Awalt, a 2011 Minot State graduate in accounting, is the chief financial officer at Farmers Union Oil Company of Minot (Enerbase and Agrabase). Hjelmstad is the chief executive officer and general manager of SRT Communications.

“Their experience, energy, and passion for Minot State will be tremendous assets as we continue to advance the mission and vision of the university, ” said Rick Hedberg, executive director of the MSU Development Foundation.

The duo will replace longtime board members Karen Krebsbach and Kathy Aas, who have each served on the board since 2010.

“Their dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on Minot State, and we are deeply thankful for their commitment to our university’s mission and future,” Hedberg said.

Cassidy Hjelmstad

Awalt, originally from Ray, joined Farmers Union Oil Company in 2023. Following graduation from MSU, she spent 13 years in public accounting and earned her CPA designation in 2013. Beyond her professional career, she is devoted to her most important role — being a wife and a mom to her four children.

“I’m excited to serve on the board because I am passionate about giving back to the institution that shaped both my career and my personal growth,” Awalt said. “As a mom, I’m also deeply committed to ‘paying it forward’ by helping create opportunities for the next generation of students to thrive.”

Hjelmstad, originally from Newburg, has been CEO/general manager of SRT since 2022, previously serving as chief marketing officer. Prior to moving to Minot, she served as director of community relations for the Phoenix Suns.

“We are fortunate to have Minot State University in our community, offering an impressive array of higher education opportunities,” Hjelmstad said. “I’m honored to join the MSU Development Foundation Board and look forward to helping advance financial support and long-term success for the university.”

The MSU Development Foundation, incorporated in 1979, consists of 11 members and five ex-officio members.