Communication Studies Dragon Stories

Junior Carlyssa Pfennig began a unique internship this summer and shares what her journey has taught her and where it is taking her. 

Franklin Ugochukwu is a local artist who also happens to be an MSUM alum. Franklin is a well-known character in the Fargo/Moorhead art world. Franklin balances his art career, running a YouTube channel, and staying involved with MSUM.

Pranay Prateek is MSUM's new Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity. Pranay teaches databases and spreadsheets, cybersecurity fundamentals, and Linux.

Casey and Kaley Mills met at MSUM, graduated together, and both were awarded Teachers of the Year for Bottineau County. With visible dedication toward their students, the hardworking couple has made important advancements in each of their classrooms.

A healthcare leadership internship provided a unique, collaborative opportunity for a Moorhead High School student, an undergraduate MSUM student, and two MSUm graduate students to conduct research together.

Rikki Fischer is MSUM’s new Assistant Professor of Counseling. She brings school counseling experience to the faculty and is teaching two sections of theory and internship for school counselors. 

The MSUM Foundation proudly unveils its state-of-the-art Christianson Alumni Center, a vibrant hub designed to foster student and community relationships and serve as the anchor for alumni returning to campus.

From the first graduating class to today, MSUM Dragons have carried the torch of excellence, innovation, and leadership. Our alumni are more than graduates—they are part of a powerful network that spans the globe, influencing industries, communities, and the world at large.

Fargo native and MSUM alum Andy Bissonnette (GID '10) is the newest Associate Professor of Graphic & Interactive Design. He will be instructing students on the principles of design.

Communication studies alum Jordan Maahs, co-founder of The Plant Supply, will be one of the featured speakers at the upcoming StartUp Brew event.

Moorhead native David Wolff is MSUM’s new Assistant Professor of Elementary Education in the School of Teaching & Learning. He will be teaching methods courses (e.g., reading, science) to teacher-candidates in their junior and senior years. 

MSUM's counseling program has experienced rapid growth, nearly doubling its enrollment in three years, thanks to a $6.7 million grant.