Bernell Hirning, PhD: Leading Williston State College into a New Era

Dr. Bernell Hirning, President of Williston State College, brings over 30 years of educational leadership experience to the institution. With a strong background in academic administration and a commitment to community engagement, Dr. Hirning is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, innovative campus environment. Visit Williston State College to experience the dynamic ‘Teton Country’ firsthand and learn about the transformative educational opportunities available.

Dr. Bernell Hirning, an accomplished academic leader and educator, has been named the President of Williston State College, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational excellence. His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the institution, which is located in northwestern North Dakota along the scenic Missouri River.

A Distinguished Journey in Education

Dr. Hirning’s journey in education began over three decades ago, characterized by his dedication to student success and institutional growth. Before stepping into his role at Williston State College, Dr. Hirning served in various capacities that honed his administrative and academic skills. His tenure at National University is particularly notable, where he spent 18 years rising through the ranks to become the Associate Vice President for the Northern Region. In this role, he provided administrative oversight for regional campuses, ensuring high standards in enrollment management, student services, and staff performance.

Academic Contributions and Leadership

His academic career also includes a significant period at Mayville State University, where Dr. Hirning was an Assistant Professor of Business. During his time there, he developed and implemented the university’s first online program, a Project Management curriculum tailored to meet the needs of state government, regional businesses, and various organizations. This pioneering initiative underscores his forward-thinking approach and dedication to making education accessible and relevant.

Coaching and Early Teaching

Dr. Hirning’s early career was rooted in secondary education. At Turtle Lake-Mercer High School, he taught numerous business courses for grades 7-12 and served as the technology manager. His commitment to student development extended beyond the classroom as he coached both girls’ and boys’ basketball teams, earning Coach of the Year honors and leading his teams to district championships.

Vision for Williston State College

As President of Williston State College, Dr. Hirning is poised to lead the institution with a vision of innovation and community engagement. The college, founded in 1961 as a branch of the University of North Dakota and rebranded in 1999, has a rich history of providing general, vocational, and technical education. Under Dr. Hirning’s leadership, the college continues to expand its Workforce Training programs, addressing the evolving needs of the region and the nation.

Williston State College’s six sports teams, part of the competitive MonDak Conference, benefit from Dr. Hirning’s background in athletics and student engagement. The Teton teams, known for recruiting talent locally, nationally, and internationally, have a strong tradition of winning conference titles and advancing to National NJCAA Tournaments.

Commitment to Community and Campus Transformation

Dr. Hirning’s philosophy aligns perfectly with the college’s motto, “Where the People Make the Difference.” He is dedicated to fostering an environment where faculty and staff are empowered to make meaningful contributions to the student experience. The campus itself has undergone significant transformations, featuring new and remodeled facilities designed to meet the rapidly changing educational needs.

Invitation to Explore and Engage

Dr. Hirning extends a warm invitation to prospective students, alumni, and community members to visit Williston State College. He encourages visitors to explore the beautiful campus, meet the dedicated faculty and staff, and experience firsthand the vibrant community that defines ‘Teton Country’. To schedule a visit or inquire about the college, Dr. Hirning welcomes everyone to contact the college at 701-774-4200 and looks forward to greeting visitors personally in the Office of the President.

Dr. Bernell Hirning’s leadership is set to inspire a new era of growth, innovation, and excellence at Williston State College, building on its legacy while charting a course for future success.