The North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) Performing Arts Department is thrilled to announce its inaugural concert of the season, set to captivate audiences on Sunday, October 27 at 2 p.m. The event will be held in the Bremer Bank Theatre within the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center on the NDSCS campus in Wahpeton. 

The concert will feature the musical talents of the NDSCS Concert Choir, Jazz Band, and Wildcat Singers. Bryan Poyzer, the program coordinator and choral director, promises a wonderful afternoon, stating, "Our programs always feature a wide range of musical styles. This concert will move between traditional and modern pieces." 

Adding to the excitement, Dr. Adam Hollingsworth will lead the Jazz Band, continuing the tradition of including a variety of musical genres. The Jazz Band's set will span swing, rock, country, and jazz standards, offering something for every musical taste. 

The NDSCS Performing Arts students welcome members of the community to join them for this event. The concert is open to the public and free of charge. Attendees are encouraged to make free-will donations to support the department’s ongoing mission of nurturing and showcasing emerging talent in the world of performing arts. 

Don’t miss an afternoon filled with energetic music as the NDSCS Performing Arts students take the stage on October 27. For more information and to stay updated on future events, visit NDSCS.edu/Performing-Arts.

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.

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

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.

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bryant Friskop as the new Head Women’s Basketball Coach. Friskop, a Wahpeton native, brings a wealth of experience and success from his previous roles at the University of Minnesota Crookston (as Assistant Basketball Coach/Head Women’s Golf Coach) and the University of North Dakota (as a Student Manager). 

Friskop enters this position after an impressive tenure as the assistant women’s basketball coach at University of Minnesota Crookston, where he was instrumental in leading the Golden Eagles to three NSIC/Sanford Health Quarterfinal appearances and a school-record 18 wins during the 2015-16 season. Under his guidance, the team also saw eight players earn All-NSIC honors, including four First Team selections. 

In addition to his basketball coaching expertise, Friskop has a distinguished background in coaching women’s golf, having led the Golden Eagles to multiple low rounds and improving team averages consistently over his seven seasons as head coach. Friskop also coached the first-ever all-conference selection in Crookston’s history (Anaka Lysne from Wahpeton). 

Friskop’s appointment comes as the NDSCS Women’s Basketball program continues to build on the strong legacy left by former Head Coach Park Masterson. Masterson led the Wildcats to multiple championships and a national tournament appearance, setting a high standard for the program. The Wildcat community is excited to welcome Friskop as he aims to continue and expand upon this success. 

NDSCS President Rod Flanigan expressed his enthusiasm about the new appointment, saying, “We are so excited to have Coach Friskop on our team. His enthusiasm for student success both in the classroom and on the court is contagious. As a Wahpeton native, and having spent many, many days during his youth playing basketball at the BAC, he has fond memories of NDSCS. He is a great fit for NDSCS and for our athletics program. I have no doubt that Bryant will take our women’s basketball program to new heights.” 

Bryant Friskop shared his excitement about joining the Wildcats, stating, "It’s an honor to be named the next Women’s Head Basketball Coach here at NDSCS. I would like to thank Dr. Flanigan and the entire search committee for believing in me and offering this opportunity. To come home and have the chance to be a leader in my hometown has always been a goal of mine. I’m thrilled, and proud, to help lead NDSCS Athletics.” 

Friskop’s local high school career included being named 1st Team All-State and the 2009 EDC Senior Athlete of the Year. Friskop was part of the team that won the EDC Conference Tournament that same year. 

Friskop earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of North Dakota and later received his Master of Science degree in Kinesiology from the same institution. His deep roots in Wahpeton, combined with his extensive coaching experience, position him as an ideal leader for the NDSCS Women’s Basketball program. 

Gach Named Interim Men’s Basketball Coach for 2024-2025 Season 

Interim Coach Gach Gach will lead the men’s basketball team this season. Gach was named Interim Head Coach on June 24, 2024, following the departure of Stu Engen, who took a position joining the coaching staff at Idaho State University. As NDSCS continues its search to replace Engen as Athletic Director, Gach will remain a stable presence leading the Men’s Basketball Program. 

A 2017 graduate of NDSCS, Gach Gach (pronounced GOTCH GOTCH) brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. During his time as a player for the Wildcats, Gach was instrumental in leading the team to a remarkable 59-9 overall record, securing two Mon-Dak Conference Championships, two Region XIII Championships, a District Championship, and a National Tournament appearance. Gach’s individual contributions were recognized with numerous Conference and Regional honors. 

