The NDSU Division of Performing Arts is set to host a guest lecture by Steve Scheel, CEO and board chair of Scheels, on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Beckwith Recital Hall.
Scheel’s lecture, titled “Creating a Positive Work Environment,” will discuss how to create and maintain a culture of nurturing positivism and progress in organizations of all types. If your organization is a university, retail store or non-profit, his lecture will help employers and employees create an atmosphere of ownership and pride.
The event is free and open to the public. However, registration is requested by RSVP to tammy.erdmann@ndsu.edu or 701-231-7932.
Scheel was born and raised in Fargo, graduating from Fargo Central High School. He earned degrees in U.S. history, economics and political science from St. Olaf College. Scheel served in the U.S. Army from 1969-71.
He joined Scheels in 1972 and managed stores in Fargo; Moorhead, Minn.; and Sioux Falls, S.D., before taking over as president, CEO and chairman in 1989. Scheel currently serves as CEO and board chair for Scheels, with more than 5,400 associates and 24 stores in 10 states. Scheels operates the 12 largest sporting goods stores in the country. Scheels’ corporate headquarters are in Fargo.
As a volunteer, Steve has served on boards and committees for several organizations, including the United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Campfire Council, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Moorhead Healthy Community Initiative, Junior Achievement, Trinity and First Lutheran Church, MeritCare Health Systems and the Moorhead Economic Development Authority. He also has served as a regent for Concordia College.
Scheel serves as a director at Bell State Bank and Trust in Fargo-Moorhead, is on the Global Leadership Council for the Offutt School of Business at Concordia College and works with the Legacy Children’s Foundation in Fargo. The foundation helps young people in Fargo stay in school, understand what it means to be a contributing member of a community and graduate from high school. Scheel coached youth soccer and hockey in Moorhead for 16 years.
Scheel and his wife, Eileen, have five adult children and 11 grandchildren and live in Moorhead.
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.