MSU President's Newspaper Column
February 14, 2026
Celebrating historic enrollment growth and the Mayville State difference
Another all-time Mayville State enrollment record has been set! Census day, when final official enrollment numbers are reported, was Monday, Feb. 9, and I’m thrilled to say that Spring Semester 2026 FTE (Full Time Equivalent) has increased by 3.07% over Spring 2025, and 10.76% over the Spring of 2024. Generally, FTE includes students who live on campus and in the community and support our restaurants, gas stations, and businesses. Official headcount for Spring 2026 is 1,112, just over a three percent increase over Spring 2025, and a nearly 17% increase over Spring 2024.
I applaud our admissions, enrollment, and advising staff, faculty, and all service area employees who work extremely hard to make our recent enrollment milestones possible. Their commitment to supporting students, creating meaningful learning experiences, and fostering a welcoming campus community has played a pivotal role in our enrollment growth. This success doesn’t happen by chance. It is the result of planning, passion, professionalism, and belief in our mission. I am truly grateful, and I say “thank you” to all who make a difference.
The good news of what is happening at Mayville State is reaching beyond the campus and attracting students. Last fall, the Mayville State student body included residents of 47 of North Dakota’s 53 counties, and an impressive number of states across the country and beyond.
We love to share the Mayville State brand of affordability, safety, small class sizes, faculty and staff who care and are willing to go above and beyond to ensure student success, and a university that evokes a sense of belonging. At Mayville State, “The School of Personal Service” isn’t just our motto, it’s a way of life that often extends into the community.
We appreciate every opportunity to have students and families visit Mayville State and Traill County. Hosting events like Marketplace for Kids, the district FFA conference, our annual STEM carnival, music contests, college fairs, athletic camps, and many more provide these outstanding opportunities.
On March 9, 10, and 12 we’ll be hosting the Class A Region 2 high school boys basketball tournament. We look forward to rolling out the red carpet when players, coaches, and fans pack the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse for some great high school basketball games. The region includes eight schools: Carrington, Devils Lake, Four Winds/Minnewaukan, Grafton, Harvey/Wells County, Hillsboro/Central Valley, May-Port CG, and Thompson.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, we’ll be hosting the Class A/B girls state qualifier games for Regions 1 and 2. Games will be played at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. in the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse. Again, it will be our pleasure to host the coaches, players, and fans.
Those who attend these events make purchases at our local businesses, boosting tax revenue and providing revenue support. In addition, having guests on campus plays an important role in generating interest and excitement about Mayville State, and it’s a priority to ensure that the experiences are good. When visitors explore our facilities, meet our people, and feel the energy of our campus first-hand, they gain a much deeper understanding of who we are. In-person experiences allow our strengths to shine, as our guests experience a welcoming environment, supportive faculty and staff, and the personal attention that sets Mayville State apart.
Beyond the college experience and outstanding academic programs, affordability plays a major role in where a person chooses to attend college. Recent research shows it is often the single most influential factor in decision-making. I’m very proud of the fact that not only is Mayville State very affordable, students also receive the value-added aspect of exceptional personal service. Top that off with fantastic scholarship opportunities, and you’ve got a very attractive package that helps to set an individual on the path for a successful career and satisfying life.
Our recently announced upgraded Academic Honor Award Program provides a great opportunity for those who wish to earn a degree while keeping costs at a minimum. Starting this fall, all new students will receive an award amount based on their grade point averages, and for first-year students, the amount is renewable for a second year if they earn a 3.00 or better GPA during their first year. In addition, all new transfer students will receive a one-year award based on GPA.
We are working hard to help all students who wish to pursue higher education. We have a powerful opportunity to educate well-prepared graduates who are ready to meet the needs of North Dakota workforce and strengthen the future of our communities. It’s a great time to be a Comet! Our best days are ahead of us at Mayville State University.