VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) will receive $11.5 million from the State of North Dakota to transform historic McCarthy Hall into a new home for the VCSU School of Education. The funding was included in the recently endorsed House Bill 1003. The project will be completed with a combination of state funds and support from Forward Together Capital Campaign.

“This is a huge step for our campus. The renovation of McCarthy Hall into the School of Education will have a powerful positive impact on campus for many years,” President Alan LaFave said. “This funding builds upon our momentum and ensures we have the highest-quality program for the teachers of tomorrow. We are grateful to the legislators and governor who supported this effort.” The full interview with Dr. Alan LaFave is below.

The project will renovate the old lab school that was originally built in 1930. The space will include contemporary classroom areas and technology labs, student work spaces and updated instructional technology. The project also addresses mechanical, HVAC and electrical system upgrades.

“We are excited to see this project come to life and create a state-of-the-art space for our future educators,” School of Education Dean Allen Burgad said. “We are preparing students to be ready to teach and these updates will help ensure every future teacher is equipped with the skills and experience they need. The updated classrooms in McCarthy Hall will help our students focus on content and pedagogy in a high-tech, comfortable environment.”

“Becoming an educator requires social connection, space for creativity and the capacity for growth. The renovation to McCarthy Hall will allow our students to experience that together,” Burgad said.

McCarthy Hall has been evaluated structurally and phases of design have been completed. The project is estimated to be complete before the next legislative session and is estimated to cost $13.5 million. The remainder of the project will be supported through the Forward Together capital campaign.

For more information about the Forward Together Capital Campaign, contact the VCSU Foundation office at 701-845-7203 or email Cory.Anderson@vcsu.edu