Group of people holding a giant donation check from Gene Haas Foundation.

$50,000 investment in education

10-23-2024
NDSCS receives Gene Haas Foundation grant

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NDSCS Welcomes Highest Enrollment in 43 Years

Old Main peak surrounded by trees
09-24-2024

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is excited to share that enrollment has hit a near-record high for the fall 2024 semester. The total number of students is now 3,367, which is a 7.2% increase from last year. This brings the college closer than ever to its record of 3,422 students, set in 1981. It's the highest enrollment the college has seen in over 40 years! 

NDSCS President, Dr. Rod Flanigan, Ph. D. said this growth reflects the college's hard work and dedication. "The growth we’re experiencing at NDSCS says a lot about our entire team. It speaks to the way our staff and faculty have come together, sharing our unique story and creating a welcoming environment,” he said. "It shows how students and parents see the incredible value of graduating in just two years. And, most importantly, it’s a testament to the unmatched student experience we offer. This is what sets us apart.” 

This fall, there are 1,672 full-time students and 1,695 part-time students enrolled. On-campus housing has also seen a 13% increase, with more students choosing to live in the residence halls or apartments on campus. “Full residence halls, along with activities like Performing Arts, successful Athletics teams and popular clubs like esports and Clay Target, all add to our vibrant student experience,” Dr. Flanigan said. 

In addition, 1,346 high school students are enrolled in dual credit courses, allowing them to earn college credit while still in high school. This fall’s dual credit enrollment is just below the college’s record high set in spring 2024. 

Most NDSCS students come from North Dakota, making up 73.5% of the student body, and NDSCS is proud to enroll students from 49 of North Dakota’s 53 counties. 20.5% of students come from Minnesota, and the college has students from 35 additional states and 8 other countries as well. 

As the fall semester begins, NDSCS looks forward to continuing to offer a great education and welcoming more students. "This growth shows that NDSCS is a top choice for students, and we’re excited for what the future holds," said Dr. Flanigan.

Lt. Whitney Link to be Honored as First Female Head of NDSCS Police Department

Whitney Link headshot
09-11-2024

NDSCS is proud to announce that Lieutenant Whitney Link, NDSCS Police Officer, will be honored for her role as the first female police officer to lead the NDSCS Police Department. This distinction is being awarded by her peers in regional law enforcement agencies, including the Wahpeton Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, and NDSCS Police Department. The special recognition will take place during a ceremony on National Policewomen’s Day, September 12, at 3:30 p.m. on the NDSCS campus. 

Lt. Link is a trailblazer, overseeing a police agency that serves thousands of students, faculty, staff, and visitors daily. Her department is responsible for securing campus assets and buildings, as well as assisting other local agencies on joint operations or with support as needed. 

The ceremony will highlight the importance of Lt. Link’s service and her position as a role model for women pursuing careers in law enforcement. While the percentage of women in policing remains low—just 13% nationwide—Lt. Link exemplifies the leadership and dedication that continue to inspire change. 

National Policewomen’s Day, established on September 12, 1973, serves to recognize the contributions of female officers, many of whom have historically been limited to administrative roles. Today, women like Lt. Link are leading police departments, making meaningful strides in public safety and reshaping the role of women in law enforcement. 

“We are proud to celebrate Lt. Whitney Link’s service and recognize the impact she has made on our campus and our community,” said NDSCS President Rod Flanigan, Ph.D. “Her leadership represents a powerful example to future generations of women in law enforcement.” 

The event is free and open to the public. Media are invited to attend. 

Event Details: 
What: National Policewomen's Day Ceremony honoring Lt. Whitney Link 
When: September 12, 2024, 3:30 p.m. 
Where: Red River Valley Room | NDSCS Campus 
Who: Open to the public and media

NDSCS Announces Hire of New Athletic Director

Reggie Jackson headshot
09-04-2024

North Dakota State College of Science proudly announces the appointment of Reggie Jackson as the new Athletic Director for Wildcat Athletics. With a dynamic career that spans over two decades in sports leadership, Jackson brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to the Wildcat community. 

Jackson replaces Stu Engen, who left in June to join Idaho State University as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach. During his tenure at NDSCS, Engen transformed NDSCS Athletics into a small-college powerhouse, with multiple National Championship appearances and Conference Championships. 

Jackson’s experience includes over 25 years in sports and business. A 1999 graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead with a degree in Health and Physical Education, Jackson’s journey in athletics is extensive and impactful. 

From 2021 to 2024, he helmed the Activities Department at St. John Paul II (St. JPII) Catholic Schools in Fargo, N.D., where he was responsible for the K-12 activities across three elementary schools, one middle school, and Shanley High School. His leadership was marked by the successful management of over 25 interscholastic programs, ensuring a vibrant and competitive atmosphere for students. Perhaps Jackson’s most notable achievement during this time was spearheading a $3.5 million project to overhaul Sid Cichy Stadium in 2023. Under his watch, the stadium saw the installation of a state-of-the-art track, new artificial turf, cutting-edge LED lights, and professional-grade goal posts. 

Before his tenure at St. JPII, Jackson was the owner and operator of Jackson Recognition, a business that supplied graduation items to more than 65 schools in North Dakota, South Dakota, and northwest Minnesota. 

Jackson’s coaching career includes serving as Head Girls’ Basketball Coach at Richland #44, Assistant Baseball Coach at Fargo South High School, and Director of Basketball Operations for the Fargo-Moorhead Beez. 

Officiating has also been a major part of Jackson’s career. For over two decades, he’s been a fixture in conferences like the Big Ten, Horizon, Summit, NSIC, and more. His roles on various boards and committees, including the NDHSAA and North Dakota American Legion Baseball, have added to his deep understanding of the sports world. 

Now, as he steps into the role of Athletic Director at NDSCS, Jackson’s appointment marks a new chapter for NDSCS Athletics, one defined by growth and moving NDSCS Athletics to the next level. 

“I am excited to join the NDSCS community and lead the Wildcat athletic program,” remarked Jackson. “This is a tremendous opportunity to work with talented student-athletes and a dedicated staff. I look forward to building on the strong foundation here at NDSCS.” 

“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Jackson to the NDSCS family as our new Athletic Director,” said NDSCS President Rod Flanigan, Ph.D. “Reggie’s extensive experience in athletic leadership and his passion for fostering excellence both on and off the field make him the perfect fit for our Wildcat community. We are confident that under his guidance, our athletic programs will continue to thrive and inspire our student-athletes to reach new levels of success.” 

Jackson invites the Wildcat community to attend the upcoming athletic contests held at NDSCS, including a Football game on Saturday, September 7th at 1:30 p.m. at Frank Vertin Field, and a Volleyball game on Friday, September 13th at 3 p.m. at the Blikre Activities Center. Subscribe to the NDSCS Athletics calendar to stay up to date with event information: NDSCS.edu/Calendar.