NDSCS Achieves Record Enrollment Numbers for Spring Semester

Old Main steeple with spring colored flowers on trees
02-09-2024

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

NDSCS student selected by SkillsUSA for WorldSkills 2024

Student and faculty in Plumbing
01-25-2024

SkillsUSA has announced their selection of NDSCS student Brady Kroll as the official competitor for Plumbing and Heating at the 2024 WorldSkills Competition. Kroll will represent the United States at the 2024 WorldSkills Competition, which will be held September 10-15, 2024 in Lyon, France.

“The 2024 WorldSkills USA team will have an amazing opportunity to represent SkillsUSA and our nation while undergoing incredibly rigorous training in their craft,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “These team members are making a serious commitment to both their skill development and personal growth that will foster their drive, passion and life’s purpose.”

Kroll, an NDSCS student originally from Barnesville, Minn., won a national silver medal in Plumbing when he represented the state of North Dakota at the SkillsUSA Championships in 2022. Kroll told SkillsUSA, “Being chosen for the 2024 WorldSkills USA team means a lot to me because it recognizes the time and effort I have put into my career. It has also reminded me of how far I have come. I’m grateful for the opportunity not just to improve my skills and understanding, but also to thank my mentors and supporters for all they have done to help me get to where I am.”

The 2024 WorldSkills Competition, the 47th annual worldwide event, will showcase dozens of trade skills from construction and building technology, manufacturing and engineering, transportation, and more. Over 1500 competitors from over 65 countries and regions will demonstrate their abilities in 62 skill competitions.

A student-led partnership of education and industry, SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades, building the nation’s future skilled workforce by delivering graduates who are career ready, day one. SkillsUSA works year-round to instill positive attitudes, build self-esteem and empower students to excel in the career path of their choice and follow their passions. The organization has 850 national partners and is integral to the training in nearly 20,000 career and technical education classrooms.

Follow Brady Kroll and the rest of the 2024 WorldSkills USA team online at www.worldskillsusa.org.

North Dakota State College of Science Receives Transformational $500,000 Gift from Linda Kosel Patterson to Enhance Agriculture Program

Linda Kosel Patterson
01-10-2024

The NDSCS Alumni Foundation is thrilled to announce a significant donation of $500,000 from Linda Kosel Patterson, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the advancement of agricultural education in the region. This substantial contribution is set to revolutionize the NDSCS agriculture program, establishing a state-of-the-art ag technology experience for current and future students.

Kim Nelson, Executive Director of the NDSCS Alumni Foundation, expressed profound gratitude, stating, “Linda’s gift towards the Kosel Family Agriculture Lab will have a positive, significant impact on farming families across the tri-state area for generations. Her generosity is a testament to her dedication to NDSCS and our students, equipping them with advanced tools, equipment, and technologies essential for innovative and comprehensive agricultural education.”

This donation follows a significant contribution from the Yaggie family in December, which enabled major enhancements to the NDSCS agricultural center, now known as the “Yaggie Family Agriculture Center.” The new “Kosel Family Agriculture Lab” will be a fundamental pillar of the remodeled and updated facility.

Linda Kosel’s history of support for NDSCS is longstanding and substantial. In May 2017, along with Mary Kosel, Linda’s mother, they facilitated the use of nearly 95 acres of farmland for the NDSCS Alumni Foundation. This gift created the Kosel Family Agriculture Land Lab used by all NDSCS Agriculture Programs. The land lab has been pivotal in doubling the NDSCS Ag Program’s student enrollment and has enabled the introduction of new associate degrees in Precision Agronomy and Precision Agriculture Technology.

Craig Zimprich, NDSCS Ag Program Director, reflected on the Kosel family’s enduring support: “The Kosel Family's contributions--including this latest donation and the establishment of our Agriculture Land Lab--are invaluable. They provide our students with the opportunity to translate classroom & lab learning into practical skills, using the latest equipment and tools.”

 

The Kosel Family Legacy

The Kosel family’s legacy in agriculture and education began with Richard and Mary Kosel, who started their farming journey north of Wahpeton in 1947. Their lifelong commitment to agriculture and education, along with their daughter Linda, has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of agricultural education at NDSCS.

The NDSCS community is profoundly grateful for the Kosel family’s continued support and partnership, which significantly enhances the educational experience and opportunities for our students in agriculture.