Williston, ND — Williston State College’s FBLA—Collegiate chapter has introduced a new vending machine in the Western Star CTE Building, blending business education with hands-on experience while supporting fundraising efforts for the organization.
Dr. Maren Furuseth, DBA, CPA, Professor and Program Coordinator of Accounting, and Leah Windnagle, Associate Professor of Business and Business Program Coordinator, as advisors sought an innovative way to raise funds while ensuring students had ample time to prepare for their competitive events at the State and National Leadership Conferences.
“Students spend a significant amount of time on fundraising activities. While those activities are important, we also want students to have the time to prepare for successful performance at their competitive events in the spring,” said Windnagle.
The vending machine project provides students with a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world business setting. “Owning and managing a vending machine gives students a practical way to apply financial literacy, marketing strategies, inventory management, and customer service skills. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, showing students the relevancy of their classes and how they directly translate to the real world,” said Furuseth.
In May 2024, Furuseth and Windnagle presented the idea to WSC President Dr. Bernell Hirning, who was highly supportive of the initiative.
FBLA members began researching vending machines in September 2024, and after purchasing one, they took charge of stocking it with inventory. The vending machine made its debut in the Western Star CTE Building in February 2025, thanks in part to the generous support of the WSC Foundation.
“A vending machine was placed in this building because of student demand identified in a Principles of Management class. The business students have always been passionate about ensuring WSC students have food access while also fundraising for their student organization,” noted Windnagle.
FBLA President Alicia Miller emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative: “This vending machine is our way of leaving a legacy for the future members of Williston State College’s FBLA. Our student-run business ensures the satisfaction of our customers and the success of passive fundraising for our organization.”
The vending machine is now fully operational and available to students, faculty, and staff, providing convenient snack options while contributing to the development of WSC’s future business leaders.