The Beaver was chosen as the University's mascot in 1924, when the State Normal School at Minot achieved collegiate status and became Minot State Teacher's College.
On February 6, 1925, during a campus assembly, Pauline Marion Roach, nicknamed "Pud," a member of the freshman normal school class, proposed the institution select a mascot, as other regional campuses had done. Her choice was the "Beaver."
In a rather lengthy speech she explained the necessity for the mascot and pointed out the reasons for her choice. Foremost, she noted the beaver as a native of the region along the Mouse River, that he was "a builder and a hard worker, both characteristics of the school." She also noted how "he perseveres quietly but with a goal well sighted" and compared the creature to the 1925 basketball squad. The students "broke in with vigorous applause at several instances" during her presentation.
The first beaver image to appear in a campus periodical was in the Red and Green in 1926. A vote was taken and the Beaver was "unanimously initiated" into our college tradition.
Over time, the school's mission and name changed, but the stalwart beaver continued to serve in his important post. In 2005, thanks to a contest involving more than 700 Minot-area fourth graders, he finally got a name: Buckshot.
Beavers are intelligent and highly skilled. They're strong. They achieve success through team effort, and when there's a job to do, they get it done.
Today Buckshot rallies school spirit during athletic events and student gatherings across campus and proudly represents Minot State University throughout the community and beyond.
Fight Song
Onward Beavers, onward to win!
Onward Beavers, never give in.
When you fight you know you'll always be a team of champions pushing on to victory!
Onward Beavers, on to the test
For the school we love the best.
So hail, hail, the gangs all here
As we fight to victory!
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Team Colors
The Beavers proudly wear Red and Green.
