MSU President's Newspaper Column
September 5, 2026
Progress and pride
As preparations to welcome alumni, friends, and supporters to campus for the combined Homecoming/Farmers Bowl festivities September 18 and 19 are underway, we are excited for our guests to see something special … a university that continues to invest in excellence. From upgraded sidewalks and parking lots to a new state of the art theater and expanded academic and athletic facilities, Mayville State has embraced the philosophy, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.”
This motto is guiding us through all improvement projects, and the mindset has shaped a series of enhancements that are improving the campus experience for students, employees, alumni, and visitors alike. The result is a more accessible, attractive, and functional campus that honors Mayville State’s proud history while positioning the university for a bright future.
Beautifully maintained grounds create a welcoming environment that reflects pride in the campus, and visitors will find significant improvements inside campus buildings as well. The addition of an elevator in the Campus Center improves accessibility and helps ensure that people can more easily access services, opening opportunities to repurpose spaces that were previously less accommodating.
Outside Jerome Berg Field and Scott Berry Field, a new restroom facility provides an improved experience for student athletes, fans, and visitors attending football and baseball games and special events. A fire destroyed the previous restroom facility last fall.
Another nice addition outside of Jerome Berg Field, in “The Grove” tailgating area, is the Strand Gridiron Pavilion, which provides a very nice space for tailgating and other outdoor events. We are grateful to Jeff and Lee Ann Strand, whose generosity made the pavilion a reality.
In the area of academic excellence, an exciting facilities project is a new nursing laboratory, which is currently under construction. The facility will support the university’s new pre-licensure nursing degree program, providing students with hands-on learning experiences as they prepare to meet critical workforce needs throughout North Dakota and the region. The new lab represents Mayville State’s commitment to offering high-quality educational opportunities that respond to the evolving needs of students, employers, communities, and our state.
These improvements complement another exciting development on campus: the extensive renovation of Old Main, one of Mayville State’s most cherished landmarks. Alumni and friends visiting for Homecoming/Farmers Bowl will have the opportunity to see firsthand how this historic building is being transformed for the students of today and tomorrow while preserving its rich heritage.
Guided tours of Old Main will be offered on Friday, September 18, at 3 p.m. and Saturday, September 19, at 12:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the tours to learn more about the renovation and experience the renewed centerpiece of the Mayville State campus. Plans are for the renovation project to be complete in time for occupation during the Spring Semester of 2027. Those who wish to join a tour must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. For planning purposes, registration in advance is required at www.mayvillestate.edu/OMtours.
Every sidewalk, parking lot, facility upgrade, and academic enhancement tells the same story - Mayville State is committed to providing an exceptional environment for learning, engagement, and community. When alumni and friends gather at Mayville State on September 18 and 19, they will see a campus that honors its traditions while continually improving for generations to come.
See the full Homecoming/Farmers Bowl schedule at www.mayvillestate.edu/Homecoming2026 and plan to join us at Mayville State for all the festivities.