MSU President's Newspaper Column
September 2, 2023
Ensuring the best possible student experience is at the forefront
In the upcoming academic year, we’ll be focusing on four key objectives: enrollment, workforce development, fundraising, and the renovation of Old Main. Each of these focus areas aligns with Mayville State’s newly adopted strategic plan as well as the State Board of Higher Education strategic plan.
With regard to enrollment, change is happening all around us and we must adapt to a changing society. The profile of a typical college student is evolving. Many students are choosing to attend college part-time, so they can work and earn their college degrees without incurring debt. We need to be aware and be flexible. Adjusting our services and course offerings to meet the needs of today’s students is extremely important.
Maintaining a stable enrollment is integral to our financial vitality, and overall campus health. We must leverage our competitive advantages of personal service, quality education, and safety to attract students. To assure a bright future, we will continue to assess best practices in recruiting, enrollment, and attainment going forward.
Toward that end, we will be focusing our efforts in the area of Student Affairs. Providing opportunities and amenities that make student life appealing and satisfying is a major step in recruiting and retaining students. They need quality programs to help prepare them for successful careers, and their happiness during the journey to earning a college degree is vital.
Dr. Corday Goddard, Dean of Student Affairs, joined the Mayville State family in July. Dr. Goddard was most recently the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at St. Norbert College, in De Pere, Wisc. Prior to this he served as the Associate Dean for Student Development and as Director of Residential Life at St. Norbert College.
Dr. Goddard is off to a quick start with learning about how things currently work. He brings his wealth of knowledge and experiences that will help Mayville State provide the best possible experiences for students. His team covers many areas, including student life, residence life, activities, student health, student support services, financial aid, student recruitment, and more.
A top priority is to increase and change up the activities offered for students. Just this last week, students enjoyed the entertainment provided when Student Life brought in a hypnotist. Those who attended had a great time! With the combined Farmers Bowl and Homecoming festivities just around the corner in mid-September, there will be lots of opportunities for student involvement.
Thursday evening, the Peer Leaders group hosted Grocery Bingo for students. The Luckasen Room was filled with Mayville State students who were eager to fill their cupboards. This activity has become much anticipated by our students over the years. It is always a fun time!
The Mayville State music program is growing! Music director Dr. Byron Ward has reported that the band and choir have about doubled in size since the spring. Twenty-four Mayville State students are participating in music. Seven of them have registered for both ensembles. Eleven freshmen have joined the band and choir and ten students returned from last year. This is great news as we work toward growing the music program and offering opportunities for students. All students who participate in band and/or choir get a scholarship, thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends who are members of the Music Makers.
Dr. Ward has an Honor Band Festival planned for high school students on Nov. 17 and 18. The Mayville State music students will play a big role in the festival. It will be a win-win! Stay tuned for more information.
Another way students can get involved and enjoy the college experience is by participating in athletic events, either as athletes or fans. We experienced that last week when Comet Volleyball hosted a scrimmage and other activities to celebrate the kickoff of the volleyball season. We’re super-pumped that the Comets won their first two games of the season last weekend. Congratulations to the athletes, assistant coaches, and to interim head coach Katie Aasen on her first wins as a college head coach!
As I’ve said numerous times, Mayville State is all about the people. Our brand of personal service is legendary, and we consider it an honor to make the Mayville State Experience possible for our students. The early settlers were wise to build it (Mayville State), and they (the students) did come, and continue to come. The pioneers’ dreams of better lives for those who followed them are coming true through the opportunities education provides, just as they had hoped.