MSU Reporter

12/11/2025

The Reporter's 2026 Student Choice Awards poll is now LIVE!

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Voting ends Friday, February 6, 2026, and the winners will be announced in our February 20, 2026 issue.

12/04/2025

The Minnesota State Mavericks men’s and women’s basketball teams look to take on the Winona State Warriors at McCown Gymnasium on Thursday.

The Maverick men’s basketball team holds a 96-55 all-time record against the Warriors. Last season, the two teams split the series, each defending their home floor. Head coach Matt Margenthaler looks to improve his 22-25 mark against Winona State since taking over the program.

The Mavericks stand as the clear favorites in their matchup against the Warriors. If they continue their statistical advantages on both sides of the floor, they could easily polish their undefeated record. However, should they fail to protect the ball, they could find themselves in a close away matchup against a conference foe who prides themself on the defensive end.

Tip-off for the men is set for 5:30. The women take the hardwood at 7:30 p.m.

The Minnesota State Mavericks men’s and women’s basketball teams look to take on the Winona State Warriors at McCown Gymnasium on Thursday.  The Maverick men’s basketball team holds a 96-55 al…

12/04/2025

Minnesota State extended its impressive run of form with a dominant weekend sweep over Northern Michigan, securing 4–0 and 3–2 victories at the Berry Events Center in Marquette. The Mavericks pushed their win streak to six games, improved to 10-2-4 overall (7-1-2 CCHA), and climbed into first place in the conference standings.

Minnesota State blocked 16 shots, won the special-teams battle by going 2-for-3 on the power play, and saw Watkins and Smith lead the team with five shots on goal each.

The Mavericks return home to face Ferris State on December 5–6 at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, where fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears for the annual Teddy Bear Toss.

Minnesota State extended its impressive run of form with a dominant weekend sweep over Northern Michigan, securing 4–0 and 3–2 victories at the Berry Events Center in Marquette. The Mavericks pushe…

12/04/2025

Minnesota State has expanded its student well-being services this semester with two major initiatives: the telehealth mental health platform Mantra Health and a newly created Parent Navigator position supporting pregnant and parenting students.

According to Acting Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Brian Jones, both efforts come from Minnesota State system-wide directives aimed at improving access to mental health care and basic needs support for students.

Jones explained that the timing for both programs was set by the Minnesota State System Office, which secured contracts and established the rollout schedule.

With Mantra Health and the new Parent Navigator role, MSU aims to build a more supportive and inclusive environment for all students, including first year students, international students and parents balancing coursework and family responsibilities.

Minnesota State has expanded its student well-being services this semester with two major initiatives: the telehealth mental health platform Mantra Health and a newly created Parent Navigator posit…

12/04/2025

At Minnesota State, the holiday season is about more than just lights and breaks — it’s about community and support. This year, the A Board hosted The Big Feed: Table of Thanks Tuesday in the CSU Ballroom, a campus-wide initiative that brought students, faculty and staff together over a warm meal and a shared sense of belonging.

“The A Board believes no student should ever have to choose between education and nourishment,” said Cortez J. Hollis, Director of African American & Multicultural Affairs. “Feeding students should never carry stigma; it should represent compassion and community.”

The event featured not only food but also music, games and activities aimed at fostering connection. For many students, the holidays can be a difficult time as some cannot travel home, others are studying abroad and separated from their families, and many face food insecurity on campus. The Big Feed directly addressed these challenges.

With initiatives like The Big Feed, MSU shows how higher education can prioritize both student success and well-being, proving that leadership rooted in empathy can truly make a difference.

At Minnesota State, the holiday season is about more than just lights and breaks — it’s about community and support. This year, the A Board hosted The Big Feed: Table of Thanks  Tuesday in the…

12/04/2025

An automatic external defibrillator (AED) serves an important role in saving lives on a regular basis. Yet, Minnesota State’s campus lacks enough AEDs to adequately respond to emergencies in a timely manner.

That’s why Senator Macy Anderson of the Student Government has worked so hard as of late to rectify this deficiency.

AED devices assist medical professionals and others trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in order to increase the chance of survival for those experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest.

These machines serve an incredibly important role, but right now there is a lack of accessibility to them. While the MSU campus as a whole suffers from a shortage of AEDs, the buildings that the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) occupies suffer from this the most.

An automatic external defibrillator (AED) serves an important role in saving lives on a regular basis. Yet, Minnesota State’s campus lacks enough AEDs to adequately respond to emergencies in a time…

12/04/2025

As winter settles over campus and finals week creeps closer, the CSU is preparing to transform into one of the most joyful spaces on campus. The Maverick Holiday Carnival — hosted annually by Mavs in Action — will take place Dec. 6, welcoming children, families and students for an afternoon of games, crafts and seasonal celebration.

Far more than a festive gathering, the carnival has grown into a signature service event where Minnesota State students help build bridges with the Greater Mankato community. Crystal Watts, Assistant Director of Community Engagement, describes the carnival as “a fun, festive season kickoff that brings caregivers and children together for memory-making, interactive play and prizes.”

The event is free and open to the public, with free parking available in the visitor pay lot outside the CSU. Children from pre-K through middle school can expect activities ranging from giant Connect Four to collaborative puzzles, a massive parachute — a favorite among nostalgic parents — and holiday crafts and a digital photo booth for families to take home memories. Stomper will also make an appearance — a highlight for the youngest attendees.

For any more information, contact on Instagram, [email protected]; or search for Mavs In Action in your MavLife App to register and volunteer for this event.

