Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Dragon Stories

MSUM—in collaboration with the North Dakota Association of Gifted Children (NDAGC)—created the MSUM x TAG program, a project-based learning experience created for exceptional learners.

Several MSUM faculty and staff members’ innovative ideas were chosen as finalists to receive funding for projects based around diversity, equity and inclusion. These projects included small seed (up to $10,000) and large seed ($25,000) categories.

Amy Iler earned her BS in communication studies at MSUM in 2006 and continues to give a voice to those in the F/M area as a radio host for KFGO. 

During his 42-year career with The Associated Press, Jeff Baenen covered everything from famous musicians to scandals and politics. He credits much of his success to the education he received at Minnesota State University Moorhead, and is now helping the next generation of journalists by starting a scholarship of his own.

Charlie Lien ’22 is the first graduate of a dual degree program in chemical engineering thanks to a partnership between MSUM and UND.

In his last semester, Lucas Clark Burnette joined the Moorhead Police Department as a data analyst intern to evaluate crime trends in his community. 

Tara Kennedy’s passion for creating is what sets her apart from the rest. With two degrees in graphic design and graphic communications, she sets the bar high in both professional and personal design.

MSUM's Advanced Sculpture class created a twisted sculpture that was set on its pedestal outside the Plains Art Museum, where it now sits until 2024. 

Joan Justesen enjoyed a 43-year career in healthcare thanks to degrees (BSN ’83, MBA ’90) she earned at MSUM. Now she supports the next generation of nurses.

Jacy Bata’s passion for her career keeps her learning and growing as a special education teacher in Langdon, N.D. 

Jordan Werk utilizes her criminal justice degree to build relationships with the community as a school resource office for the Moorhead School District. 

Paige Kosienski is using her communication skills with F/M radio as a co-host for “The Wake-Up Call”  on Froggy 99.9 with Paige and Trace.