MSU President's Newspaper Column
By Dr. Brian Van Horn
August 9, 2025
Embracing personal service on campus and in the community
The population of this area is about to grow! Over the last few weeks, students have begun to arrive on campus for athletics pre-season camps. We are excited for the final influx when non-athletes arrive for the start of the 2025 Fall Semester. Classes begin at 4 p.m. on Aug. 25, with the first full day of classes on Aug. 26. Move-in day for those living on campus is Aug. 23.
Members of the football team and their families were treated to a very warm welcome on Aug. 2 when members of the Comet Gridiron Club provided a great meal of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and all the fixings for them. It doesn’t get more “Mayville State” than that! I extend my most sincere “thank you” to all who played a role in making this happen.
Though the ideal of “Personal Service” originates on the Mayville State campus, there is no question that it extends into the community. Our students often let us know that the warm welcome they receive from community members is one of the reasons they are satisfied with their Mayville State experience.
When students are in the local businesses and community members take the time to greet them and enjoy a conversation, they feel a sense of belonging. A strong sense of belonging is good because it fosters overall well-being, mental stability, increased motivation, and better physical health, as it fulfills an inherent human need for connection, acceptance, and security.
I recently had the opportunity to take three of our newest Comets to meet members of the community. These students who will be joining the Mayville State family this fall are in search of employment opportunities. One was able to find a prospective job at the Mayville State Child Development Programs. Two young men have farming and physical labor work experience, so I introduced them to some local farming families, including the Bakkums, Kennys, Garretts, and Oslands. They were all kind and welcoming to our soon-to-be newest local citizens, as I knew they would be. In addition, the folks at Paulson Gravel were very friendly and accommodating when discussing possible employment opportunities.
Both of these young men will have the work they need, and they will provide invaluable help to our local farmers and businesses. They are grateful for the opportunity to reduce the financial burden associated with attending college. Without employment opportunities, pursuing higher education likely would not be possible for them.
I encourage all who are looking for help to consider hiring a Mayville State student. Our students are willing to work, and it’s a win-win. People of the community will be able to hire the part-time employees they need, and the students will have an avenue for helping to cover the cost of their education. This is a great example of personal service at its finest, and employers will be helping Mayville State students find their success.
Mayville State students not only provide for the workforce needs of North Dakota when they graduate, but they also provide for the workforce needs of our area while they are students. Students often find work opportunities at American Crystal Sugar, SRS Commodities, MayPort Hardware Hank, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Cenex, Pizza Shop, Jacobson Brothers, child care facilities, SoHolt Bakery, Top Hat, Smoke Eaters, the Traill and Steele County road departments, youth athletics organizations, and more.
Mayville State students make a big impact on the economy in numerous ways. I encourage area businesses and community members to embrace the town and gown relationship opportunities that are so plentiful. Let’s roll out the red carpet for our students and take advantage of the wonderful possibilities that are before us.
We look forward to an outstanding academic year at Mayville State! On behalf of the university and our students, I extend heartfelt thanks to our community members for the many meaningful ways they support and inspire those pursuing their educational dreams. Your contributions are making a lasting impact - both today and for generations to come.