As winter settles over campus and finals week creeps closer, the CSU is preparing to transform into one of the most joyful spaces on campus. The Maverick Holiday Carnival — hosted annually by Mavs …

12/04/2025

There are few holiday traditions as beloved as Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.”

Every year, ballet dancers all over the world undergo intensive preparation for the biggest show of the year. Locally, students in grades 1-12 dancing with the Mankato Ballet Company have been training hard to deliver a perfectly magical performance.

The timeless tale follows Clara, a young girl who receives a nutcracker doll as a gift from her godfather on Christmas Eve. At midnight, the nutcracker comes to life and battles an army of rats and with his victory, turns back into a prince. Clara then endures a magical journey where she meets the Snow Queen and King and the Sugar Plum Fairy. The performance of Act II is a grand celebration for Clara, filled with various dances by various sweets and delivered on its finale with a pas de deux by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. At the end of the production, Clara wakes up from her adventure and the audience is left wondering if it was all a dream.

Tickets for “The Nutcracker” are on sale at MSU’s ticketing website for $25. Performances will be held Dec. 11-14 at the Ted Paul Theater.

There are few holiday traditions as beloved as Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.”  Every year, ballet dancers all over the world undergo intensive preparation for the biggest show of the year. Lo…

12/04/2025

Minnesota State has received a $1.25 million federal grant aimed at strengthening training for future school psychologists and special education teachers, addressing a growing need for highly skilled professionals who can support students with intensive academic and behavioral needs.

The grant funds a new initiative called Project LEAP-IT, an interdisciplinary training program that will prepare graduate students in school psychology and special education to work collaboratively in K-12 schools. According to Shawna Petersen-Brown, professor in the Psychology Department and director of MSU’s School Psychology Doctoral Program, the project will fill a major gap in how school professionals are traditionally trained.

Recruitment for the first LEAP-IT cohort will begin in 2026. Students interested in school psychology or special education are encouraged to watch for updates from their departments as the program moves toward its official launch.

Minnesota State has received a $1.25 million federal grant aimed at strengthening training for future school psychologists and special education teachers, addressing a growing need for highly skill…

12/02/2025

Gender and Women’s Studies (GWS) is an important major offered here at Minnesota State, especially in today’s social and political climate. Despite its importance, it remains one of the MSU’s lesser known undergraduate and graduate programs.

The Gender and Women’s Studies Department focuses on feminist and social concerns through programs and courses. Their goal is to appeal to a wide range of careers and interests. GWS helps prepare students for careers in human services, education, the media and more.

Students are able to get involved in issues they feel passionately about, such as racial justice, reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ issues or the environment.

The GWS program works to make sure students are able to complete their bachelor degree, as well as find minors and other majors that may complement what they intend to pursue as a future career.

“Students complete 20 credits of a common core of courses, and 8-12 credits of electives that can include an internship where they put their feminist skills into practice,” Harrison said. “If you’re looking for a community of smart, fun, and passionate feminists on our campus, please check out a GWS class.”

Gender and Women’s Studies (GWS) is an important major offered here at Minnesota State, especially in today’s social and political climate. Despite its importance, it remains one of the MSU’s lesse…

12/02/2025

Over five weeks ago, Minnesota State lost beloved Maverick Valerie Kathleen Caven.

But for others, a daughter, sister, friend and girlfriend was lost.

On Friday, Oct, 24, Valerie was involved in an accident near Eagle Lake where a semi crashed into her vehicle at the intersection of Highways 14 and 60. While the semi driver was unharmed, Valerie unfortunately died of her injuries at the scene, devastating her family and friends.

After allowing themselves to grieve her passing, Valerie’s family and boyfriend Brody Hanley are determined to remember the kind of person Valerie was rather than let her tragedy define her legacy.

A GoFundMe was created for the Caven family, which has raised over $70,000. To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-caven-family-in-their-time-of-loss

Over five weeks ago, Minnesota State lost beloved Maverick Valerie Kathleen Caven.  But for others, a daughter, sister, friend and girlfriend was lost.  On Friday, Oct, 24, Valerie was in…

12/02/2025

The Hmong Student Association at Minnesota State hosted its annual Hmong New Year celebration Saturday, bringing students and community members together for an evening that blended tradition, cultural pride and forward-looking storytelling.

This year’s theme, “Hmong Lub Neej Yav Tom Ntej” or Hmong moving forward, reflected both the resilience of the Hmong community and its hopes for the future.

The celebration marked the symbolic end of the harvest season, a foundational aspect of Hmong cultural identity. HSA President Gaochiashe Lee explained that Hmong New Year has long served as a time to honor ancestors, express gratitude for past harvests and seek blessings for the year ahead. Although the event took place on a university campus far from the agricultural roots of the tradition, Lee said the significance remains the same for many students.

This year’s theme carried even greater weight because it coincided with the 50th anniversary of Hmong resettlement in the U.S. following the Vietnam War. Lee said the organization wanted to shift the narrative from looking back toward imagining what the next fifty years might hold for Hmong youth in America. According to her, the theme celebrated progress while emphasizing the importance of cultural continuity.

Students interested in becoming more involved with HSA can connect through weekly general meetings, which will resume next semester. The organization also engages students through Instagram .mnsu and through its private Facebook group, HSA (MNSU).

The Hmong Student Association at Minnesota State hosted its annual Hmong New Year celebration Saturday, bringing students and community members together for an evening that blended tradition, cultu…