Trustees explored a showcase of BSU's latest research.
Minnesota State’s Board of Trustees visited Minnesota’s north woods for their November board meeting. Hosted at Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College, the two-day trip provided opportunities for the board to learn about programs, faculty, staff and strategic plans at both campuses.
The trustees arrived at BSU’s American Indian Resource Center on Nov. 19 where they were greeted by President Faith C. Hensrud and had the opportunity to enjoy an American Indian welcome song performed by Nathaniel McDonald, a freshman accounting student from Bemidji.
“Over the next two days, our goal is to provide you with a glimpse of the highly valuable and symbiotic relationships we have within our region,” Hensrud said. “Both BSU and NTC are an integral part of our region’s rich culture, economic growth and general well-being.”
After President Hensrud’s opening, trustees were invited to explore a showcase of Bemidji State’s recent research and partnerships including using virtual reality use for public speaking, mental health and retention, sustainability and stewardship, wildlife biology and more.
In addition to committee meetings throughout the two-day visit, trustees were invited to have lunch with BSU and NTC students, faculty, staff and community members. They had an opportunity to learn about students’ experience, BSU’s Native American nursing program, Niganawenimaanaanig, and the Bemidji community as well as view items from BSU’s 1918 time capsule.
Trustees also toured NTC’s campus including the newly-remodeled Student Success Center, health science classrooms and commercial refrigeration labs. To close their visit, trustees held their November board meeting where Hensrud thanked the board for visiting both NTC and BSU.
“It has been an honor to host your November meeting in Bemidji,” she said. “Thank you for the opportunity for our students, faculty and staff to showcase their work.”
Chancellor Devinder Malhotra participated in the visit and enjoyed meeting with members of both campuses.
“Thank you to BSU and NTC students, faculty and staff for an amazing two days in Bemidji,” he said. “You showcase what it means to be a place of higher education. Not only are you in your community, you are for your community.”
To see a full schedule of events for the Board of Trustees in Bemidji, click here.
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Bemidji State University, located amid the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota, occupies a wooded campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Enrolling more than 5,100 students, Bemidji State offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and eight graduate degrees encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. BSU is a member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities and has a faculty and staff of more than 550. The university’s Shared Fundamental Values include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and international and multicultural understanding. For more, visit bemidjistate.edu or find us at BemidjiState on most of your favorite social media networks.
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