By THOMAS A. KVAMME
The Scope in The Shopper, February 14, 2008

Kenmare native Ron Rauschenberger is using much of what he learned at Williston State College to fulfill his duties as chief of staff for North Dakota Governor John Hoeven. Rauschenberger, a 1970 graduate of Kenmare High School, gives a lot of credit to his parents Gil and Lou for his business sense.

After earning a two-year business degree from the University of North Dakota-Williston (later renamed Williston State College), he returned to Kenmare where he learned the ropes first-hand by working in his father’s department store. When his father retired, he took over the store and continued in business for 20 years.

WHY ATTEND UND-W?
His decision to attend college in Williston is something Rauschenberger notes as the right decision for him.

“During my senior year at Kenmare we drove over to look at the college and we just thought Williston was a good fit,” said Rauschenberger, in a telephone interview from his office at the state capitol in Bismarck. “I wanted to take business courses, as the plan was after two years to go back home and get into the business world,” said Rauschenberger.

STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION
A meeting with Dennis Kvalhiem confirmed his decision that UND-W was “Just what I was looking for,” he said. “I liked the campus and one of the first people I met was Phil Rabon.” Rauschenberger went on to say, “Phil was great and has continued to be a friend and I always enjoyed him.

One thing is, you never had to say a lot around Phil as he had a lot to say, which was great.”

USING COLLEGE LESSONS
Rauschenberger told us today he still uses “things” he learned at UND-W every day. He credits his accounting teacher Gary Rooks as being an “excellent teacher.” “I think back every day I work here and in business to what we learned at UND-W, which has really helped me in business and my career in state government.”

WILLISTON STATE CONNECTIONS
Little did Rauschenberger realize when he graduated in 1972 that down the road he would be reunited with some of his former instructors. Among those was Williston lawyer Dick McKennett who, as a teacher fresh out of college, instructed business law at UND-W. Rauschenberger recalled his class was called to order at 7 a.m.!

Some 20 years later Rauschenberger and McKennett hooked up on the North Dakota Development Board, with Rauschenberger serving as chair and McKennett serving as the vice-chair.

BUSINESS LEADS TO GOVERNMENT
While working in the family business, Rauschenberger became very active in economic issues on the regional and state level. That’s when he was named as the rural representative on the original Minot Magic Fund Board of Directors.

While running the family department store, Rauschenberger served for seven years on the North Dakota Development Fund board, which became a stepping stone to state government.

He served for seven years on the North Dakota Development Fund board, one of those years with former University of North Dakota President Tom Clifford, who served as board president. “Those positions are what kind of led me into state government,” said Rauschenberger.

MEETS JOHN HOEVEN
It was during this time that he met future North Dakota Governor John Hoeven. “When an opportunity came to work for him, I thought it was a good time as all three of our children had attended UND and we had an empty nest,” said Rauschenberger.

HUMBLING EXPERIENCE
“Working with Governor Hoeven has been a very humbling experience and I appreciate it very much,” said Rauschenberger. He began first as a policy advisor, moving up to deputy chief of staff, and eventually chief of staff. Rauschenberger stepped into his position as chief replacing William “Bill” Goetz, who was named chancellor of the North Dakota University System in June of 2007.

NEVER THE SAME
Rauschenberger tells us two days are never the same, as along with his office duties he does some travel in and out of state on behalf of, and with Gov. Hoeven. Just last summer Rauschenberger made a trip to Williston with Gov. Hoeven to attend the North Dakota Chokecherry Festival hosted by the Chokecherry Kids.

In addition, his duties include serving as a liaison with some of the federal government agencies. “This job has offered some great opportunities and I am humbled by it,” said Rauschenberger, who credits his start to his time in Williston.

Rauschenberger has direct contact with all of the state cabinet agencies. “We do a lot of work during the Legislative session on issues, with our priorities on job creation, economic development and improving the quality of life in North Dakota,” he said.

PRAISES FIRST LADY
While working for Gov. Hoeven, Rauschenberger also credits the First Lady. “It has been enjoyable working for the Governor and the First Lady, Mikey, who is so passionate and a real asset to our state,” said Rauschenberger.

GOVERNOR PRAISES RAUSCHENBERGER
“I have known Ron since we started working together on economic development in Northwest North Dakota. Ron is not only tremendously capable and knows people all over the state, he is also able to work with people to get things done for North Dakota. He has a wonderful sense of humor which has made friends all over the state,” said Gov. Hoeven.

GROWING FAMILY
Rauschenberger credits his wife of 35 years, Laurie (Hovda), with helping run the store while in Kenmare. Laurie, a Stanley native whom he met at UND-W, has served in Bismarck as a Title I aide, and substitute teacher at the grade school level. She has also worked at the Republican Headquarters.

CHILDREN SPREAD OUT
Good business sense has certainly carried over to the Rauschenberger children, twin daughters Pam and Kate, and son Ryan. Rauschenberger tells us Pam resides in London and is a CPA with the Doitche Bank. Kate, who was working as a doctor in Minneapolis at Fort Snelling Veterans Hospital, has opted to move to Fargo. Meanwhile, Ryan works as a CPA for Price Waterhouse Cooper in Minneapolis.

LOOKING AHEAD
Rauschenberger enjoys meeting up with Williston businessman Gary Sukut who was also an instructor at UND-W during the time he attended. Today, they are able to discuss the business of the state with Sukut serving as a state legislator from District 1. “It has been a great experience and I have really enjoyed it,” said Rauschenberger.

Rauschenberger concluded about UND-W, “I think the college is really a great school and benefits not only Williston, but the entire area.”