Dickinson State University is excited to announce the hiring of Melissa Wagner as the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Coordinator and Nurse Administrator in Training. A dedicated and passionate nurse educator, Wagner brings a wealth of experience in long-term care, clinical instruction, and nursing education leadership. She will lead efforts to build and grow DSU’s BSN program and is poised to become the university’s next Nurse Administrator upon completion of her Doctor of Nursing Practice, which she has already started.
Wagner holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mayville State University and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Western Governors University. She began her nursing journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Glen Ullin, North Dakota—her hometown—before earning her LPN and RN degrees from Bismarck State College. Melissa is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a vision to transform nursing education and healthcare delivery in rural communities like southwest North Dakota.
“It has always been my dream to teach nursing,” Wagner said. “I had a high school teacher, Tracie O’Donnell, who inspired me to pursue both nursing and education. Now, I have the chance to give back to the region where I grew up and help build a program students, families, and communities can be proud of.”
Wagner has spent the majority of her nursing career in long-term care and has also served as a clinical instructor. She is driven by a leadership philosophy rooted in mentorship, inclusion, and community engagement.
“I want to lead by example and create an environment where students and faculty feel valued and supported,” Wagner explained. “There’s so much to learn from one another, and I want to build a culture of mutual respect and continuous growth.”
As BSN Coordinator, Wagner is focused on revitalizing the nursing program at DSU and working to build the traditional BSN, which is planned for Fall of 2026 upon review and approval by the North Dakota Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. She joins a team of exceptional leaders, including Co-Administrators Dr. Collette Christoffers and Dr. Carey Haugen, and is deeply involved in curriculum development and strategic planning for the program’s future. Christoffers and Haugen will remain as nurse administrators while Wagner completes her degree, guiding the program towards its next chapter.
“Melissa’s enthusiasm for nursing education and her strong connection to our region make her an incredible addition to our team,” said Christoffers and Haugen. “She understands the needs of our students and our community, and she’s committed to creating an exceptional program that reflects both.”
“Melissa brings a deep commitment to nursing education and rural healthcare,” said Holly Gruhlke, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost. “Her energy, experience, and vision are exactly what DSU needs as we rebuild and elevate our BSN program. We are thrilled to welcome her to our academic leadership team.”
“We are essentially starting fresh with the BSN program, and I want to help shape it into one of the best in the region,” said Wagner. “We aim to build trust with our students and the broader community while delivering a rigorous, compassionate, and hands-on education.”
Looking ahead, Wagner is committed to strengthening partnerships with local healthcare providers, increasing enrollment, and ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the healthcare needs of rural communities.
“We want students to feel excited about school and confident in their training,” Wagner said. “I encourage community members, prospective students, and healthcare providers to reach out—we’re here to serve, collaborate, and grow together.”
Outside of her professional life, Wagner enjoys spending time with her pets—Murphy, her 80-pound lap dog, and Fritzie, her affectionate calico cat. She loves camping at Lake Tschida, reading, and has recently taken up quilting. A proud Blue Hawk, she’s already immersed herself in campus culture and is excited to attend athletic events and build lasting connections across campus. Her first few weeks included attending the Nursing Pinning Ceremony and Commencement, where 28 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Registered Nursing) and Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (Licensed Practical Nursing) graduates walked across the stage. Something Wagner envisions will be larger in the future.
“Hawks Up!” Wagner added with enthusiasm. “There’s so much excitement in the air, and I’m grateful to be a part of this new chapter at Dickinson State.”
Please join us in welcoming Melissa Wagner to Dickinson State University as she leads and inspires the next generation of nurses in North Dakota and beyond.