Technology & STEM Education Staff

James Boe is an assistant professor and Department Chair for the online Technology Education program at VCSU. He has a B.S. in Technology Education from Valley City State University, M.Ed in Educational Leadership from the University of North Dakota and a Ph.D. in Occupational and Adult Education from North Dakota State University. His previous experience has been serving as Curriculum Development Specialist for the VCSU Technology Education program in the development of courses for the online program. James also taught technology education for nine years in the public schools and at a math, science and technology magnet school.

In addition to the Technology Education program, James teaches Educational Technology for the School of Education and Graduate Studies and is the server administrator for ITEEA's eBDonline professional learning community.

James is married to Natalie and they have two daughters, Ashley and Sophia.

Peder Gjovik is an instructor and associate graduate faculty member in the Technology Education Department at VCSU. Pete holds degrees in Liberal Arts (AA) from Lake Region State College, Industrial Technology Education (BS) from Valley City State University, and Industrial Technology (MS) from the University of North Dakota. He is currently completing doctoral coursework in the North Dakota State University Occupational Education program.

Pete has experience in public and higher education. He taught industrial technology for grades 7-12 and most recently taught in a two-year college graphics program for 21 years. He also has entrepreneurial experience from ownership of several businesses.

Pete began teaching for the VCSU Technology Education Department as an adjunct in 2006 and as of 2008 began teaching full-time for VCSU. Pete recently served on a committee to establish standards for licensing Technical Education teachers in Wyoming through the Wyoming Professional Teachers Standards Board (PTSB). Pete also serves as a contact and advisor for Wyoming students transferring to VCSU.

Pete is married to Gail and they have three children (Erik, Evan and Tessa) and three grandchildren (Kesi, Jaytan and Reed). Pete enjoys fly-fishing, golfing, baseball, football, and training Norwegian Fjord horses.

Roger is an assistant professor and graduate faculty in the Technology Education Department at VCSU. Roger received his PhD from Old Dominion University in May of 2009. He returned to school in 2003 to complete his undergraduate degrees in social studies, and environmental and technological studies, and his master's degree in technology education from St. Cloud State University. Prior to returning to school, Roger worked as the technical director for the Minnesota Opera's education outreach program. His research interests include the technological literacy of teachers, STEM integration, and elementary school technology education.

Don Mugan serves as Director of the Great Plains STEM Education Center. His responsibility is to oversee the development of a new technology teacher education curriculum in a customized learning format. Don's responsibilities include designing and writing new course materials, supervising staff, and working with the Curriculum Development Team as well as state and national officials to ensure that the new curriculum complies with standards.

Don holds a B.S. from Mankato State University and M.S. and Ed.D. degrees from University of Northern Colorado.

The period from 1998 to 2003 was the most exciting time in the history of the Technology Department at VCSU. We were chosen as the pilot for a $1.7 million US Department of Education Title III grant which enabled us to redesign curriculum from the ground up to address the International Technology Education Content Standards (2000). The grant also supported the design and construction of a new instructional delivery system to reach new learners through the Internet and flexible laboratory scheduling. Thanks to this initiative and previous campus initiatives, including notebook computers and digital portfolio assessment, students will be the beneficiaries of the most modern technology education curriculum in the nation.

Lana Fornes is serving as an adjunct instructor for the Technology Education on-line program. She holds a B.A. degree from Western Illinois University with an emphasis in professional writing and a M.Ed. degree from Valley City State University in Technology Education.

Prior to entering professional education, Lana was a licensed health professional providing health and safety education in public schools and communities in southeast North Dakota for over 14 years. She was originally from Illinois, but has spent 30 years living on the great northern plains and loving it. Besides her work, Lana is focused on her native North Dakotan spouse and family; including her two sons, one grown and one on the verge, her daughter-in-law, and two precious grandchildren.

Blaire Booth is serving as an adjunct instructor for the Technology Education on-line program. She holds a B.S. degree from Georgia Southern University in Technology Education and a M.Ed. degree from Valley City State University in Technology Education.

Cory Booth is serving as an adjunct instructor for the Technology Education on-line program. He holds a B.A. degree from Georgia State University in Business Administration and a M.Ed. degree from Valley City State University in Technology Education.

Karen Ostgarden is the Administrative Assistant for Technology Education. Duties include serving as support staff, managing budget records, maintaining course materials and supply inventory, coordinating the packaging and delivery of course supplies to students and assisting with marketing of the program.

Karen is married to Mark and they have 2 children, Alison and Joey. Karen has been employed at VCSU since 2000.