Photo: Work continues on the atrium connecting McCarthy Hall and McFarland Hall. 

Greetings from VCSU!

A return to springlike temps and positive progress on the McCarthy Hall renovation are creating a buzz of excitement around campus and the community. Today’s column will feature an update of the construction progress and a remarkable achievement by one of our education alums.

I had an opportunity to tour McCarthy recently, and I’m excited to report that significant progress is being made on the renovation. McCarthy will become the new home for our renowned School of Education and the Technology Education Department – with offices, classrooms, labs, conference rooms, and student study and gathering spaces. The configuration of these spaces was carefully considered in the design process to bring academic units together near each other for enhanced collaboration.

Progress has been consistent, and it’s truly exciting to see the updates week after week. I’ll provide some items that have been completed working from the top of the building down to the main floor.

• Third Floor – carpeting, flooring, and casework are complete. Ceiling cloud install is in progress.
• Second Floor – paint, flooring, tiles, and doors are being installed. Windows and casework are ongoing.
• First Floor – painting has started. Doors, windows, and casework installation is beginning.
• Foyer connection – cement floor is poured, and the measurements are complete for the curtain wall.

One of the most striking elements thus far is the vast increase in natural light throughout the facility. The new windows replicate the size of the original windows, brightening the spaces with additional light.

We are proud of our tradition and history in providing high quality educators for the North Dakota teacher workforce. The renovated McCarthy Hall gives VCSU another tool to prepare future educators and improve the on-campus experience of our students.

In other exciting news, Northern Cass second-grade educator and VCSU 2010 alum Jessica Stoen was recognized and honored as a 2025 recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award during a surprise ceremony on February 14. She was one of only 45 pioneering professionals recognized across the nation and the only educator in North Dakota to receive the award.

Comments from her nomination form include the following:

“A respected leader within her school district and broader community, Stoen was instrumental in the district’s transformation to personalized, competency-based learning and regularly invites other colleagues into her classroom to see the practice in action. She designs collaborative, hands-on lessons that actively engage her learners and build leadership skills. Additionally, she brings a dynamic, innovative approach to instruction for her second graders at Northern Cass Elementary School by tailoring her teaching strategies to meet each learner’s individual pace and needs, sparking curiosity and confidence in them to thrive. Her positive influence is felt well beyond the classroom walls, with former students often returning to visit before high school graduation. Many credit her early impact for inspiring success in their educational and personal journeys.”

Congratulations Jessica on this well-deserved and prestigious honor!

Go Vikings!

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