Onward: An interview with Amanda Duchsherer

By Michael Linnell
University Communications Director

MINOT, N.D. - Amanda Duchsherer's former job on campus as a digital communication specialist was a unique position that involved working in three different departments.

While the work was similar in each, it required Duchsherer to learn a varied set of skills.

Now as administrative coordinator for both the Minot State Advancement Department and the MSU Development Foundation, she has needed to expand her skillset even further.

The self-described introvert has continuously evolved and expanded her knowledge to meet the demands of all her roles on campus while evolving as a person along the way.

Minot State's University Communications didn't have to travel far to meet Duchsherer on the third floor of the Student Center to learn more about this multi-talented staff member.

You recently moved from University Communications to MSU Advancement / MSU Development Foundation. Tell us what you do for advancement and the foundation.
AD: As administrative coordinator, I support the advancement and foundation team in multiple ways, from tracking various budgets and working with account payables, to assisting with events and projects, to editing print and web materials, and serving as a touchpoint for many of our alumni, donors, and other constituents.

It has been a record-breaking time for fundraising and philanthropy at Minot State through the efforts of the MSU Development Foundation. What are some of the areas that excite you working with our fundraising team?
AD: The generosity and passion of Minot State's alumni and friends is unbelievable, and seeing the impact our donors make in students' lives is exciting. While I knew that in an abstract way prior to joining the foundation, witnessing this philanthropy in real time is inspiring and humbling. There are so many people making a positive difference today and into perpetuity, and it is a steady reminder of how much good there is in the world. Working with a team that continues to build and strengthen relationships with these individuals is incredibly meaningful.

We know you have been in this position for a short time, but do you have a favorite memory from working with advancement and the foundation?
AD: My first days with advancement and the foundation coincided with the start of the Annual Excellence campaign. This immediate showing of community generosity positively set the tone for my career shift, and it is gratifying to play a small role in something that makes such a large impact. Also, we have a lot of fun as "The A-Team," from events to meetings to spending lunch together, and I don't think a day goes by without laughter.

What were some of the reasons you chose to join the MSU team as a Digital Content Specialist in 2018?
AD: This is such a multifaceted answer! On a professional level, I was fortunate to work from home for several years when my children were young, mainly bookkeeping and office/website management for small businesses. Once they were off to school, it was time to reenter the workforce in a more traditional manner. My husband, Joe Duchsherer, and I are small business owners, so finding a position with great benefits, especially health insurance, was at the top of my list, and from a family standpoint, I wanted to find something that was flexible and allowed me to prioritize them. On a personal level, I had always wanted to try writing as a career. Life sent me on a different trajectory so when I serendipitously found out about the posting, I applied for a position I felt I was greatly underqualified for. I give credit to Michael Linnell, communications director; Teresa (Kraft) Loftesnes '07/'15, marketing director; and Nicole Thom-Arens, assistant professor of communication arts, for taking a chance on me and providing the tools to succeed on the job. Working for Minot State was just another bonus!

The Digital Content Specialist was a unique position that involved working in three different departments and encompassing seemingly endless work topics and subjects. Tell us about some of the different duties you had and then some of the more memorable moments.
AD: In short, my position as a digital content specialist was sharing the stories of Minot State and the people who make the University what it is.

In UComm, I interviewed and wrote features about Minot State alumni, students, friends, faculty, and staff; composed news releases and kept the community informed about MSU events; and edited others' written content. In marketing, I had the opportunity to write marketing content for print, web, and billboards; manage content about the University's majors and programs online and in print; edit external and internal communications; and create and update website content. For the Red & Green student newspaper, I assisted the advisor and students as they created their paper, especially on layout and editing.

There were a lot of memorable moments on the job, and most of them were when I was pushed outside my comfort zone. There were many opportunities to learn and adapt, and the position built my confidence in a myriad of ways. When Cole Krueger '12/'16 became marketing director following Teresa's retirement, he encouraged me to begin researching and writing marketing content, and my first interview and subsequent feature story will always be a touchstone. And, of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the people I connected with - I'm thankful I was able to tell just a small part of so many MSU friends' narratives.

You earned your undergrad degree at MSU, tell us about your time as a student and how that has helped shape your career?
AD: I feel like I really earned two different degrees at Minot State. The first two years were an education in personalities, relationships, and learning how to become an independent adult. Living in Cook Hall as a freshman was the best way to force my quiet self to meet new people and grow in unexpected ways. At the end of my college career, I was able to hone in on skills needed for a career path in the financial and small business sectors. Learning about and writing a business plan in my final semester had the biggest impact, especially when starting a business a few years later.

You have a unique path in your college career before finishing at MSU in 2006, what are some of the reasons you chose to come back to the University?
AD: I started my academic career at Minot State but went to Minnesota State University Moorhead my junior year as a first step toward becoming a world-traveling journalist. But when I was home for Christmas break, my dad, Jeff Brunner, asked why I wasn't seeing Joe, it was obvious we liked each other. But Joe didn't fit in with my life plan - I didn't want to date a welder who wore cowboy boots, and my aspirations were bigger than living in North Dakota. Dad retorted with, "Just go on a damn date; it's not like you need to marry the guy!" We were engaged six months later, and I reenrolled at Minot State a few weeks after the proposal. We celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary in June, so I guess I like welders and living in North Dakota more than my stubborn younger self thought I would!

What do you like to do outside of the University: family, hobbies, or other areas of interest?
AD: Family is the most important pillar in my life. We have two teenage boys, Logan and Oliver, who keep us busy with their many extracurriculars, and their dogs, Genesis and Piper. In the summer, we often converge at Loon Lake with my parents, sister, and her family. Joe and I opened 4 Acres Welding & Fabrication, Inc. in March 2011, and I continue to take care of all the office duties and bookkeeping. When time allows, I love to learn and engage in new experiences. I find joy outside on my deck in front of a fire with a book, listening to live music, meditating, laughing with family and friends, traveling (especially hiking and exploring national and state parks), and dining at locally owned establishments.

Is there anything we are missing in telling your story?
AD: The past few years have taught me the importance of community in a way I never imagined, and Minot State is a part of that. Our family has experienced a lot of stress and trials over the past four years, such as Joe's colon cancer journey in 2020-21, and I'll forever be grateful for the support we've received from others. I understand at an even deeper and more personal level how connected we all are, how community can help ease the burden, and that there is no shame in asking for and accepting help. I am especially proud of Logan and Oliver and how they continue to grow and find strength, even when times are turbulent and uncertain.

About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.

Published: 07/25/24

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