MSU President's Newspaper Column
October 3, 2026
The power of positive people
A recent social media post from Mayville native Kris Baker shared a powerful story that speaks to who Mayville State is, as a community.
Kris was returning from a visit in Mayville to his home in Arizona and happened to be on the same flight with the Mayville State football team enroute to their game at Arizona Christian University. According to Kris, flight attendants and fellow passengers went out of their way to compliment the team. Strangers were noticing something far more important than football ability: the character of the members of the team. Players were described as respectful, polite, kind, and well-mannered, leaving a positive impression wherever they went.
These comments were a reflection of the team, and I could not be more CometProud of this group of men and their coaches. I commend them with a grateful heart, as I reflect and recognize that the reach of respect that is the norm among members of the football team goes much further. What the people on that flight experienced is the reflection of a culture that exists not only within the football team, but throughout the university.
At Mayville State, respect, kindness, integrity, and compassion are values that extend across the campus. These important values are modeled by coaches, faculty, staff, administrators, and leaders, and embraced by students and all who understand that the way they treat others matters.
Over the last couple of weeks, we have witnessed the power of positive people through the overwhelming response to the serious injury of Mayville State quarterback Matt Donovan. Prayers, financial contributions, words of encouragement, and countless acts of kindness have poured in from across the country. The support shown to Matt, his family, and his teammates and coaches has been a powerful reminder of the goodness that exists within people and in the strength of a caring community.
The kindness and thoughtfulness of Matt Donovan’s dad and family members are extraordinary. As they face an unbelievably difficult time, they have looked beyond their own pain to make sure Matt’s teammates are comforted. Prior to leaving for the airport and the trip to Arizona, the team was able to stop at the hospital, where some of his closest friends were able to see Matt, and the whole team was addressed by Matt’s dad, who encouraged them to keep working hard. After all, that’s what Matt would want them to do. He told them that what happened to Matt was a freak accident, and that members of the team should not be afraid to continue to play the game they love.
Simpson University, Mayville State’s opponent in the game where Matt was hurt, has gone above and beyond to show their compassion for Matt’s situation, as have many other universities in the Frontier Conference and beyond. The members of Northern State’s football team wore “Pray for Matt” stickers on their helmets in last Saturday’s game. Those who have experienced similar injuries have reached out to the Donovans. People have given of their financial resources as noted in the overwhelming response to a GoFundMe account. The Mayville State Gridiron Club has been exceptional in their support for the Donovans. Fundraisers are ongoing. It is not possible for me to give an exhaustive list, but you get the idea … people are being extremely kind and thoughtful, and we are grateful beyond words.
Above all, people are praying, and if you’re someone who believes in the power of prayer, the results are showing. Mayville State’s CRU hosted a prayer vigil for Matt last week. Head Football Coach Rocky Larson was Facetiming with Matt’s dad, who was in the hospital room with Matt. Just as the service got underway, Matt gave what seemed to be a thumbs up, a sign of hope and encouragement.
Hope and encouragement are two of the reasons why Mayville State is finding enrollment success. Mayville State’s full-time equivalent enrollment increased by 3% from Fall 2025 to Fall 2026. This marks the largest enrollment gain in the North Dakota University System. The increase is nearly three times greater than that of the institution with the next-highest percentage of growth this fall.
With all-time historic enrollment numbers again this fall, more students than ever before are choosing Mayville State as their college home, and it is easy to understand why. Beyond academic programs and opportunities, students are drawn to a campus community where people genuinely care for one another, meaningful relationships are formed, and values like respect, kindness, and service to others are lived every day.
It is a place where students are known, supported, and encouraged to become not only successful professionals, but exceptional people. At Mayville State, some of life’s greatest victories aren’t measured on a scoreboard. They are found in the positive impact people make in the lives of others every day.