Valley City State University
| Type | Public university |
|---|---|
| Established | 1890 |
Parent institution | North Dakota University System |
Academic affiliations | Space-grant |
| President | Alan LaFave [1] |
| Students | 1,452[2] |
| Location | , , United States |
| Colors | Cardinal Red and Blue |
| Athletics | NAIA |
| Nickname | Vikings |
| Website | www.vcsu.edu |
 | |
Valley City State University (VCSU) is a public university in Valley City, North Dakota. It is part of the North Dakota University System. Founded in 1890 as Valley City State Normal School, a two-year teachers' college, it was authorized to confer bachelor's degrees in 1921 and changed its name to Valley City State Teachers College. With an expansion in programs outside teacher education after World War II, it became Valley City State College in 1963. In 1986, it was renamed State University of North Dakota-Valley City and a year later received its current name.
VCSU offers over 80 undergraduate programs and an online Master of Education degree program.[3] In 2015, VCSU graduated 302 students, the largest class in its 125-year history.
Since 1996, VCSU has been a "laptop" campus by issuing laptop computers to full-time students. The cost of the laptops are part of the university's technology fee which also covers other educational technology enhancements such as campus-wide wireless network access and smart classrooms.
VCSU is listed as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.[4]
Athletics[]
Valley City State athletic teams, nicknamed the Vikings, are part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), competing as a member of the North Star Athletic Association since 2013–14 as a charter member.[5]
The Vikings competed as an independent in the Association of Independent Institutions (AII). Prior to being an independent, they competed in the now defunct Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC) from 2000–01 to 2004–05, and the North Dakota College Athletic Conference (NDCAC) prior to 2000. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, and track and field; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, softball, track and field and volleyball.
Notable alumni[]
- Paul Fjelde, noted sculptor and professor
- Todd Hoffner, head football coach at Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Thomas Kleppe (1919–2007), former U.S. Representative from North Dakota and U.S. Secretary of the Interior
- Carleton Opgaard, noted educator
- James D. Ployhar, noted composer and music educator
- Earl Pomeroy, U.S. Representative from North Dakota
- Gary Tharaldson, founder of the Tharaldson Companies
- Jason Perkins, basketball player
References[]
- ^ Tufte, Tyler. "LaFave selected as new VCSU president". www.vcsu.edu. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
- ^ Valley City State University. "Fall Student Headcount by Type". Student Achievement Quick Facts. Valley City State University. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
- ^ "About VCSU". Valley City State University. Valley City State University. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
- ^ "About VCSU". Valley City State University. 2015. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
- ^ "Members". North Star Athletic Association. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
External links[]
Coordinates: 46°55′08″N 98°00′10″W / 46.91889°N 98.00278°W
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- Valley City State University
- Public universities and colleges in North Dakota
- Educational institutions established in 1889
- Buildings and structures in Barnes County, North Dakota
- Education in Barnes County, North Dakota
- 1889 establishments in Dakota Territory