Dr. Alan LaFave became president of Valley City State University in December.
So what has he learned so far about the campus?
"It's what I thought it was," LaFave said in an interview with Prairie Public. "It's an institution that is dedicated to the success of its students, with a deep tradition of providing teachers for the state of North Dakota."
LaFave said the teacher education mission is strong at VCSU. He said there are more than 1400 alums teaching in the state of North Dakota, in 157 different communities and 333 different schools. LaFave said VCSU is working to meet the needs in schools.
At the same time, LaFave said VCSU is very innovative.
"They've taken all kinds of different technologies and innovative ways of thinking, and applied them to the curriculums," LaFave said.
LaFave came to VCSU from Northern State University in Aberdeen. He said he very much likes the whole atmosphere at VCSU.
"At Valley City State, you get a private school atmosphere at a public school price," LaFave said.
LaFave said he's seen that from his first day on the job.
"The whole atmosphere of engagement with faculty and students, and the open door policy on campus, the friendliness of the campus, goes way beyond just hallway greetings," LaFave said. "They're sincerely interested in the success of each individual student."
