D I C K I N S O N
S TAT E
U N I V E R S I T Y
October 2019 DSU RECEIVES CONTINUED ACCREDITATION FROM HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION Dickinson State University (DSU) has received continued accreditation status from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) following a midcycle comprehensive review of the institution’s mission, academic programs and services, governance and administration, finances and resources. The HLC is an independent corporation that grants and determines the accreditation status of degree-granting post-secondary institutions in 19 states. A comprehensive evaluation occurs every 10 years, with a midcycle review during the fourth year. The review confirmed that DSU is meeting recognized accreditation standards in higher education, pursues institutional improvement and excellence, and is in full compliance with requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education. The review process involved the entire campus community, including faculty, staff, administrators and students. Accreditation teams worked for over a year gathering evidence and preparing information to demonstrate that DSU met HLC criteria and federal requirements. DSU submitted its Assurance Argument and Federal Compliance Report in February 2019, which was followed by
8 th
an
nu
al
hawks BOO October 31, 2-5 p.m.
D I C K I N S O N S TAT E U N I V E R S I TY | W I E N B E RG E N H A L L
TRICK-or-TREAT indoors GRUHLKE RECEIVES M-PBEA SENIOR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY BUSINESS TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD Dr. Holly Gruhlke, associate professor of business and chair of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Dickinson State University (DSU), recently received the Mountain-Plains Senior College or University Business Teacher of the Year award. The Mountain-Plains Business Education Association (M-PBEA) uses this award to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to business education in their region. Gruhlke accepted her award at the 2019 M-PBEA Convention in Denver, Colorado, this June.
In June 2019, the HLC’s Institutional Actions Counsel confirmed DSU’s continued accreditation status. The HLC visiting team highlighted several DSU accomplishments in its report: •
DSU’s Dual Mission role is on track to better serve the workforce needs of western North Dakota by providing a range of new academic educational opportunities in meaningful, responsive ways.
•
In the past three years, DSU has launched two graduate degrees, realized significant gains in retention, weathered funding limitations, and continues to invest in its students.
•
DSU has made great progress in the integrity of its operations since 2015. Policies and procedures are in place, leadership fosters best practices across the institution, and the State Board of Higher Education provides appropriate oversight. The DSU Heritage Foundation is operating with clear oversight, effective and appropriate internal controls, and significant transparency.
•
DSU provides high quality instruction appropriate to higher education and provides student support services in ways that maximize effectiveness while managing financial resources.
•
DSU has made substantial progress in the area of assessment and continues to advance in this area.
Based on HLC recommendations, DSU will continue to review academic programs and operations in support of its students, the community, and in alignment with the University’s strategic plan. DSU’s next comprehensive evaluation for reaffirmation of accreditation is scheduled for 2024-25.
DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY RECOGNIZED BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT Dickinson State University ranked fourth in top public schools in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Colleges list. The University also ranked 48th in the combined public and private listing of regional colleges in the Midwest and 64th in top performers on social mobility. A high ranking among U.S. News’ Best Colleges is recognized around the world as the mark of excellence in American higher education. Institutions are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence, such as first-year student retention, graduation rate, and excellence of faculty. U.S. News’ Best Colleges list can help prospective students and their families compare schools as they search for the right institution. With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1 and over 80% of classes with fewer than 20 students, Dickinson State is the perfect institution for students who wish to attain a unique and personalized education.
DICKINSON STATE CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING OF DSU RODEO PRACTICE COMPLEX
“Dr. Gruhlke is an outstanding member of our campus community,” said Marilyn Lee, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at DSU. “This award is a testament to her leadership and dedication to the education of our students.” According to their website, the National Business Education Association (NBEA), of which the M-PBEA is an affiliate, is the nation’s largest professional organization devoted exclusively to serving individuals and groups engaged in instruction, administration, research, and dissemination of information for and about business. NBEA is the leading association devoted to the recognition that business education competencies are essential for all individuals in today’s fast-changing society.
2019 HOMECOMING
full schedule inside p. 3
a campus visit in March 2019 from an HLC evaluation team of peer reviewers from Michigan, Colorado, Oklahoma, Missouri and Minnesota.
M-PBEA is comprised of the following states and provinces: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Members of the Dickinson State University and Dickinson communities gathered to celebrate the ceremonial groundbreaking of the DSU Rodeo Practice Complex Monday, Aug. 26, 2019. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the University will be welcoming back outdoor riding and practice arenas. “I am humbled by the support and energy of our community members,” said Dr. Thomas Mitzel, Dickinson State University president. “This project went from idea to reality quickly, which will help our agriculture students with their academic agenda. It also gives rodeo athletes a place to practice on campus, reducing their time away from their other responsibilities.” The complex, located along State Avenue west of the DSU Ag Building, will feature the Hendrickson Roping Arena, made possible by Sandi Frenzel to honor her children, and the Bice Riding Arena, thanks to the support of Wylie Bice. Additional sponsors include: • Major Dirt Work/Site Prep: Randy Schwartz - Edward Schwartz Construction, Inc. and Tooz Construction, Inc. • Roping Chute: Randy Schwartz - Edward Schwartz Construction, Inc. • Stripping Chute/Alleyway: North Dakota Guaranty & Title Company • Portable Stalls: Joanne Quale • Panels: Wylie Bice Trucking/QC Energy Resources, Joanne Quale, Butch Goodall, Woody’s Feed & Grain Co., and Beni Paulson-ADM Benson Quinn • Concrete/Dirt: Wylie Bice Trucking/QC Energy Resources, Joanne Quale, Butch Goodall, Woody’s Feed & Grain Co., Beni Paulson-ADM Benson Quinn, and Stanley and Diane Hausauer The DSU Rodeo Practice Complex is expected to be completed in October 2019. For more information or to contribute to this project, contact Ty Orton, executive director of the DSU Heritage Foundation, at 701-483-2486.