NDUS-Recognized Centers
North Dakota University System Board-Recognized Centers
Artificial Intelligence Institute for Teaching & Learning
Contact: Jerry Rostad, Director for Special Projects
Valley City State University
101 College St. SW
(701) 845-7104
jerry.rostad@vcsu.edu
https://www.vcsu.edu/academics/academic-centers/ai-institute-for-teaching-and-learning/
VCSU’s AI Institute for Teaching and Learning recognizes and harnesses the opportunities of artificial intelligence, positioning teachers and students at the forefront of innovation in learning. The institute has several areas of focus, including organizing a network of professional development for K-12 teachers in North Dakota – providing workshops focused on useful AI tools and the ethical use of AI in the classroom for both students and teachers. On campus, the institute facilitates access to AI products and necessary guidance regarding AI for VCSU faculty, students and staff. Valley City State University’s AI Institute for Teaching and Learning is dedicated to preparing students, educators, and staff for a future where artificial intelligence is woven into every profession. The Institute is anchored by six pillars of focused AI excellence, providing graduates with the expertise needed to thrive in an AI-centric world, delivering comprehensive AI professional development for K-12 educators, and spearheading initiatives to develop and implement new educational paradigms empowered by AI. What sets VCSU apart is its commitment to curiosity, caution, and ethical engagement while fostering a campus culture that sees AI as a tool to support learning, not replace it. The AI Institute is renewing the mission of education for an evolving world.
Don Mugan Career and Technical Education Leadership Center
Director: Knut Peder Gjovik, Ph.D.
Valley City State University
McCarthy Hall—Office 103A
(701) 845-7448
The mission of the Don Mugan Career and Technical Education Leadership Center is to recruit and retain high quality teachers and administrators in career and technical education. The center supports career and technical education by providing training for new teachers in the field, as well as providing professional development opportunities to retain and keep our CTE teachers and administrators current in their professions.
Great Plains STEM Education Center
Director: Jamie Wirth, Ph.D.
Valley City State University
Rhoades Science Center 132A
(701) 845-7734
jamie.wirth@vcsu.edu
The Great Plains STEM Education Center’s goal is to bring North Dakota to the forefront of STEM education.
The center’s role is to provide leadership, professional development for teachers and administrators, documentation of STEM education competence through endorsements that appear on licenses and certificates that appear on transcripts, promote student STEM experiences, and connect with the larger community.
Prairie Waters Education and Research Center
Director: Ellen Fehr
(701) 845-7570
ellen.fehr@vcsu.edu
www.vcsu.edu/prairiewaters/
The Prairie Waters Education and Research Center provides environmental education opportunities on water issues for K-12 students, college students, teachers and natural resource professionals in North Dakota. In addition, it provides research opportunities for VCSU students.