At VCSU, our large music ensembles are open to everyone, no audition required. I played alongside students who’ve grown up with music their whole lives and others who picked up an instrument for the very first time. No matter your background, it’s a welcoming, supportive environment that really does feel like one big family. Well, that’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Carter, we love to see your creativity on full display at VCSU. The music department here has opportunities for all students. Whether you’re seeking a career as a musician or a music teacher or just love performing, you’ll want to check it out. Thanks again, Carter.
It’s time to meet Anna, a sophomore preparing to be a dentist. Anna is majoring in health science, a versatile degree that prepares students for various careers in the health field. From dentist to doctor to veterinarian VCSU’s health science degree is affordable and tailored to help students get admitted to the professional program of their choice. You’re up, Anna. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex, growing up in a small town, I was always surrounded by support and a strong sense of community. So when it came time for me to choose a college, I wanted somewhere that felt just like that, but also gave me opportunities to grow. Luckily, I found both right here at Valley City State University. The health science program here is incredibly flexible. Whether you wanna go into dentistry, physical therapy, or become a doctor, you can tailor your path to your career goals. The professors here genuinely care about your success and create a learning environment where you feel valued. Beyond academics, I found a second home with the VCSU track team as their manager and photographer. Actually, that’s what inspired me to take up my minor in digital design. I realized how much I love telling stories through my photography. Between the classroom and the camera, I’ve been able to grow both my skills and my friendships. Coming out of high school, I applied for and received VCSU’s McCready Scholarship. It’s awarded to a select group of students each year and is one of the largest scholarships in the region. With VSCU’s scholarship program, I don’t have to worry about the financial side of college, which is huge when you have four years of undergrad and four years of dental school ahead. That support has given me the freedom to fully dive into my studies, be active in clubs, and truly enjoy my college experience. VCSU isn’t just preparing me for dental school. It’s shaping who I am right now. I’m gaining the confidence to chase big goals, the creativity to tell stories through my photography, and a network of people who feel like a family. Every class, every project, and every friendship is building my foundation. And the best part is, I’m just getting started. Back to you, Alex.
– Amazing work, Anna. And best of luck at dental school. VCSU is annually recognized as having one of the top scholarship programs in the region. The university awards nearly $2 million in scholarships each year, and about 87% of incoming freshmen receive an academic scholarship. Incredible. Thanks again, Anna.
Okay, everyone, let’s catch up with Emma, a senior majoring in elementary education. Emma always knew she wanted to be a teacher and will be the four generation of teachers in her family. VSCU’s elementary education program was recently ranked number one in the country, so Emma knew she had to check out VCSU. The floor’s yours, Emma. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex, I’ve always loved working with kids, whether it was coaching T-Ball, serving as a BIO Girls mentor, or even teaching swimming lessons. I’ve known for a long time that I’ve wanted to become an elementary teacher, and Valley City State University has one of the top education schools in the country, so of course I had to check it out. During my campus tour, the people, the university, and the education program just felt right. It was like the place that I needed to be. I’m proud to say I’ll be a fourth-generation educator in my family. My aunt, my uncle, and even my cousin all graduated from VCSU. My cousin even had some of the same professors that I have today. My younger sister is also here studying elementary education. I’ve had great experiences here, whether it was practicum hours in a real life classroom or working with professors who really do care about you. I’ve experienced many different learning styles and curriculums, which will help prepare me to lead my own classroom one day. One of my favorite things about the VCSU elementary ed program is all the real-world experiences. Students in this program get the chance to be a paid substitute teacher. It begins with a subbing partner to gain confidence. Then this leads into you running a real classroom as a teacher in charge. VCSU has recently finished a complete remodel of the education building, McCarthy Hall. The modern spaces and new technology have made this a fantastic place for future teachers to learn and reinforce VCSU’s reputation as a leader in teacher education. While I’m ready to become a teacher, I know I’m gonna miss it here. Whether it was sledding down Snoey Hill on one of our snow days or meeting my lifelong friends and teacher besties, my time here has been fantastic. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Emma. It’s obvious you leave VCSU ready to lead your own elementary classroom. With required real-world experiences like subbing and student teaching, VCSU’s nationally-ranked education program is full of success stories like Emma, who leave prepared to make a difference as teachers. Good luck, Emma. We’re all rooting for you.
