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Campus employees receive recently founded University System Staff Excellence Award | Bismarck State College

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Campus employees receive recently founded University System Staff Excellence Award

Published: Jun 23 2026
Campus employees receive recently founded University System Staff Excellence Award - Photo
Three staff members working at campuses within the North Dakota University System (NDUS) were recognized during the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) meeting June 23 for their exceptional service, initiative, leadership and dedication to their institutions. The employees received the University System Staff Excellence Award, a new program initiated by the NDUS in partnership with North Dakota Staff Senate (NDSS) this year.
 
The NDUS and NDSS created the award to celebrate staff members whose contributions have made significant and lasting positive impacts on higher education in North Dakota.
 
“Our team members across our institutions do so much to make their campuses the best places they can be for student learning,” said NDUSCommissioner Brent Sanford. “You can tell that the winners of this first iteration of the University System Staff Excellence Award take so much pride in their work. We want to thank them for all they do and for being such important members of our university system team.”
 
The award recipients were:

Amanda Morse, residence hall coordinator, Bismarck State College
 
An excerpt from her nomination letter:
 
When Amanda gives tours and speaks about campus, it’s always positive and passionate. Students know they can approach Amanda with housing concerns and questions. She is continuously looking for ways to improve student and resident life.

 
Richard Heit, social media specialist, Minot State University
 
An excerpt from his nomination letter:
 
Rick’s work is characterized by exceptional quality, reliability and care. Colleagues across campus know that when Rick is involved, the final product will be thoughtful, accurate and aligned with the university’s mission. While Rick’s technical skills are impressive, his commitment to service is what truly sets him apart.
 

Joshua Schroetter, senior technical services manager, Division of Finance & Administration, North Dakota State University
 
An excerpt from his nomination letter:
 
He steps forward towards various services at NDSU and manages a lot of activities successfully. I have worked with him in committees and he is an excellent collaborator; always works towards community building and makes you feel included while helping you learn new systems. 
 
Each employee was nominated for an award by their peers and received a commemorative plaque during the SBHE meeting. NDSS representatives from various campuses within the NDUS reviewed the completed nominations to determine who would advance to the full NDSS for final consideration. After selecting three award recipients, the NDSS sent the names to the commissioner for final approval.
 
The committee used several criteria to determine award winners, including the staff members’ work in innovation and initiative; collaboration and community building; leadership and influence; and impact and outcomes.

PHOTO: Amanda Morse, residence hall coordinator at BSC, receives the North Dakota University System Staff Excellence Award from NDUS Commissioner Brent Sanford, left, and State Board of Higher Education Chair Kevin Black, right, during the Board’s June 23 meeting at Valley City State University (Photo by Eric Jensen, North Dakota University System).