Dragon Stories

The Teacher Cadet Program, initiated in response to the growing teacher shortage, has already seen success. Many high school participants have discovered their passion for teaching and are committing to further their education at MSUM.

Jenessa Fillippi, a proud MSUM alumna, has turned her passion into action through her nonprofit Down Home. 

Current Graduate assistant and doctoral student Hailen Ackerman is continuing his studies in educational leadership at MSUM.

Gricel Escobedo-Kingwell will address her fellow graduates at MSUM’s 2024 commencement ceremony, sharing her story of grit, growth, and gratitude.

Moorhead and Fargo Public Schools Teachers of the Year are former MSUM alumni.

MSUM’s equity gap led Associate Professor of Educational Leadership Dr. Caitlin Johnson to request and receive funding to conduct a wellness survey of Native American students on campus. Thanks to a team of Native American student researchers organized by Dr. Johnson, the survey was conducted in the fall semester of 2023.

Special education graduate student Ryan Brumwell will speak at MSU Moorhead's 26th Annual Student Academic Conference about the burnout of special education professionals and possible solutions.

Student leaders of Student Council for Exceptional Children experience diversity outside of the classroom during volunteer opportunities and events.

Danica Shoquist, elementary inclusive education major, transferred to MSUM for the perfect-sized campus life and to connect with professors and students.

Julie Maahs, assistant director for career readiness, relies on her extensive resume and career program experience to help students develop key career readiness skills. 

Fall 2023 Commencement speaker Luke Meyer shares what he learned in his time as a Dragon and why he's choosing to embrace the uncomfortable. 

Emily Block, former MSUM early childhood education student, reflects on her time at MSUM and how it prepared her to be a HeadStart teacher.