Introducing Ethan, a junior studying fisheries and wildlife. Ethan’s story is all about fishing and the outdoors. He loved it as a kid and still loves it today. With hands-on experiences and summer jobs in the field, VCSU’s Fisheries program is preparing Ethan to turn his passion into a career. Throwing it over to you, Ethan.
– Hey-O. Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Growing up, I never missed an opportunity to go fishing, which made VCSU’s Fisheries and Wildlife Program a perfect fit for me. I’m taking my passion and making it into my career. This program is the best place to get hands-on experience in a variety of environments. You can choose the focus in fisheries, wildlife, or conservation law enforcement, and many students mix and match to build even more skills. With all the class options and field experience opportunities, It has been one of the best choices for my career. I’ve been able to collaborate with departments like the North Dakota Game and Fish, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and various fisheries between the two states. This summer, I spent time working for the VCSU Macro-Invertebrate Lab. I conducted aquatic macro-invertebrate and freshwater mussel surveys and assisted with outdoor camps for area youth. I’m also part of the Fisheries Club, where we share fishing tips, learn new fishing techniques, and discover new facts about fish and fishing. We even had some fun practicing out to back of a boat. The on-campus river access, nearby lakes, and state lands provide numerous opportunities to prepare me for a future career outdoors. From electrofishing smallmouth and musky to tagging sturgeon and walleye, to casting lines with friends on private lakes, I’ve had a blast turning my hobby into my profession. And it’s always a bonus when we catch the big one. Even on the water, I’ve learned the importance of professionalism, communication, and taking every opportunity that comes my way. Well, Alex, the fish are biting, so casting it back to you.
– Thank you, Ethan. We are so glad you found a school and a program that matches your passion and aspirations. The Fisheries and Wildlife Program at VCSU prepare students for a wide range of jobs in the outdoors, including careers as wildlife biologists, fisheries technicians, and game wardens. Thank you for sharing your story, Ethan. That was fantastic.
Let’s hear from Hanna, a senior who plays on the Viking volleyball team while double-majoring in communications and digital design. Hanna’s story started with strong family ties to VCSU, making it feel like home. Choosing VCSU has created opportunities for Hanna, including a hands-on internship with a local development corporation where she has impacted the community in numerous ways. Share your story, Hanna. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex, choosing Valley City State University was a no-brainer for me. Coming into college, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to study as I had a lot of different interests. What stood out about VCSU was how everyone here took the time to help me find my path. With strong family ties to this place, it just felt like home. VCSU has opened doors for me beyond academics, I’ve had the chance to be a part of an athletic team, join clubs, and land an internship with the Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation. It’s been a great way to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. It’s also given me the chance to give back to the community. I’m now on the Summer Nights on Central committee where we organize events with live music, food, and activities that bring people of all ages together downtown. One of my proudest moments was helping create a mural in the city as a way to add more life and color to the community. What’s special about VCSU is it’s more than just a school. It’s where I found myself. As a third-generation student here, I’ve always felt connected. My grandma worked here for 22 years, and my aunts and uncles all attended and graduated from VCSU. It’s a family tradition, and I’m proud to be continuing it. VCSU has given me the confidence to take on new opportunities and the clarity to understand both my goals and the person I want to become. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Great work, Hanna. It’s inspiring to hear how your time at VCSU has given you confidence and shaped your future. VCSU has strong connections with numerous businesses and organizations in the Valley City region, creating opportunities for impactful student internships. Best wishes, Hanna. Thanks again.