Name: Ned Clooten ’98
Current Residence: Devils Lake, N.D.
Major/Minor: Biology Education, minors in chemistry and coaching

What is your current employment, education program, or passion project?

I’m currently in my second year as the Superintendent of Schools for Devils Lake Public Schools (DLPS). I had previously been a high school principal for 16 years but decided it was time for a change so I jumped into superintendency. It has been a great challenge. Devils Lake has been a great move for myself and for my family. DLPS recently passed a bond referendum through a vote of the people for a $30 million dollar improvement project to our school facilities. That is first and foremost on my plate right now to improve some of the school facilities especially in the area of safety and security in the DLPS district.

What first interested you in VCSU? How did you decide to come here?

What brought me to VCSU was its size and its people. I was recruited by Jim Dew to come and play football there but honestly it was the people I met on my campus tour that sold me.

What clubs or activities were you involved in during your time at VCSU? 

Football, student government, and resident assistant

What are some of your accomplishments? 

My son, Jackson, is working on his pilot’s license with a dream of flying for a career one day. My son, Noah, already runs his own business (Clooten Films) as a high school student and is very successful in doing so. My daughter, Ella, is a caring and loving freshman at DLHS that is active in leadership as well as volleyball and track.

What are your interests outside of work (hobbies, volunteerism, interests, goals)? 

I love spending time with my family as well as outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, especially when they involve time with family and friends. The activities are great but the memories with the people you cherish is the true treasure. I play bass guitar on the worship team at my church and volunteer with some service organizations and boards in the Devils Lake area as well.

What is your fondest memory of your college years? 

My fondest memory would have to be meeting the love of my life Valerie (Buchholz) Clooten and being featured on Dr. Stickler’s bulletin board with her on the 3rd floor of the science building. We just celebrated 25 years of marriage and look back on our time at VCSU very fondly!

Any advice for current VCSU students?

Enjoy your time there! Invest in the community, don’t just sit in your dorm room. Once I became more active in the Valley City community my college experience became so much richer!

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