The Enduring Legacy of Roger D. Moe and the Evolution of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

Introduction

Roger D. Moe's contributions to higher education in Minnesota are profound and far-reaching. His dedication to public service, particularly his work in establishing the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System (Minnesota State), has left an indelible mark on the state's educational landscape. This article explores Moe's career, his impact on the Minnesota State system, and the honors bestowed upon him, including the dedication of the Roger D. Moe Library at the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC).

Roger D. Moe: A Champion of Education

Born and raised in Crookston, Minnesota, Roger D. Moe's commitment to public education stemmed from his own upbringing and the lessons he learned from his family. He graduated from Crookston High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mayville State University in North Dakota. He furthered his studies at Minnesota State University Moorhead and North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota. In 2004, he received an honorary doctorate of law from the University of Minnesota.

Moe's career began as a teacher and wrestling coach in Ada, Minnesota. In 1970, he was elected to the Minnesota Senate, representing the 2nd Senate District in northwestern Minnesota. At the time, he was the second-youngest senator in state history. He served in the Senate until January 2003, holding the position of Senate Majority Leader for an unprecedented 22 years - the longest tenure in Minnesota history.

Throughout his 32 years in the Senate, Moe championed quality K-12 education and high standards. He also played a pivotal role in the creation of the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership, the Midwest Higher Education Commission, and the Environmental Trust Fund.

The Creation of Minnesota State

One of Moe's most significant achievements was the creation of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. This landmark measure streamlined the state's higher education system, bringing together a diverse array of colleges and universities under a unified governance structure.

Minnesota State Chancellor Devinder Malhotra has emphasized the importance of Moe's work in positioning the Minnesota State system and the University of Minnesota system to complement each other. Because of Moe’s work, these two systems are well-positioned to meet all the needs pertaining to higher education for all Minnesotans.

In light of this achievement, the University of Minnesota Crookston dedicated its library to Roger D. Moe on June 2.

Dedication of the Roger D. Moe Library

On June 2, a ceremony was held at the University of Minnesota Crookston to dedicate the library in the Kiehle Building as the Roger D. Moe Library. The event was attended by over 400 people, including former Minnesota lawmakers, higher education leaders, and community members. The date also coincided with Moe's birthday, adding a personal touch to the occasion.

During the ceremony, Moe reflected on his family and the importance of public education in his life. He viewed the library dedication as a tribute to his parents and siblings, who instilled in him the values that guided his career.

According to Moe, any kind of a building named after you is pretty special, but having the library named after you is a distinct honor. He declared that no elementary school, no high school, no college or university is without a library, adding that it’s the one essential in all of these educational institutions, it is the heart of any educational institution.

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Several prominent figures spoke at the dedication ceremony, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota State Chancellor Devinder Malhotra, and UMN Crookston Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause.

Senator Klobuchar spoke of how Roger was able to work across the aisle and literally get the respect of democrats and republicans. She noted that getting elected majority leader over and over again, takes a lot of respect and that takes someone that’s able to understand people, not just across party lines, but within his own party, and let them shine and bring them up; and not always make them, the leader, the center of attention. She added that the library will be a place to share Roger for generations to come and that books will be written in the future about Roger Moe’s legacy, and now we have a great place to put them.

UMN Crookston Chancellor Holz-Clause said it is in recognition of Roger’s great service to the region and to the university that we honor him today and that a library is a fitting location as it’s the seat of knowledge, but it’s also an archive of those that preceded us and left legacies such as Roger has on this campus.

A Look at the Roger D. Moe Library

The original library on the Crookston campus of the University of Minnesota was located within Kiehle Building. Built in 1910, Kiehle Building has been remodeled several times, and the library’s footprint increased with each renovation. Eventually, Kiehle Annex was built in 1972 to house the library and media services. When it was deemed this solution was not enough, the present building was constructed. Groundbreaking for the current library was in August 1978, in which Moe was present, and the dedication was held in May 1980. During the 2001 renovation of Kiehle Building, a technology room was added to the library. This room houses back issues of print journals plus the children’s collection of books used primarily by the early childhood education and elementary education programs.

The library at UMN Crookston went online early, and most of the library’s resources are currently online. Today, the library has over 27,000 physical volumes available not only for students, faculty, and staff, but for the community as well. Patrons have access to nearly 710,000 e-books, 170,000 e-journal titles, and over 120,000 online videos.

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Unique library services over the years included check-outs of art for offices, records and a record player, GPS units, fishing maps, Walkman cassette players, 8-tracks, video cameras, digital cameras, iPads, and other electronic equipment.

The library stands as a testament to Moe's commitment to education and his vision for a thriving academic community.

Other Honors and Recognition

The library dedication is just one of many honors and recognitions Moe has received throughout his career. He was adopted into the Red Lake Tribe by the Hereditary Chiefs of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa and given the Anishinabe name "Ginew," meaning Golden Eagle, for his work to defend public education in native communities. He was also named Senator of the Year by the Minnesota State College Student Association.

MSUM: A Parallel Story of Growth and Change

While Moe's legacy is closely tied to the University of Minnesota Crookston and the Minnesota State system, it's important to acknowledge the broader context of higher education in Minnesota. Institutions like Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), formerly Moorhead State University, have also experienced significant growth and change over the years.

MSUM, like other universities, has faced challenges related to funding models, tuition increases, and the evolving needs of students. The university has also celebrated milestones such as the 100th anniversary of the Owls fraternity, a testament to the enduring bonds formed within the university community.

The Owls Fraternity: A Century of Brotherhood

The Owls fraternity, founded in 1901, holds a significant place in the history of Moorhead State University (now MSUM). Established as a "mystic society" for male students, the Owls provided a sense of belonging and camaraderie in a college environment where women outnumbered men.

The fraternity's early rituals and ceremonies were steeped in tradition, with the attic of the old Kurtz mansion serving as the backdrop for secret gatherings. Over the years, the Owls grew to become the largest fraternity on campus, known for their parties, community involvement, and strong bonds of brotherhood.

Wayne Ingersoll and Dean Mollerud, both members of the Owls in the 1960s, fondly recall their experiences in the fraternity. Ingersoll emphasizes the unwavering loyalty and sense of community that defined the Owls, while Mollerud credits the fraternity with helping him find his place and build confidence during his college years.

Despite facing challenges in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the memory of the Owls lives on, with alumni gathering each year to celebrate their shared history and the lasting impact of the fraternity on their lives.

Navigating Challenges in Higher Education

Like many institutions across the country, MSUM has faced its share of challenges, including budget constraints, tuition increases, and the need to adapt to changing student demographics. The financial crisis of 2008-2012 had a significant impact on higher education, leading to decreased funding and increased financial strain on students and families.

In response to these challenges, MSUM implemented careful budget management strategies, including a hiring freeze in 2009, and a new structure to oversee spending. The university also initiated a review of graduation requirements and established new guidelines for course development and approval. Additionally, a realignment of departments into new colleges was undertaken to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Despite these challenges, MSUM remains committed to providing a high-quality education and supporting student success. As President Szymanski noted in 2012, the university's exceptional faculty and clear focus on individual student success are key assets in overcoming obstacles and ensuring a bright future for MSUM and its students.

Mayville State University: A Foundation for Success

Roger D. Moe's alma mater, Mayville State University, has a rich history of its own. Founded in 1889, Mayville State has evolved from a normal school focused on teacher education to a comprehensive university offering a range of undergraduate programs.

Mayville State's athletic teams, the Comets, have achieved success in various sports, including basketball, softball, and volleyball. The university's commitment to academic excellence and athletic achievement has made it a valuable asset to the state of North Dakota.

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