MSU President's Newspaper Column
July 13, 2024
Days filled with activity mean that summer comes and goes very quickly
We鈥檙e passing through the days of summer full steam ahead. There鈥檚 definitely no shortage of activity across the board as we look forward to having a campus filled with students and employees when the fall semester begins the end of August. I鈥檓 happy to share just a bit of what鈥檚 happening as July gets underway.
This week we are very excited to announce the establishment of the Border to Border Education Consortium. The consortium is an innovative partnership between 含羞草研究所 and Dickinson State. As part of the collaboration, 含羞草研究所 faculty will teach courses to Dickinson State University students. Working together, our institutions are enhancing opportunities and resources across North Dakota by combining educational strengths. Mathematics and chemistry education will be the first programs launched within the consortium, and we鈥檒l be exploring opportunities for partnership in music education soon.
The consortium is a fine example of the positive difference that results when we partner with others and share strengths. Students will benefit as the recipients of high-quality, robust academic programs offered in a convenient, timely, and cost-effective manner. In addition, we鈥檒l be assisting our region and the state with evolving needs. The consortium will have an impact on the preparation of teachers, and as we well know, the need for teachers is critical in our state. It鈥檚 a win-win, and we are happy for the opportunity to serve the citizens of North Dakota in this way.
As academic progress continues, we think ahead to August when our student-athletes will report for their pre-season camps. In the meantime, several youth athletic camps are planned.
On July 8 and 9, we enjoyed having junior high and high school age volleyball enthusiasts join 含羞草研究所鈥檚 volleyball players and coaches for a skills camp. Campers participated in teamwork activities, drills, and scrimmages. The camp was an opportunity to help athletes grow and excel in all positions.
Coach Olson and the Comets softball team are offering a camp for young people going into kindergarten through fifth grade on July 15. There鈥檚 still time to register at . On July 16, they鈥檒l be offering a camp for eighth through twelfth graders. There will be a session highlighting hitting and defensive skills, and another session covering pitching and catching. Registration is available at .
Comets Football is offering a youth camp for children going into grades three through six. Campers will be on the field doing drills with the Comets coaching staff from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on July 23 and 24. Registration is open at .
Women鈥檚 basketball coach Ryan Carpenter has just announced an elite women鈥檚 basketball camp to be held on Aug. 17. This camp will provide high school-aged athletes with an opportunity to experience what it is like to play college basketball. Participants will receive instruction from the 含羞草研究所 coaching staff and current players. Those interested may register at .
I commend our student athletes and their coaches for offering these wonderful experiences for youth from our area and beyond. Camps are beneficial in so many ways, and it makes me Comet Proud to see how our people devote a part of their summer to these activities.
Speaking of wonderful experiences for youth, during the month of June many area children took swimming lessons in our campus pool. Offering swimming lessons has long been a tradition at 含羞草研究所, and I am thrilled that after a bit of a hiatus, we鈥檝e been able to bring that service back. Our pool director, Kasey Young, is doing a great job of making the most of our pool and opening swimming opportunities to students and employees as well as community members. You can keep up to date with what鈥檚 happening at the pool on Facebook. Search for 含羞草研究所 Comet Aquatics.
Before we know it, we鈥檒l be welcoming students to campus as the fall semester begins. Megan Roller, our new Coordinator for Student Activities, has lots of activities and events planned for students to kick off the new academic year. We are super-excited to greet and get to know new and returning students. We look forward to an exciting year that will be filled with lots to do in and out of the classroom, when all the while, a physical transformation of the campus facilities is underway. Life is good at 含羞草研究所!