Posted: June 19, 2002
Contact: Doug Anderson, doug.anderson@MinnState.edu, 651-201-1426
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees today approved a reorganization plan for Northwest Technical College, which has campuses in Detroit Lakes, Wadena, Moorhead, Bemidji and East Grand Forks.
Under the plan, the campuses at Detroit Lakes, Wadena and Moorhead will be administered by Fergus Falls Community College President Ken Peeders; the Bemidji campus will be administered by Bemidji State University President Jon Quistgaard; and the East Grand Forks campus will be administered by Northland Community and Technical College President Orley Gunderson.
"This reorganization will allow us to save administrative costs and better serve students in the northwest Minnesota region," said Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor James H. McCormick.
The reorganization was prompted by the decision of Northwest Technical College President Ron Swanson to step down June 30. The move will reduce the number of college presidents by one.
The three presidents will form a transition team to ensure a seamless transition for students, faculty, staff and the communities involved.
"We look forward to visiting the campuses to listen to students, faculty, staff and community members," said presidents Peeders, Gunderson and Quistgaard in a joint statement. "Our goal is to design an alliance among all the colleges in northwest Minnesota to improve service to students and communities."
"This change will not have an impact on students for the coming year," the presidents added. "Students will enroll in programs, attend classes and receive services as before."
Among the issues to be resolved in the next several months:
- Finalize budget decisions for the coming year and plan future year budgets
- Develop a plan to deliver customized training, distance education, curriculum standards, programs and services to more effectively serve employees and students across the region
- Assess the role of the Northwest Technical College facility in Perham
- Develop recommendations for reorganization of colleges in the region
- Determine how best to continue to strengthen campus and community relationships
