NDSCS Performing Arts Spring Production of Disney's The Little Mermaid has been rescheduled to Saturday and Sunday, April 6th and 7th, 2024 at the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center on the NDSCS Wahpeton campus.

The Little Mermaid takes place in a magical kingdom beneath the sea, where a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, the king of the sea, escape the clutches of an evil sea witch, and use her voice to capture the heart of a prince.

Featuring all the beloved songs from the Academy Award®-winning animated film, as well as three new songs from the Broadway show, this production is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Directed by Amy Frauenberg, with musical direction by Bryan Poyzer and choreography by Courtney Diestler, this enchanting production will bring the underwater tale to life on stage. The cast of 22 NDSCS students showcases the incredible talent and dedication of the College's performing arts community.

The public is invited to attend these performances of Disney’s The Little Mermaid — Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for students. Free admission will be offered for Military members, Law Enforcement, and NDSCS students and employees with their IDs. Join us for a journey under the sea that the whole family will treasure.

Learn more about the NDSCS Performing Arts department at NDSCS.edu/Performing-Arts.

The last week of February is a busy week for North Dakota State College of Science students, as it's the last week of classes before spring break. 

For 12 students in the construction management and architectural modeling and design technology programs, it was even busier than usual. Along with their instructor, Lara Lekang, the students traveled to Las Vegas to compete in the International Builders' Show (IBS). 

The students presented projects at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition while at the IBS.

NDSCS students go through an application process for this project, starting at the beginning of the school year. Their work must be submitted prior to Christmas break at the end of first semester. Once classes resume in the second semester, the students put it all together and start the presentation portion of the project. 

"These projects are a commitment for the students,” Lekang said. “They learn to understand and work through it. It really brings together all the ‘whys’ behind what they are learning in their classes.”

Lekang, a Wahpeton native, graduated from the very program she now teaches at NDSCS. For the past seven years she has been the associate professor/program coordinator in the architectural modeling and design program.

Lekang has brought with her experience from the commercial and residential industry. In the past few years, NDSCS has restructured the architectural program from drafting into 3D modeling. This was driven by the need to keep up with current industry standards. Now, having become a multi-disciplinary program, it allows students to be aware of the different avenues their careers can take.

“Giving students various construction experience builds confidence for when they enter the workforce,” Lekang said.

Students who are selected to compete get a pre-assigned project, often one that has already been fully constructed in the real world. The project expectations are quite involved. It focuses on the construction schedule, estimates, a management plan and detailed drawings. Once it is put together on paper, it is a very thick packet.

“The judges are looking for completeness,” Lekang said. “Accuracy in the students' approach to the problem, the sequence of the schedule and this leads to problem-solving and troubleshooting when things don’t go as planned.” 

Lekang had two teams compete this year and both teams placed. One team took home third place and the other fifth place.

“I am proud of the students' teamwork, efficiency, communication and all the time they put in,” Lekang said. “NDSCS students rose to the occasion.”

When not competing, the students had a chance to see all the IBS had to offer. According to the NAHB, more than 76,000 builders, remodelers, developers and other building professionals filled the Las Vegas Convention Center for the event.

Lekang also uses this event to network with industry professionals who collaborate with NDSCS. Building relationships helps the programs grow and succeed.

“It is eye-opening for students to see how it is all tied together,” Lekang said.

Article published by Bobbi Steffens at Wahpeton Daily News on March 9, 2024. 

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is proud to announce the expansion of its Agriculture department with the introduction of new AAS degrees in Precision Agronomy and Precision Agriculture Technician.

These programs are crafted to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the agricultural industry and to support the CHS Foundation mission of developing a new generation of ag leaders. CHS and the CHS Foundation recently awarded $96,000 to NDSCS to help reach these goals. That grant will help NDSCS purchase and implement a variety of GPS receivers and field displays; purchase and install John Deere AutoTrac and ActiveYield; and purchase and implement a planter row unit test table.

“The CHS partnership is invaluable to the Precision Agriculture Technician program at NDSCS. The high-tech equipment provided by this grant will provide innovative, real-world training. NDSCS students will now be even better prepared to take on the challenges ahead in their ag careers,” shared Craig Zimprich, Program Director at NDSCS Agriculture.

The new Precision Agriculture Technician program is meticulously designed to train students in the latest technological advances in agriculture equipment. It prepares students for careers where they will sell, troubleshoot, and repair precision equipment, a critical need identified by major precision equipment dealers. The program offers extensive hands-on experience, including a paid internship and the opportunity to operate state-of-the-art machinery at the NDSCS Kosel Family Land Lab.

“Training in precision agriculture and experience with precision agriculture equipment are essential skills for today’s graduates,” says Megan Wolle, president, CHS Foundation. “Through this partnership, NDSCS students will be ready to tackle new precision ag challenges and pursue careers in the agriculture industry.”

NDSCS's commitment to diversity and inclusion is integral to its vision, fostering a respectful and supportive environment that celebrates individual differences and promotes cultural appreciation. Chandra Langseth, a program instructor on the CHS Dakota Plains Ag producer board, exemplifies this commitment, enhancing program development and workforce diversity in collaboration with CHS.

“We are fortunate to have Chandra lead our Precision Agriculture program. She is very talented and provides valuable insight coupled with practical knowledge for the students here at NDSCS,” shared Zimprich.

The college's innovative strategies include interdisciplinary teaching, leveraging expertise from NDSCS's diesel and manufacturing faculty to ensure that graduates possess comprehensive technical skills. The program's success is already anticipated, with the North Dakota Legislature allocating approximately $20 million for facility enhancements to advance precision agriculture education at NDSCS.

The program's SMART goals are ambitious and well-defined, focusing on equipping students with practical skills in data management, equipment calibration, and troubleshooting. The long-term impact is clear: NDSCS aims to be a national leader in precision agriculture training, providing students with the knowledge and practical experience needed for immediate career success.

NDSCS's strategic partnerships and collaborations with industry leaders, including CHS Foundation, ensure that the curriculum remains cutting-edge and relevant. The program is set to be sustainable, with funding strategies involving the reinvestment of proceeds from the NDSCS Kosel Family Agriculture Land Lab and ongoing support from industry partners.

The college plans to promote the program through various channels, including opportunities for high school students and active engagement with FFA organizations in North Dakota, Minnesota, and throughout our region.

Learn more at NDSCS.edu/Ag.

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is proud to announce record enrollment numbers for the Spring 2024 semester. According to the official census taken on the 20th instructional day of classes, NDSCS reports a total enrollment of 3,200 students, with an impressive 30,358.50 registered credits. This milestone reaffirms NDSCS's commitment to providing quality education and opportunities for its students.

“NDSCS has achieved record enrollment numbers this year, a milestone that speaks volumes about the vibrant community and culture we have fostered here,” said President Rod Flanigan, Ph.D. “I want to thank every member of our faculty and staff for playing an integral role in making NDSCS a place that students embrace. Together, we are not just growing in numbers; we are expanding our capacity to impact lives, inspire learners, and shape the future.”

The enrollment figures for Spring 2024 break down as follows:

• 1,338 full-time students
• 1,862 part-time students

The census data also reveals the geographic origins of NDSCS students:

• 76.19 percent of students are from 49 counties in North Dakota.
• 18.59 percent of students come from Minnesota.

The success of NDSCS underscores its reputation as a leading institution for higher education and career development. NDSCS continues to expand its academic programs and support services, ensuring that students receive a strong foundation for their future careers. The College's commitment to excellence has resulted in this significant achievement in enrollment.

For more information about North Dakota State College of Science and its programs, please visit www.NDSCS.edu