VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Barnes County Historical Society Lecture Series Season 22 Presents: Matt Nielson (VCHS) “Leading Through Relationship: Military, Teaching, and Coaching” 7 PM Thursday, March 16th at the Barnes County Museum. (315 Central Ave N. Valley City, ND)

Matt Nielson will open up about experiences, successes, and failures that have formed him from being an enlisted soldier in the Iraq War to the officer responsible for the protection of an entire brigade, from being a seventh-grade tennis player to being named the state tennis coach of the year, and from leading a college study session as a high school senior to being named a North Dakota Teacher of the Year finalist. His story is one of growth, open-mindedness, reflection, and the drive to be better. At the end of his presentation, he will converse with any in attendance about his experiences and field questions.

Matt Nielson is a Valley City resident through and through; born (1981), raised, graduated high school (2000), graduated college (2005), teaches and coaches (2006-present), earned his Master’s Degree (2019), and was the company commander for the Valley City national guard unit (2014-2016). The only time he wasn’t a resident here was when he was deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2004). He earned the Federal and State Meritorious Service Medals (Army), the Young Alumni Achievement Award (VCSU), ND State Tennis Coach of the Year(x2), and was named one of four finalists for the ND State Teacher of the Year (2021). He is an active part of Epworth United Methodist Church. He lives in town with his wife Annette and kids Kailee(14), Skye(13), and Lane(10).

All Lectures are at the Barnes County Historical Society Museum and held in conjunction with Valley City State University. They are free and open to the public.

For more information contact Wes Anderson at 701-845-0966.