MSU President's Newspaper Column
August 22, 2026
Looking ahead with purpose
As faculty, staff, and students prepare to begin another academic year, excitement is building at Mayville State University. Many of our student athletes have been on campus and participating in fall camps for a couple of weeks, and scrimmage and game schedules are already underway. Campus activities have included pre-service events which brought employees together August 19-21 to celebrate past accomplishments, prepare for the year ahead, and reaffirm the university’s commitment to student success.
I gave my annual state of the university address the morning of August 19. Faculty, staff, and community members gathered to hear my updates on the university’s progress and learn more about key priorities that will guide Mayville State into the future. Following the address, attendees enjoyed lunch, which provided an opportunity for campus and community members to connect and celebrate a shared commitment to higher education and Mayville State University.
During my state of the university remarks, I outlined several initiatives that work in tandem with our strategic plan goals. These initiatives will help shape the university’s future. Among the priorities are efforts to increase enrollment and the number of graduates entering the workforce, helping address North Dakota’s growing workforce needs. Additional areas of focus include enhancing campus amenities, expanding opportunities through four-year Honor Scholarships, and developing academic articulation agreements that create seamless pathways for students pursuing higher education.
As we begin a new academic year, we are moving forward with a strong foundation while looking ahead to new opportunities. Our focus remains on providing a high-quality student-centered educational experience while strengthening our impact on the region and state. We do this knowing that Personal Service is our super-power.
Excitement will continue to grow as residence hall move-in day takes place on August 22. New and returning students will arrive on campus, reconnect with friends, meet classmates, and settle into their homes away from home. The arrival of students signals the start of a vibrant semester filled with academic achievement, campus involvement, and memorable experiences.
Faculty and staff have spent the summer preparing courses, programs, and activities designed to engage students and support their success both inside and outside the classroom. Our Student Life department has a full schedule of enjoyable and meaningful activities planned for students during the first couple of weeks of school. The intent is to provide a great start to the year while equipping students with the information they need to help them be successful at Mayville State.
The official start of the fall semester is just around the corner, with the first classes scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. on Monday, August 24.
From welcoming new students to advancing strategic initiatives that position the university for long-term success, Mayville State is poised for a year of growth, opportunity, and achievement. As the campus community comes together once again, anticipation for all that the new academic year will bring is high.
We are ready to welcome students to campus and begin another great year at Mayville State. The future is bright and we’re excited to help our students discover their potential and achieve their goals.
With move-in day, the first day of classes, and a renewed focus on strategic growth, the 2026-27 academic year is off to an inspiring start. We invite you to join us on campus for events and activities that will take place throughout the year. Get to know our students. You’ll be so glad you did! Check out the Comet Athletics schedule at www.mayvillestate.edu/msucomets, and watch for more information about the combined Homecoming/Farmers Bowl festivities planned for September 18 and 19.