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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Steven Shirley will leave Valley City State University to serve as president of Minot State University on July 1.

Shirley’s smile, easy going manner coupled with his strong leadership skills will be missed on the campus and within the community of Valley City. Shirley became VCSU president in July 2008 succeeding Ellen Chaffee who retired.

Under Shirley’s leadership, VCSU has seen enrollment grow from about 950 students to nearly 14-hundred during his tenure as president. Shirley talked about how several new academic additions and the expansion of the $10.3 million dollar Rhoades Science Center all helped to make the university grow.

In each of the last five years, VCSU has been ranked either the No. 1 or No. 2 public regional college in the Midwest, according to U.S. News.

Valley City State University will host a farewell reception for President Steven Shirley and his family on Wednesday, May 14, from 3:30–5:30 p.m. in the Skoal Room of the VCSU Student Center. The public is invited to attend and light refreshments will be served.

On May 6, Margaret Dahlberg was named the interim president of Valley City State University. A Search Committee continues to look for a permanent replacement.

Shirley will preside at his final VCSU commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17 at 10am inside the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse. VCSU alumnus Paul Sandness will deliver the keynote address during the commencement exercises.