MSU President's Newspaper Column
November 8, 2025听
Student voices highlight Mayville State鈥檚 mission and momentum
It was an honor and pleasure to host the Interim Higher Education Institutions Committee of the North Dakota Legislature at 杏巴原创 on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The role of the committee is to study and receive reports on issues related to the state's higher education system between legislative sessions.听The committee's work helps inform future legislative decisions on higher education policy and appropriations.
As part of the meeting agenda, Mayville State was invited to make a presentation highlighting the work and mission of the university and to share how we鈥檙e preparing our students for success. It was nice to share the outstanding work our faculty and staff conduct daily to make us 鈥淭he School of Personal Service.鈥�
Amber Hill, Vice President for Business Affairs, presented financial information; while Dr. Kelli Odden, Dean and Chair of the Division of Education, gave an overview of how Mayville State鈥檚 teacher education programs are impacting the need for teaching professionals in North Dakota. Athletic director and head football coach Rocky Larson explained the strategic decision to recruit locally and give the traditional-age students in our state opportunities to continue playing the sports they love while earning college degrees. Without these opportunities, many of these students would not choose the path to a college education, where they can hone their leadership skills, succeed academically, and make a difference in their careers and communities upon graduation.
There is no question that our students tell the Mayville State story best. We were pleased to have two exceptional Mayville State students, Rylee Heinen, a sophomore from Bismarck, N.D., and Kelby Azure, a senior from Portland, N.D., share their thoughts with the committee.
In her second year at Mayville State, Rylee Heinen is not only outstanding academically, but she is also a residence hall assistant, and she co-leads campus intramurals, serves as a Peer Leader, and works in both the MSU Foundation and the enrollment offices.
Addressing the committee, she reflected on what sets Mayville State apart. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just the academics, the affordability, or the opportunities. It鈥檚 the way this university develops the whole person. At Mayville, I鈥檝e grown intellectually through challenging coursework and thoughtful discussions. I鈥檝e grown personally through leadership roles, campus involvement, and meaningful relationships. I鈥檝e learned to serve, to lead, to reflect, and to connect.听 Every experience has helped shape my character, my confidence, and my sense of purpose. Mayville doesn鈥檛 just prepare you for a career. It prepares you to contribute, to care, and to lead with integrity.鈥�
In closing, Rylee thanked the legislators for investing in students like her, reminding them that she鈥檚 living proof of what that investment can become.听 听
Kelby Azure transferred to Mayville State after spending a year at North Dakota State University. He explained that he was looking for more than just a college. 鈥淚 wanted a community that would challenge me and allow me to make a real impact. From day one, Mayville State has been that place.鈥�
He is a captain on the Comets football team in addition to being successful in the classroom. He鈥檚 also an entrepreneur who owns a window and pressure-washing company that serves both residential and commercial clients across eastern North Dakota; and he鈥檚 built a clothing brand, 鈥淩oll Mets,鈥� that represents Comet pride, uniting students, athletes, alumni, and the community through style. With every sale, he gives a portion of his profits to the Comet Athletic Club, an organization that directly supports Mayville State students. He said, 鈥淚t鈥檚 about giving back to the same program and people who鈥檝e poured so much into my growth.鈥�
While addressing the committee, Kelby expanded on the seven pillars of the Mayville State Experience that I often reference. They are intellectual development, character development, personal growth, leadership, volunteerism and community involvement, and emotional development. Kelby said, 鈥淓ach pillar has guided me in a different way, and together they鈥檝e shaped me into a stronger student, athlete, entrepreneur, and person.
As he wrapped up his remarks, Kelby thanked the legislators for supporting Mayville State saying, 鈥淵ou鈥檙e not just funding classrooms and facilities - you鈥檙e investing in people, in stories like mine, and in the future leaders of North Dakota.鈥�
When the committee鈥檚 business meeting concluded, we were able to take committee members to Old Main, where they were able to enjoy a firsthand look at the exciting renovation work underway.听 The tour provided a grand finale to the committee鈥檚 time on campus, an opportunity to show how the renovation project stands as a powerful symbol of progress and transformation - a resounding vote of confidence in the meaningful work being done by our faculty, staff, and students. This facility not only honors our rich history. It also energizes our mission, reaffirming that Mayville State is a place where excellence, care, and community thrive.