Following his tenure at NDSCS, Gach transferred to West Texas A&M where he continued to excel, helping his team to a 66-8 record and leading them to back-to-back Elite Eight and Final Four appearances. His stellar performance earned him Lone Star Conference honors. Over his four-year college career, Gach amassed an outstanding overall record of 125-17. 

An Austin, Minnesota native, Gach earned his bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University and returned to NDSCS in 2022 as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach. 

For more information about NDSCS athletics, please visit NDSCSwildcats.com.

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is announcing the launch of new guiding statements that will continue to steer the college toward a future filled with innovation, inclusivity, and unparalleled educational excellence. NDSCS embraces its pivotal role in shaping the next generation of skilled professionals, and these statements serve as a guide for the institution's ongoing commitment to providing a well-rounded educational experience. 

Mission: 
NDSCS: The Science of Learning by Doing

With a mission centered around hands-on learning, NDSCS is dedicated to providing students with practical experiences that prepare them for the demands of today's workforce. The College’s approach emphasizes "learning by doing," ensuring students graduate with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their chosen fields. 

Vision: 
NDSCS will be the leader in delivering comprehensive technical education in partnership with industry and community while fostering a dynamic learning environment to empower students' success in today's ever-changing world. 

This vision captures NDSCS's objective to lead in technical education, working closely with industry and community partners to create a vibrant learning environment. By nurturing strong collaborations, NDSCS aims to empower students to thrive in an ever-evolving world. 

Values: 
Belonging 
NDSCS believes in creating an inclusive and supportive college community where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. The college recognizes that strong relationships form the foundation of a thriving community and is committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning, respect, and trust. 

Integrity 
Upholding ethical principles and moral values is at the heart of NDSCS’s operations. The College prides itself on honesty, accountability, transparency, and fairness, striving to create a culture where compassion and kindness are actively practiced. 

Grit 
NDSCS embodies resilience, passion, and positivity when facing challenges. The college is dedicated to pushing boundaries and achieving bold goals, driven by a spirit of innovation and resourcefulness to serve students better and adapt to the evolving needs of education. 

As NDSCS embarks on this new academic year, guided by its renewed mission, vision, and values, the college invites students, faculty, staff, industry partners, and the community to join in the collective endeavor of preparing students for the workforce.

For more information about NDSCS’s new guiding statements, and to learn how you can be part of this mission, visit NDSCS.edu/About-NDSCS/Guiding-Statements.

Welcome week events at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton will kick off on Saturday, August 24 when residence halls open for student move-in at 10 a.m. NDSCS has some exciting updates and events to share with students and the community: 

Welcome Week, an annual series of events designed to help students connect to the College community and establish positive and healthy habits, will take place from August 24th–30th and will include outdoor activities for new and returning students. 

Some of these events will include:

Saturday, August 24

• 12 – 8 p.m. Move-in Music on the Oval 
• 9 - 11 p.m. Outdoor Movie on the Oval 

Sunday, August 25 

• 1 p.m. Wildcats Football game vs Jamestown JV (home opener) at Frank Vertin Field
  • Please join us to welcome these student athletes and kick off the 2024 football season.
• 4:30 – 7 p.m. Community Block Party
  • The Wahpeton-Breckenridge and surrounding community is invited! Register your business/organization to be involved and learn more at NDSCS.edu/Block-Party. 
  • Guests will be able to find parking for the Block Party in Lot 2, North of the Old Main building. All parking for the event will be free. 
• 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Street Dance with a live band in Lot 2 north of Old Main

Monday, August 26 

• 7:30 - 10 p.m. Party on the Oval with music provided by a D.J.

Wednesday, August 28 

• 7 p.m. Wildcats Volleyball game vs Mayville State at the Blikre Activities Center 
  • Please join us to welcome these student athletes and cheer them on! 
• 8 – 10 p.m. Yoga Night on the Oval 

Thursday, August 29 

• 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Street Dance in Lot 2 north of Old Main with music provided by a D.J. 

Friday, August 30 

• 7 – 9 p.m. Tie Dye event on the Oval 

Please forgive any loud noises that come from the NDSCS Wahpeton campus that week — we are welcoming students and helping them make memories! 

North Dakota State College of Science fall semester classes will begin Monday, August 26th at 4 p.m. for all students in Wahpeton, Fargo and Online. Students who are not yet enrolled for fall semester can still do so by contacting the Office of Admission at 701-671-2521 or online at NDSCS.edu/Apply.

