MSU President's Newspaper Column
July 11, 2026
Welcoming the next generation of Comets
As summer moves along, the excitement for the Fall Semester of 2026 continues to build. Behind the scenes, faculty, staff, and campus leaders have been working hard to welcome a new generation of Comets and help them prepare for a successful college life.
Mayville State’s New Comet Orientation events play a key role in that process. Three sessions have already been held, giving incoming students and their families an opportunity to visit campus, meet faculty and staff, register for classes, and begin building connections with their future classmates. A fourth orientation and registration day is scheduled for July 14, with a final session planned shortly before the start of fall classes to accommodate students who are unable to attend earlier events.
These programs are designed to help students feel confident as they begin their college journey. During orientation, students receive guidance on academic planning, campus resources, residence life, financial aid, and student involvement opportunities. Families also have the chance to learn more about the services and support systems available to help students succeed.
While many of the students who attend orientation are first-time freshmen, they represent just one part of Mayville State’s incoming class. Each year, the university welcomes transfer students from colleges across the region and beyond. These students bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and goals as they seek an educational environment that better fits their needs and aspirations.
Penelope Spain transferred to Mayville State in the Spring Semester of 2026 after attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Penelope was looking to surround herself with a small community and hoping to have more opportunities to be involved on campus. While looking at options closer to her hometown of Alice, N.D., she fell in love with the Mayville State campus and its people. She used her decision to transfer as an opportunity to change her major from family and consumer sciences to allied health (physical therapy track.)
Reflecting on her decision, Penelope said, “Mayville State has gifted me with so many new opportunities. I am now a college athlete, participating in golf and trap shooting, and I also participate in theater, Student Senate, and intramural sports. Even though I have only been at MSU for a semester, I feel like I have been involved more than I ever thought I would have during college. That makes me very thankful and appreciative for Mayville State!”
Jace Peterson’s Mayville State story has come full circle. He first enrolled at Mayville State right out of high school. He said he still remembers the day he took his campus tour. On that same day, he was playing in a Legion baseball game, and while thinking about the next chapter of his life, he realized the timing was not quite right for him to attend Mayville State. Instead, he decided to enroll at Northland Community & Technical College in East Grand Forks, Minn, where he earned an associate’s degree in sales, marketing, and management. Northland also became an important part of his personal story, because that is where he met his wife.
Now, 14 years later, Jace, who is from Starweather, N.D., is just two semesters away from completing a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in business administration from Mayville State. As a father of two, chief information officer at a hospital, volunteer firefighter, and school board member, Jace truly appreciates the flexibility Mayville State has provided as he continues his education while balancing work, family, and community service.
“My experience has been practical, supportive, and encouraging,” said Jace. I am grateful for the opportunity to finish what I started while continuing to grow as a leader in my career and community.”
Mayville State is committed to supporting students who come from a variety of places in life. Whether they are arriving as first-time freshmen, transferring from another institution, enrolling later in life, or becoming the first in their family to attend college, each student brings unique talents, perspectives, and goals to the Mayville State Family.
Through orientation events, individualized support, and a dedication to student success, we at Mayville State are excited to welcome a new class of Comets and help them begin a rewarding and transformative college experience. It’s not too late to enroll for the fall semester. Those who want to learn more are encouraged to reach out to our Enrollment Center at 701-788-4842 or recruitment@mayvillestate.edu.