Student Life Dragon Stories

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.

Brandon Van Den Eykel, a Curriculum and Instruction graduate student at MSUM, will be an instructor for this summer's OAKE-certified Kodály program after feeling the impact of the program on his own career.

Dennis Dahlen earned his MBA at MSUM in 1986. Now he is CFO at one of the most recognized health care institutions in the world.

MaryJo Nelson, ecology and film major, received the Goldwater Scholarship for her research and continues to combine her passion for science and film in nontraditional ways. 

Andy Maus, director and CEO of Fargo’s Plains Art Museum, addressed 2022 graduates at MSUM. He earned his bachelor’s degree in studio art in 2002 and his master’s in public, human service and health administration in 2011.

Mysha Wenzel received several ADDY awards from the 2022 North Dakota American Advertising Federation's Awards (AAF-ND) show.

Nicholas Loock received several ADDY awards from the 2022 North Dakota American Advertising Federation's (AAF-ND) Awards show.