MSU President's Newspaper Column
July 4, 2026
Freedom, service, and the gift of education
This year’s Independence Day observance carries extra-special meaning, as we mark our nation’s 250th birthday, a milestone that calls for both celebration and reflection. For two and a half centuries, generations of American have worked, sacrificed, and served to preserve the freedoms set forth in our nation’s founding ideals.
Freedom is often discussed in terms of rights and responsibilities, but it also encompasses opportunities. The ability to pursue one’s dreams, contribute to a community, and prepare for a meaningful future are among the privileges many Americans enjoy. These opportunities did not happen by accident. They have been protected and sustained by those willing to serve something larger than themselves.
Mayville State Assistant Football Coach and Assistant Director of Residence Life, Nick Flesland, served in the Army Reserves for six years, from 2015 to 2021. He was an Intelligence Analyst, who participated in basic training at Ft. Sill, Okla, and Advanced Individual Training in Ft. Huachuca, Ariz. As an Intelligence Analyst he spent time compiling information through trusted networks, conveying it to others in a clear, concise manner. While in the reserves, Nick was stationed between Ft. Snelling in Minnesota and Ft. Sheridan, just outside of Chicago. One of the highlights of his military career was participating in a training exercise for about 10 days in South Korea, “an incredible experience!” he said.
Seeking a way to fund her college education, now Mayville State Dean of Student Affairs and Coordinator of Seminar on Success and Peer Leaders Rhonda Nelson, enlisted in the 945th Engineer Detachment of the Army Reserve in Bismarck, N.D. during her senior year of high school, committing to six years of active service and two years of inactive service. Just as she began basic training in August of 1990, Operation Desert Shield began, and her engineering unit was placed on a list for potential deployment in the Middle East. Though her unit did not deploy, the possibility of it initially challenged Rhonda’s expectations, it ultimately deepened her understanding of service and commitment. She finished her military career with the North Dakota National Guard, serving as a carpenter, driver, and supply specialist while attending college. She says that what began as a practical decision to pay for her education became one of the most formative experiences of her life, teaching her resilience, responsibility, and a lasting appreciation for service to country.
Dr. Martin Johnson, 1966 Mayville State graduate, enlisted in the Marines in 1960 and served three years active during and three years inactive reserve. His duty stations included California; Okinawa, Japan; and the Philippines. Dr. Johnson was a professor and chair of the Division of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at Mayville State for 30 years. He also coached and served as Athletic Director, retiring in 2001 with the title of Professor Emeritus.
Corporal Johnson and fellow Marine, Lieutenant General Emil “Buck” Bedard, 1965 Mayville State graduate, head up the Military Honor Garden project on the grounds of the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center at Mayville State. These men have worked hard to ensure that the Military Honor Garden is a meaningful tribute to those who bravely served, and continue to serve, to uphold our country’s liberty and freedom.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Nick, Rhonda, Martin, and Emil, and all past and present men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, who have answered the call to serve. I had the honor of working with men who served in World War II and the Korean War, and I was raised by a WW II veteran. To a person, these are some of the best people I’ve had the honor to know, and I pay special tribute to Walter “Doc” Newsome, a kind and gentle soul for whom I had the utmost respect. The commitment of these men and women has safeguarded not only our freedom and security, but also the opportunities that make the American dream possible. Many of the blessings we enjoy every day exist because of their dedication and sacrifice.
As we honor those who have worn the uniform, we are reminded that the freedoms we celebrate each July 4th create possibilities that extend far beyond the battlefield. One of the greatest gifts of a free society is access to education. Education allows individuals to pursue their talents, challenge their beliefs, and create better lives for themselves and their families. In particular, higher education opens doors to new ideas, careers, leadership opportunities, and civic engagement. It strengthens communities, fuels innovation, and prepares citizens to thoughtfully participate in our democracy.
At Mayville State University, we see the impact of education every day. Students come to us with ambitions, questions, and potential. Through learning, mentorship, and meaningful experiences, they gain the knowledge and confidence needed to make important contributions in their professions and communities. The opportunity to pursue higher education is a powerful expression of the freedoms that define our nation. As we celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday, Mayville State is proud to be a part of a tradition that connects freedom, opportunity, service, and education, values that have strengthened our nation for generations and will continue to shape our future.