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is proud to announce that 30 of our student-athletes have been named to the NJCAA All-Academic teams. Additionally, four NDSCS athletic teams have received the prestigious "Academic Team of the Year" awards. 

This remarkable achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of our student-athletes, both on and off the field. Their commitment to academic excellence is truly commendable and exemplifies the values of NDSCS. 

Student-athletes are eligible to earn academic honors by achieving an overall GPA of 3.60 or higher for the 2023-24 academic year. The criteria for the three All-Academic teams are:

• NJCAA All-Academic First Team: 4.00 GPA
• NJCAA All-Academic Second Team: 3.80-3.99 GPA
• NJCAA All-Academic Third Team: 3.60-3.79 GPA 

NJCAA All-Academic Individual Honors 
The following NDSCS student-athletes have earned NJCAA All-Academic honors (listed by their team’s sport): 

Baseball

• Zachery Taft (1st team)
• Masen Allmaras (2nd team)
• Roy Gilles (2nd team)
• Brendan Maasjo (2nd team)
• Colter Oie (2nd team)
• Jacob Topp (2nd team)
• Wrigley Gunderson (3rd team)
• Braden Herr (3rd team) 

Football

• Alex Henry (1st team)
• Lane Kautzman (1st team)
• Clark Nelson (1st team)
• Mason Pagel (1st team)
• Dylan Mandt (2nd team)
• Keegan Bishop (3rd team) 

Softball

• Lily Hamilton (1st team)
• Avery Martin (1st team)
• Grace Folkema (2nd team)
• Lily Reed (2nd team)
• Meridith Frey (3rd team)
• Takiah Landes (3rd team) 

Volleyball

• Mya Boomsma (1st team)
• Sam Kohl (1st team)
• Lily Mathern (1st team)
• Riane Mohagen (1st team)
• Kaylee Stegora (1st team)
• Riley Hauff (2nd team)
• Rose Wendel (2nd team) 

Women's Basketball

• Savannah Jones (3rd team)
• Quinn Neppl (3rd team)
• Keira Williams (3rd team) 

NJCAA Academic Team of the Year Awards 
The following NDSCS teams have been recognized as NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year:

• Baseball - 3.45 team GPA 
• Volleyball - 3.39 team GPA
• Softball - 3.09 team GPA
• Women's Basketball - 3.02 team GPA 

Congratulations to all NDSCS student-athletes and teams for their outstanding academic achievements! 

Join us in cheering on the Wildcat athletic teams starting again in August! Watch our team schedules at NDSCSwildcats.com.

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) students recently earned top awards at the National SkillsUSA Championships held during the National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Three NDSCS students earned the national spotlight for their achievements. 

Jacob Bredeson of Oakes, N.D. earned a gold medal in the CNC 2-Axis Turning category. Bredeson’s skills were evaluated on his ability to plan and program jobs for CNC turning centers and provide instructions for operators to execute. He had to program and generate code, troubleshoot errors, interpret prints, measure parts, and more. 

Jacob Roberts of Jamestown, N.D. earned a silver medal in the CNC Programmer category. Roberts was evaluated on his skills in planning and programming jobs for 2-Axis CNC and 3-Axis CNC machines, including programming and generating code, troubleshooting programming errors, interpret prints, measure parts, and demonstrate his knowledge of CNC machine configuration, setup, and operation. 

Gavin Stanislaw of Bayport, Minn. earned a silver medal in the Motorcycle Service Tech category. During his competition, Stanislaw performed tasks similar to those encountered in a dealership’s service department, including scheduled maintenance tasks, electrical diagnostics, precision measurement, powertrain systems, and more. 

Additional NDSCS students earned placement within the top 10 in the nation, including:

• Emily Schmidt of Gladstone, N.D. earned 5th place in Architectural Drafting.
• Dylan Hanstad of Fergus Falls, Minn. earned 6th place in the Automotive Services Tech category.
• Tori Hanson of Underwood, Minn. earned 7th place in Welding Sculpture.
• Dylan Johnson of Sibley, N.D. earned 10th place in Carpentry.
• Benjamin Klemen of Argusville, N.D. earned 10th place in Welding. 

The SkillsUSA Championship is one of the largest hands-on workforce events in the world and is known for competitions showcasing the best career and technical education students in the nation. More than 6,000 state champions compete in over 100 skilled and leadership events during the SkillsUSA Championships.

See ND state SkillsUSA winners at NDSCS.edu/SkillsUSA