NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY IS PROUD TO OFFER IN-DEMAND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES and continues to expand programs that fit both student and community need. Recently, Northern State has added a Master’s Degree in Special Education with the Specialization in Visual Impairments, and is also in the process of creating a Nursing Program that has been authorized by the South Dakota Board of Regents. The master’s degree in visual impairments (VI) is just a year old, but scholarships have already been created to support the need for more educators focused on students with visual impairment. Dr. Cheryl Wold, ’80, NSU Education Faculty, has spearheaded the scholarship effort with Jessica Vogel, superintendent for the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The pair recognized a need for more visual impairment educators as well as a lack of financial awards for this degree. “It was very rewarding to see our first graduates of the M.S.Ed. in Special Education with the Specialization in Visual Impairments graduate in May 2023,” said Dr. Wold. “Many universities provide significant funding for VI programs due to the high need for Teachers of the Visually Impaired. Hopefully, this scholarship will help us recruit and retain students.” Along with the Visual Impairments degree, Northern State University was recently authorized by the South Dakota Board of Regents to pursue programming in Nursing. NSU is developing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, with plans to start in Fall of 2024. This program will provide a pathway to becoming a registered nurse, with career ladder steps along the way. “Northern’s career ladder program is designed to meet critical nursing workforce needs across our region,” said Dr. Neal Schnoor, NSU President. “We look forward to offering this unique new program, which is vital to both the future of healthcare and economic development.” The nursing program has already inspired scholarship interest, which will be critical to students’ success. “NSU’s WolfPACT Scholarship program is already one of the best 4-year guaranteed scholarship programs in the 5 state region,” said Zach Flakus, NSU Foundation President and CEO. “With the help of our alumni, donors and friends, the NSU Foundation is creating NursePACT Scholarships. These will help recruit and retain students to Northern’s nursing program.” IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING NSU’S M.S.ED. DEGREE or sponsoring a Nursing Student, please contact the NSU Foundation staff via e-mail, phone, text or stop by the NSU Foundation. NSU FOUNDATION 620 15th Ave SE Aberdeen, S.D. 57401 605-626-2550 NSUalumni@northern.edu NORTHERN STATE EXPANDS LEARNING, SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS It was very rewarding to see our first graduates of the M.S.Ed. in Special Education with the Specialization in Visual Impairments graduate in May 2023. “ ” The Northern State University community is unlike any other. Generous contributions from supporters like you help provide continuous opportunities for current and future students. I am proud going to work each day knowing the impact we can make on the lives of students and our community. “ ” MORGHAN LORENZ SENIOR SECRETARY 31
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