By Ellen Chaffee 

We welcomed a new president-elect for Valley City State University last week, Dr. Steven W. Shirley, currently vice president and dean of student affairs at Dakota State University.
A native North Dakotan, Shirley holds BBA, MBA, and PhD degrees from the University of North Dakota, and he worked previously at the University of Minnesota-Crookston.
I hope you will get to know him soon and well, and I am confident that he will make every effort to get to know university personnel, community members, VCSU alumni and friends, and state leaders as soon as possible. To take another step in that process, I went through his application materials for information and quotable quotes I thought would help you get to know him.
“I have ultimate responsibility for the undergraduate admissions function at DSU. New student recruitment and enrollment growth continue to be challenges given the demographics in the Upper Midwest. However, these challenges also present opportunities with alternative course delivery, new technologies, distance education, admissions strategies, and curricular development.”
“Distinct programs in both academics and athletics are vital to the long-term sustainability of all public Midwestern universities. Technology plays a key role in all aspects of student recruitment and retention as well as delivery of these programs. . . . My experience in developing and implementing programs to drive enrollments in such environments represents a close match for the current enrollment growth goals at VCSU.”
“While internet, video, and digital technologies are a key part of this puzzle, they are not the only answers. Establishing partnerships and key collaborations for off-site delivery is also significant. These activities may allow an institution to expand to new geographic territories with academic programs that have not previously been delivered.”
“The role of Foundations and fundraising is becoming significantly more important. DSU has recently begun planning its first-ever comprehensive capital campaign, and I have been involved in some of the early planning for that significant activity. I have assisted with initial efforts with donor focus groups, publication materials, discussions with the consultant, and new staffing interviews.”
“Having served on the boards of directors of the Crookston, MN and Madison, SD Chambers of Commerce, I have worked closely with local business and government officials to expand economic opportunities within the communities.” Shirley also has been active in Rotary, K-12 foundations, Junior Achievement, Close-Up, and various professional associations.
“As a faculty member, I championed innovative teaching methods incorporating technology, service learning, and real-world businesses into the curriculum.” Shirley has been involved with new projects at DSU such as a Women in Science and Technology living and learning community, first-year honor society, service learning, study abroad, student orientation, and Students in Free Enterprise.
“My style is an open-door policy encouraging dialogue, feedback, and open communication with all university personnel. I find this style of communication and openness results in a collaborative environment with the give-and-take spirit necessary for success in higher education. I take pride in leading by example and delegating where appropriate. Shared governance with faculty ownership of the curriculum is imperative.”
Put this information together with the “energy and enthusiasm” for which he is already famous here, and you have a promising future for VCSU. I join you in wishing Dr. Shirley great success in taking the university to the next level.